“That’s not what you said when your mother and I approached you with the match.”
Sean was more like a brother to her and shehadrejected the very idea a year ago. She worried what her father was about to propose now was even more abhorrent.
“No, you can’t wed Sean.”
She scooted closer to his face, inwardly begging him to hear her. “But I will, Da. I will make him a good wife and give him many children.”
“’Tis not to be.”
Dread gripped her heart at the finality of the statement. She imagined herself fully submerged. Her body just floating in the water’s current.
“Your mother wanted you to take your vows at the Priory. She wanted you to be a bride of Christ.”
“You’re not remembering it right.” Her voice pitched slightly higher. She fought to stay calm. “Maw said it would be better to have me a nun if there were no one else. But Sean is here. So there is someone else.”
Her father drew her to him with surprising strength, urging her head to his shoulder. She obliged.
“The decision has been made, lass. It won’t be undone. I will keep my own from that whoreson O’Brien Clan.”
She bit her bottom lip to cease its quivering.
“Your mother’s brother, Ronan, will be here by nightfall and see you to the Priory at Tanshelf.” His hold weakened. “He’ll see you’re met with no harm.”
“On the other side of the water? To England? Please don’t send me away.”
“It’s what your mother wanted.” His arm fell slack and she sat up. His eyes were closed again. He’d already fallen into a deep sleep.
The tears washed over her face but she didn’t care. She’d dreamed of having a love like her parents. They had encouraged that dream since she was a small girl. Even promising they’d give her time and allow her to find a man she could love. But when her mother took ill last spring and quickly died, that dream had died with her. Her father’s despondency at the loss of his wife had sent the clan into turmoil. The unexpected break from the O’Brien Clan, and the turning out of his closest friend, Roland O’Brien, only added to their problems. Where they had once been their closest allies, they were apparently a threat to their well-being.
Aunt Ruth came to her side and Brighit fell into her stiff arms. After a moment’s hesitation, the woman held her closer, caressing her long, brown hair down her back. “All will be well, love, wait and see.”
“Please,” Brighit brightened, pulling back to search her aunt’s face, her voice imploring. “Can you say he offered me to Sean?”
Aunt Ruth went rigid. “Your father did not work out a betrothal with the O’Cisoghe but he did send word to your uncle to escort you to the Priory. He’s already been sighted on MacNaughton land.”
Brighit took a deep, shaky breath and turned to face the man she’d loved like none other. She’d wanted a husband as good and kind as her father. In her mind’s eye, she saw him again as he’d been, happy and smiling. She bent and kissed him on the lips.
“Thank you for taking care of me, Da.”
She turned toward the door without a backward glance.
“Well?”
Brighit turned quickly to see her brother Tadhg standing in the shadows farther down the hall. His tall figure easily filled the narrow space.
“Uncle Ronan is almost here, ready to take me to the Priory.”
“Aye. He comes with a contingent bent on seeing you safely across the water.”
Tadhg took a step closer, his arms crossed about his chest and studied her face.
She knew he’d be able to see every thought she had. He’d always been able to do that. It mattered little. He was not lord yet and couldn’t gainsay their father.
“Will it be well with you?” His quiet voice intended to comfort but she rebelled against it.
She stepped closer, nose to nose with him. Her mouth tightened. “What do you think?”
He didn’t step back but held her gaze, his intense brown eyes so like her own.
