Mask of Duplicity (The Jacobite Chronicles Book 1) by Julia Brannan

own accord,” Beth said. “Of all the servants in this household, she is the last one who would leave. Something has happened. What is it?”
    “I have no idea, “Richard replied carelessly. “The steward fellow, Thomas, is it, came up earlier today to tell me that Martha had decided to leave, and requested that I pay her wages up to date.”
    “And did you?” Beth asked.
    “Of course I did. What do you take me for?”
    “Did you give her a character? Where has she gone?”
    “No, in answer to your first question, I do not consider someone who abandons their post on a whim to be deserving of a character. And as for where she has gone, well, that is no concern of ours. She has left the household. It is most tedious. I will look for a replacement for her tomorrow. Now can we enjoy our evening?”
    “No,” said Beth flatly. “Do you know what you’ve done? Martha has little chance of obtaining another job, even with a good reference. She has none at all without one.”
    “Ah, you mean because of the brat. I must confess I was a little surprised that you employed such an immoral woman. She’s no better than she should be, and a bad example to the others. Maybe it’s a blessing that she has decided to leave.” He was enjoying himself, and Beth knew she should let the matter go, but couldn’t.
    “There is nothing wrong with Martha’s morals, Richard. She made a mistake, that’s all, and has paid dearly for it. She has also learnt from it.”
    “She’s a slut, in my opinion,” Richard said, his voice rising slightly.
    “How many women have you bedded, Richard?” Beth asked suddenly.
    His colour rose slightly, but he maintained his casual demeanour.
    “Very many, over the years,” he replied. “But I don’t see what...”
    “And any one of those women could have gone on to have your child, and presumably become a slut as a result,” Beth interrupted, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Whereas you, no doubt, have become a great lover and a dashing man about town.”
    “That is the way of the world, dear sister,” he replied coolly.
    “It is not the way of my world. In my world a woman is not to be condemned for one mistake, nor to be branded a harlot for committing the same action that a man is commended for!”
    “Your moral attitude disturbs me, Beth,” Richard replied, his voice suddenly stern. “But we can address that another time. For now I would remind you that this house is no longer your world, but mine. If you wish to have your own household, I suggest you comply with my suggestion of the other night. I am sure that you will have no difficulty in procuring a doting husband who will allow you to populate your house with whores from top to bottom.”
    So that was it, Beth thought as she paced her bedroom later, too angry to think of sleeping. He was going to slowly erode her whole way of life, driving away as many of her servants as he could until she was completely isolated, in an attempt to wear down her resolve. He would not do it, she was determined.
    She had taken some consolation from the staff. As soon as she had left her brother she had run to the kitchen, where Thomas, Jane and Graeme were enjoying supper. To her surprise they also had no idea why Martha had left. It seemed she had just appeared in the kitchen with her bag packed, holding the child Ann by the hand, and had announced her decision to leave immediately. Thomas had insisted she wait while he got the wages she was due, and whilst he was upstairs the others had questioned her as to why she was leaving and what she would do. Her eyes had been red and she was obviously upset, but she would not be drawn, saying only that she was leaving of her own accord, that she would stay with a friend for a few days and would contact them soon.
    In common with Beth, they were certain Richard had had a hand in the matter, but there was no proof, and all Beth could do was promise to write a good character for Martha, in the hopes that she