How do I deal with an ex-friend who is starting rumors to harm my name and marriage?

[Noor]

I had a friend who I was very close to for a few years. A few weeks ago when my husband was in the shower, he left his macbook and I went on his facebook and email. I know that I shouldn't have gone on, but I was curious. I saw that she had sent him a lot of flirty messages and a comment about how she thinks he's interested and I'd never know. He responded and said he's not interested and doesn't do those things because he's married. He didn't respond back to her and they're not friends on there anymore.

I didn't say anything to him because I don't want him to know that I was on his Facebook. I know its wrong but I was feeling curious and I've been hormonal/insecure lately. I'm working on that so please no comments.

Anyway I canceled plans I had with her for the next week and told her I didn't feel well. After that I blocked her on Facebook and started avoiding her calls/texts. I didn't know how to confront her because I was really mad with hatred and I didn't want to overact or do something I'd regret. When around mutual friends, I'd plan things without her or make other plans if I knew she will be there. I didn't want them involved and didn't tell them what happened. I didn't tell her husband either which I wanted to but got over the extreme anger which made me want to do it.

Yesterday she confronted me and wanted to know why I'm so distant. She acted like she is my best friend and completely innocent. I finally told her what happened and why I am distant and don't feel like I can be her friend anymore even though before I thought of her as a sister. She denied the entire thing and said I am making a mistake.

Today, I have some friends contacting me to tell me she said I am having an affair against my husband and she thinks she should tell him and they're warning me because they are looking out for me. I never had affair or cheated on him. I love him too much for that and I'm sorry I read his facebook messages and emails. I can't believe she does this to me to hurt my name and marriage. I didn't tell her husband or anyone in the group what she is because I didn't think it was my place even after what she did. When I finally told her the truth, I thought she will leave me alone not do this.

How do I deal with her? Should I just tell my husband what happened to get screenshots of what she did to show everyone?