“Mama has nae ever said a word,” Rory muttered.
“I’d think nae. Imagine the wound to her pride. Yer da and yer Aunt Clarice were actually in love, I think. Yer Aunt Clarice was the headstrong one, nae yer mama. Believe it or nae, when I kenned yer mama at court she was meek as a mouse. Quiet. Soft spoken. Verra biddable.”
“By the gods!” Rory exclaimed. “My mama tried to make herself into a version of my Aunt Clarice, so my da would love my mama.”
“It sounds like that’s so from the little ye’ve told me,” Iain agreed.
“Nae wonder my parents bicker all the time. My mama became someone she is nae to win my da’s affections, but—”
“The heart wants what it wants,” Iain finished.
“This explains why my mama did nae ever invite my Aunt Clarice to visit. My da was the one to invite her the few times she came, and I always did think it odd that they got along so well, but my own parents did nae.”
Iain nodded. “I think ye may have yer answer about seeking out a wife just because ye think her biddable.”
“Aye.” Rory grinned. “I want Lillith.”
“Ye’ve a battle on yer hands.”
“I ken. She looked downright appalled last night at the thought that I might change my mind and choose her.”
Iain cocked his eyebrows. “That does nae wound yer pride?”
“Nay. I find it a challenge.”
“Good. Ye’ll need to keep that attitude. She’ll fight ye. Something about marriage scares her, I believe.”
“Aye,” Rory said, nodding.
“My wife and the other women will oppose the marriage if ye can nae break through Lillith’s barriers.”
“Will ye break with the king then?” Rory asked.
Iain shoved a hand through his hair. “I did nae think I would. I do nae wish to lose land and safety over this, mind ye. But if I force it, if my son forces it, I fear there will be an irreparable break in our marriages, and there is nae anything in this world that means more to me than my wife.”
“I’ll do my best to entice yer granddaughter,” Rory said.
Iain clapped the man on his shoulder as he stood. “Do ye want my advice?”
“Aye,” Rory said, standing as well.
“I suspect she’s trying to show ye just how unbiddable, how headstrong, how complicated she is. Mayhap she’s testing ye to see if ye’ll keep pursuing her.” Iain shrugged. “Women are a puzzling lot.”
“Aye,” Rory agreed. “I suspect she’s trying to make me nae want to wed her.”
Iain nodded. “Just remember that when she vexes ye, and when she’s driving ye near mad, kiss her.”
“Kiss her?” the man asked, frowning.
“Aye. When Marion is making me feel my blood is boiling in frustration, I kiss her. Then my blood is boiling for a whole other reason, and the other is forgotten.”
“I’ll keep the advice in mind,” Rory replied.
“Do that. I’ve nae been happily wed this long without learning a thing or two.”
“Do ye have more advice?”
Iain did not even have to think about it. “Do nae go to bed angry or without telling yer wife ye love her, and yer wife is yer partner, nae yer chattel.”
