Free Seduction In Silk: A Novel of the Malloren World (Malloran) by Jo Beverley

could no longer read without spectacles, but didn’t like it known.
    Claris picked up the paper, disturbed by the very feel of it. The handwriting reminded her of her mother’s, but it was smaller and with loops. The look of it didn’t match the harsh words.
    “‘You have betrayed me, Giles Perriam,’” she read. “‘You have made me a whore and my unborn child a bastard and your money cannot wash that clean. You’ll hear no more from me, but now and with my last breath I wish on you the sufferings that your black heart deserves. May you suffer as I must suffer. May any wife you take die young as I must die, and any children die young as mine must die. May you yourself die young and suffering. May your guilt oppress you every day until Satan comes to carry you to burn in hell, and may this curse pass to your heirs as long as time may be.’”
    Shaken by the force of the words, Claris put the paper down and pushed it away.
    “Nonsense,” Athena said.
    “The logical mind scoffs,” Perriam agreed, “but travelers bring tales that challenge logic, and Giles suffered all she condemned him to except oppressive guilt.” He looked at Claris. “Did your aunt know anything of curses?”
    “I can’t imagine how, but she died before I was born. All I know of her is my mother’s loving praise and a portrait. She looked sweet and gentle in that.”
    “May I see it?”
    “I no longer have it,” Claris said, and didn’t explain. “She would never have attempted a curse, however, so your purpose is hollow.”
    “Not according to your mother.”
    “She wasn’t rational on the subject. This curse is nonsense and you have no reason to attempt to marry me and can leave now.”
    He picked up the paper, folded it, and put it away. He didn’t rise. “I’m driven by nothing so macabre, Miss Mallow. I need to secure Perriam Manor to my family, and Giles Perriam made our marriage a condition of the inheritance. If you and I don’t wed within a month of his death, the property goes elsewhere.”
    “Then it must go elsewhere, sir, for I will not marry you.”
    He spread his hands, unimpressed. “An impasse.”
    Claris rose. “For you, perhaps, but not for me. Please leave.”
    He remained seated. “No pistol this time?”
    “It is prepared, in case.”
    A twinkle lit his eyes. “How delightful! Please be seated, Miss Mallow, so I may tempt you with the many benefits of our marriage.”
    Claris almost did so. Instead she caught herself, folded her arms, and glared. Why would he not see that she was resolute?
    He turned to Athena. “You’re a woman of the world, ma’am. You must see how the marriage would improve your granddaughter’s life.”
    “Must I?” Athena said. “I found marriage so intolerable that I fled it.”
    “Did you? Such a fascinating family.” He turned his smile on Claris. “I can’t claim great wealth, Miss Mallow, but I can provide a very comfortable life for my wife. What’s more, and you seem to have failed to grasp this, I’m at your mercy. You may demand what you will.”
    “Except, it seems, that you leave and never bother me again.”
    “Except that,” he agreed. “But you may continue to live here if you wish, or I can offer Perriam Manor as an alternative residence. It’s of modest size, but in good repair and well furnished, though in an old style. I’m sure it’s cozy in winter and pleasant in summer. It’s surrounded by parkland and gardens that I would judge adequate but ripe for improvement, if gardening is your true delight.”
    Claris kept a stony face. “Alas, with you present, sir, all would be spoiled.”
    “Then you’ll be delighted to know that I would rarely be there. I’m much engaged in Town matters and can only enjoy rural delights now and then.”
    “Even one day a year would be too much.” His amiable confidence was stirring her temper and for once she welcomed it. “Why am I debating this with you?” She loosened her arms to point at the door.