He exhaled, surprised that so many knew what it had taken him days to see. “Do they all ken what he did?”
“Oh, nay,” Brodie assured him with a fierce shake of his head. “Most ken that Sandy beat her, but no one haes ever spoken of it with her. I doubt that even Moira haes. But the fear shows itself despite her efforts to hide it.”
“Do ye ken what he did?”
Brodie did not answer right away, but spent a moment or two looking at the keep in the distance. “Aye, Rob. I was closest when Firtha sought help.” He saw Brodie swallow deeply and heard him clear his throat once and again. “’Tis a miracle that she is alive today.”
If Brodie, a warrior of fierce abilities and experience, was so moved by what he had seen, Robert could only imagine the horror of it. And here he was lusting after her. How could he so callously ignore all she had suffered?
“And here I stand lusting after her and trying to force myself on her.”
“Nay, Rob. Anyone could see she was involved in that kiss. Mayhap she is learning to let go of her fear?”
He shook his head at his friend. “If it were only that easy,Brodie.”
Brodie gave him a questioning frown. “What have ye done, Rob? What holds ye back?”
“I promised her a marriage in name only. I gave my word not to take what she did no’ offer on her own.” Even he could hear the misery in his voice.
Brodie slapped him on the back and laughed at him. “Then get her to change the agreement—or get her to offer! Whichever is the easier quest.”
Robert looked in disbelief at his friend. Easier? Neither of those choices offered much hope of gaining her confidence and trust.
“Or get used to yer hand!” Brodie roared and trotted away before Robert could punch him.
A fine friend he turned out to be—laughing at his pain and making such a suggestion. Mayhap he would ask her to change their bargain.... If she agreed he would make it work between them, he would make it good for her. And if she said no, then he would be free to seek relief elsewhere.
He enteredthe room without knocking and found her sitting in one of the chairs, working to repair one of the babe’s gowns. It was still daylight and he guessed she worked here because Craig slumbered in the cradle near the fire. She looked up and watched his approach.
“I would speak with ye, Anice, if ye have time?”
“Aye. Craig should sleep for at least another hour. Do you want to talk here or should I call someone to sit with him?”
“No, this is fine,” he said as he sat on the other chair. “I wish to speak to ye about our arrangements.”
“Arrangements?”
“Our marriage.”
She blanched, losing all the color in her face. Her reaction did not bode well for him or their future. She twisted her fingers together and he could see her tremble.
“Do ye think we could ever have a real marriage, Anice?”
“Lady Margaret asked the same question of me, Robertand I think the answer is still the same. I fear not.”
“I promise to make it good for ye. I would never hurt ye. Ye do believe me, dinna ye?”
She shuddered at his words. He had his answer without her saying anything. He stood to leave. Anice reached out to him and then stopped just short of touching his hand.
“Robert. I am sorry. I tried to tell you when you made you offer.”
“Aye, Anice, ye did. And damn me for the fool I am, I thought it would change as ye got to ken me better.”
“I know that men seek their pleasures, Robert. You do not need my permission; however, I would understand if you sought your pleasure with someone else. I fear I cannot give you what you want from a wife.”
He stared at her, but she would not meet his gaze. He walked straight out of the room, not daring to say any more to her. Seek his pleasures with someone else? As though he needed her permission.
She could seethat he had been drinking for some time before the meal started. One pitcher sat in front of him and she could tell as she lifted it that it was nearly empty. Anice took her seat between Struan’s chair and Robert’s. He had never overindulged in wine as long as she’d known him; somehow this day was different. She knew that she was the cause.
