"The servants had to know," I went on numbly, staring at my twisted hands. I just wanted to get it over with, to get it all out so I could put it back into the box in my mind where I forgot about it in my day-to-day life.
"The fact that they didn't say anything either told me they were scared, too. They were grownups and they didn't say a word. I was a child. What could I do if they wouldn't do anything?"
"How did you get out?" he asked hoarsely. "When did it end?"
James set his glass down on the end table with a harsh thud.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling like I might be sick.
"But you have a right to know that this could come out and embarrass you."
"Embarrass me?" he snapped, vibrating with rage. "Embarrassment isn't on the list of what I'd feel."
"James – "
