Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 76
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Highland Heather Part 76

She slipped soundlessly from bed and snatched up her dagger from the bedside table. She slipped it into her waistband, then pulled a shawl around her shoulders and padded barefoot to the other room.

When she pulled open the door she was stunned to find Cordell standing with his hand poised in the air, about to knock again.

"My lady," he whispered, "I must speak with you."

For a moment she could only stare at him. Then, as she began to close the door she whispered, "On the morrow..."

"Nay." He caught the door, holding it open.

"This cannot wait until morning."

Brenna's eyes widened.

"Is it Madeline? Or Adrianna?"

"Nay, my lady. The problem is mine. Will you come with me below stairs where we may speak without detection?"

Brenna hesitated. But the imploring look on his face, and the urgency of his tone, persuaded her. She closed the door behind her and walked beside him until they reached the deserted great room.

Brenna crossed the room to stand before the fireplace. Even though the fire had long ago burned down, the hot coals chased away the chill.

She turned.

"What is so urgent, Cordell, that you would rout me from my bed at this late hour?"

"It is my gambling debt to Lord Windham," he began.

"What of it?"

A chilling voice sounded from the far side of the room.

"He promised payment on this day," Windham said, stepping from the shadows.

Brenna felt the ice curl along her spine. Her hand instinctively moved to the hilt of her dagger.

"It will soon be the dawn of another day, and still this Frenchman has not paid his debt. Unless this thing is settled now, I will be forced to go to the queen and demand that Cordell be confined to debtor's prison."

"That would seem a harsh measure, my lord." Brenna glanced from Windham to Cordell. "What has this to do with me?"

"I had hoped, my lady," Cordell said, his face pale, "that you might be willing to buy my debt from Lord Windham."

"Buy your debt?" She glanced at Windham.

"Would you be willing to sell it?"

"Aye, my lady. For the amount due. Two hundred gold sovereigns."

Brenna shrugged.

"I will speak with Morgan."

"Nay, my lady." Cordell stepped forward until she could see his eyes by the light of the coals. They were round with fear.

"My little sister, Adrianna, seems captivated by Richard Grey. I cannot allow his brother to think unkindly about my family, else I could shatter Adrianna's heart. And Madeline and Charles are two of Morgan Grey's dearest friends. A

scandal like this could come between their friendship. " His voice pleaded. " All I ask is that you pay Lord Windham two hundred gold sovereigns In return, I shall send you the sum of two hundred fifty gold sovereigns when I return to France. "

Brenna caught his cold hands in hers.

"Two or two hundred, it matters not to me. I have no money of my own in this land. I am completely dependent upon the generosity of Morgan Grey."

Her words were like a knife in Cordell's heart. With a stricken look he turned to Windham.

"My lord. You have heard the lady. How can I persuade you to allow me more time?"

"Your time is up." Windham paused, then said softly, "Unless..."

"What is it? Please," Cordell urged, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"I.

will do anything. "

Windham glanced beyond Cordell to study Brenna, as though the thought had just struck him.

"I might be persuaded to accept something of value until the debt can be paid."

Cordell was puzzled.

"I have nothing of value, my lord."

"Perhaps the lady has." Windham waited, becoming aroused as his sense of power began to grow. They still did not understand. But in a few moments they would be caught in his web.

"Nay. I have nothing," Brenna said.

"I was brought to England with nothing but the clothes upon my back."

"You have jewels." Windham deliberately kept his tone soft, to veil his mounting excitement.

"They are Morgan's jewels," Brenna said patiently.

"They have been in Morgan's family for generations."

"The necklace you wore last night is yours." Windham glanced at Cordell for confirmation.

"Did you not hear Morgan Grey say as much?"

"Aye," Cordell affirmed.