Betrayed by Sylvia McDaniel

Author:Sylvia McDaniel [McDaniel, Sylvia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance Novel
Publisher: Sylvia McDaniel
Published: 2012-12-28T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Later that day, Consuelo found Nicole in the plantation office going over the accounting books.

“You don't need to let yourself get too tired,” the older woman said as she tidied up the small room that sat off the kitchen.

“I'm fine, Consuelo, but thank you,” Nicole said, her head still bent over the books. “I let these books get behind and now I'm trying to get caught up.” She glanced up. “Did you need me for something?”

“No, Max and Paul have returned. They stopped at the post office and picked up the mail. You have a letter,” she said, taking a small white envelope out of the pocket of her apron and handing it to Nicole.

A coughing spell suddenly came upon Consuelo, leaving her breathless.

“That cough sounds terrible. How long have you had it?” Nicole asked, taking the letter from Consuelo.

“Most of my life. Now, I have chores to do,” Consuelo said, picking up her cleaning materials.

Nicole glanced at the seal. Marian Cuvier.

Trepidation filled Nicole as she held the letter in her hand and stared at the handwriting on the envelope. What kind of news could she receive from Jean's first wife?

“Thanks, Consuelo,” Nicole said, not opening the letter but merely holding it in her hand, fearing the information inside. She couldn't deal with any more bad gossip regarding Jean, and lately all the new knowledge she'd learned about her dead husband had been negative. Deliberately, she'd refrained from buying a newspaper or even having Max bring one back from town. She didn't want to know the status of the investigation of Jean's death or anything about the murder suspect, Layla. She wanted to be as far removed from the scandal as possible and try to put Jean's deception and death behind her.

“You're welcome,” the older woman said, walking out the door, leaving Nicole alone with the letter from Jean's wife.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the news inside, ripped open the envelope, and pulled out the long sheet of crisp, white paper.

Dear Nicole,

I hope this letter finds you feeling better than the last time I saw you. There are several reasons for my writing, one of which is to tell you, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I also received your package of Jean's things and wanted to thank you for sending them. My children were delighted to see some of their father's childhood things.

I have moved on with my life and tried to put the terrible circumstances surrounding Jean's death behind me by marrying a man I truly love. I married Jean's partner, Louis Fournet, and the two of us are trying to restore Cuvier Shipping and also build a new business together near his family's plantation. We're very happy, and with Louis's help, even my children are doing better dealing with their father's death.

As for Layla, I can only tell you that the trial is due to start any day now. I don't know if she's guilty or innocent, and I pray that we will not be called to testify.

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