CamillasConsequences by Helena Harker Read Free Book Online Page B

House of Lords. Ruined is facing public shame not only for yourself but also for three daughters who will soon be seeking well-to-do husbands. Ruined is facing a prison sentence for evidence that clearly proves you are a Uranian.”
    Aldridge says nothing and does not look at me, but my last statement produces a shudder. I would give anything to read his thoughts. Has he ever been in this position before, where someone has threatened to take everything away? I think not. He has always been in a position of power.
    “So you see, Aldridge, I am not ruining you. I am allowing you to pursue the life you have always known, but with fewer financial benefits. You still retain controlling interest in your companies.”
    “How generous.”
    “It has nothing to do with generosity. As a silent minority partner, I do not have to bother with the day-to-day decision-making process involved in running the companies. You will continue to take care of your businesses as you always have. All I have to do is keep track of the profits as they accrue in my bank account.”
    “For how long do you want forty-nine percent?” Beads of perspiration trickle down his brow. “One year? Two?”
    “My dear Aldridge,” I say with a smile, “blackmail is forever.”
    “That is all? Forever?” he says sardonically. “This is your punishment? Robbing me of my hard-earned financial rewards? A blackmailer is the lowest kind of thief.”
    “Name calling will not make me change my mind. But if you do it again, I will require that you give me True Pride.” His champion thoroughbred won the British National Steeplechase two years running. The stud fee alone would earn me a handsome sum. “Apologize for calling me a thief.”
    Aldridge’s hand curls into a fist. I imagine he is picturing himself squeezing my neck.
    “I’m waiting.” My fingers drum impatiently on the arm of the chair.
    “Miss Covington, I apologize…” He clears his throat. “For calling you a thief.”
    “Will you ever insult me again?”
    It takes a long time for him to answer. “No, I will not.”
    “No, Miss Covington, I will not.”
    “No, Miss Covington, I will not.” The words are barely recognizable.
    “Do you know that women are the source of morality in our society? Women do not have the right to judge their husbands’ failings, but they are not allowed to fail themselves. If she does, her husband can judge her failings any time he chooses. Do you consider this fair?”
    “Of course it is fair. Common sense is the sole privilege of—” He stops.
    I arch my brows and stare poignantly at him.
    “I’m sorry, Miss Covington.” He sounds as if someone is strangling him. “No, it isn’t fair.”
    “You are learning.” His submission is most gratifying. “Very good, Aldridge.”
    The housekeeper knocks. She pushes a serving cart into the room and pours tea into two dainty cups. Royal Augustine bone china? The best of its kind. I have a set of my own.
    “Return to your scones,” I say gently. Aldridge has damaged this girl, perhaps irrevocably. Later, I will see how I can help her. “Stay downstairs until I call for you.”
    Again, she glances at Aldridge for confirmation that she has permission to leave.
    “I am in charge,” I say from the comfort of my chair. “You may go.”
    “Yes ma’am.” Head lowered, she exits the library.
    I rise and continue where she left off, taking a pair of tongs and dropping two cubes of sugar into each cup. Deftly, I remove a capsule from a small pocket sewn into my skirt and add it to Aldridge’s tea. After giving the beverage a good stir to ensure the capsule dissolves, I place the cup on Aldridge’s desk.
    He waits for me to take a sip of my own tea before trying his. Although I do not always drug my victims, I feel it is best for me to do so in this instance. Aldridge is tall, powerful and given the opportunity he will lash out like a cornered beast. It is best to stay one step ahead of a dangerous man.
    “The