Wedgewick Woman Read Online Free

woman plundered my brain until I couldn’t think anymore.”
    “I know what ye speak of, man for she did the same to me.”  Lord Carmichael admitted before he released his hold on James.
    “You will return everything you’ve taken, is that clear?  I will distribute your wages among the staff from whom you’ve stolen and then you will be booted out of here on the morrow without so much as a horse to ride upon.  Is that understood?”
    James nodded, as he straightened his clothes, his hands going in his pockets and out again.
    “Now Mrs. Calvert, were you wantin’ to make use of that broom?”
    “Aye, but I’ve had enough for this evenin’ Sir, but thank ye just the same.”
    “If ye’re sure Mrs. Calvert?”  He gave her another chance.
    “I’d best be gettin’ on to bed afore it’s mornin’ and all this comes to the rest of the staff.” She uttered, setting the broom by the back door.
    “James, you will sleep in the storage room, locked up for the night.  I shall come and get you at sunrise and we will discuss this matter further.”
    “Yessir.” 
    Lord Carmichael stepped aside while James slowly entered the darkened room, found a seat on an old crate, looking quite relieved it appeared; then locked the door.  Laird Carmichael tossed the key to Mrs. Calvert and headed upstairs where Blithers was nearly beside himself wondering what could’ve happened to his master.
    “Well Blithers, we’ve got our man.”
    “Man, Sir?”
    “You mean you haven’t been giving your fees?”  he laughed.
    “Fees, Sir?” 
    “Never mind.  Get my bed turned down.  I’ll need to rise early on the morrow.  Oh, and Blithers lock the door to the library?”
    “Yessir.”  Blithers noted the look of satisfaction in his master’s eyes and for once could not read his thoughts.
     
     

 
    Chapter 5
     
    After his morning bath, Laird Carmichael called the staff together in the library. He settled into James’ chair, opened the account books and gathered papers scattered across the desk.
    Looking up he heard the scuffle of feet, the whispers in the hallway.
    Mrs. Calvert appeared in the doorway.  “We’re assembled, Laird Carmichael.”
    “Enter.” He called and waited while the group of twenty-seven servants eased themselves just inside the door.
    He stood.  “I regret to inform you that we have one person who has lost their position.”
    A collective shock ran through the group, each looking to the other.
    “Let me explain.  Blithers will you bring James from the pantry.”
    The Laird lifted his hands to quiet the whispers.  James’ bedraggled appearance at the door caused a hush.
    He watched as, one by one, the people covered their mouths in disbelief when he revealed the man’s deeds, for James was a respected member of the Laird’s clan.
    “It has been said that a scoundrel as yet unknown has been collecting dues, as it were.  Who among you has paid?” 
    He waited, arms crossed over his massive chest, while each looked to another. Slowly, most raised their hands. “And in what amounts, may I inquire?”
    Suddenly there were figures flying at him from every direction, mostly whispered.
    “Why do you whisper?  We have the culprit…do not fear telling your Laird when you have been thieved right under your noses in this manor.  What is it ye all fear that ye could not come to me?”
    Mrs. Calvert spoke, “Aye, it was told throughout that Lady Carmichael had someone among us who, when she was absent from the manor, watched and reported to her.  And if we did not pay, she would see to it, through this person, that we all lost our positions.  Aye, that’s why we said nothing to ye, Lord Carmichael.” She dropped her head.  “We thought to catch the culprit ourselves.” She admitted.
    “I see.”  He sat, steepled his large fingers, elbows atop the desk and thought quietly for a moment.  “Well, see to it that ye never mistrust your Laird again.”
    “Ah, James.  Come meet your