“I had refused him two times before the night you rescued me. Kenneth said if I would not marry the Comming, he would make sure and mark me so no other man would want me.”
She studied Alex’s face, trying to gauge how he was taking the news. He did not react to her words.
“Go on,” he said.
“He had a tool that he heated in the fire while he whipped me.”
Alex’s jaw clench and he closed his eyes for a moment, but she forced herself to continue.
“After he finished whipping me, he turned me around, and while his guards held me, he held the tool to the skin under my breast. He said he would do it each time I refused him, so that my chest would be completely scarred if I never relented.” She wrung her hands as she thought carefully.
Alex turned his face to the heavens and let out a deep breath.
“I was not running from your touch, Alex. I was afraid if you saw my scars, you would not want me anymore.” A single tear rolled down her cheek. Her hands shook as she reached up to wipe her face.
Alex held his hand out to her. “Come here, Maddie.”
She hesitated, but then walked over and placed her hand in his. Alex led her into the shallower water and sat in the pebbles, where the water reached his chest. He settled Maddie onto his lap, wrapped his arms around her tight, and rested her head on his shoulder. Maddie reached her arms around his back and leaned into him. There was nowhere else she would rather be.
***
Neither one of them spoke. Alex willed himself to rid the anger from his body. He knew Maddie needed him more. They held each other silently.
Alex, totally undone by the unfairness in the world, could not fight the deep sadness that enveloped his body. How could anyone be that cruel to a helpless woman? Although Maddie was not totally helpless, she could not fight the brute strength of three men. In some ways, though, his wee Maddie was stronger than all three men combined. Her strength was an inner strength, a strength of character. He was so proud of her. After all the pain she had been forced to endure, she still had the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. She was wonderful with the bairns, adored by his sister Jennie, and she always held her head high. He knew many strong men who would let such constant torture defeat them. But not his Maddie.
“Maddie,” Alex whispered several minutes later.
“Yes, Alex?”
“Is there anything else you have not told me? I would know everything now, please.”
“Nay.”
“Are you sure?”
“Aye, Alex. They are not things I would ever forget.”
Another minute of silence followed. Alex rested his chin on the top of her head.
“Alex?”
“Aye?”
“Are you going to cancel our betrothal?”
“Nay, Maddie, I am no’ going to cancel our betrothal. But I must ask you something.”
“Anything, Alex.”
“I would see the scars under your breasts. I want no surprises on the day of our wedding. I know this is much to ask, but we need to put this behind us.”
Maddie pulled back and gazed at him. He knew this would be hard for her, but he was afraid of the anger that might explode inside him when he saw the marks. Even though he prided himself on his strong control, this wee lass could send every ounce of control he possessed out of his body in an instant. He did not want to spend his wedding night in a fury.
She slowly nodded and reached down to untie the ribbons of her chemise. Covering her nipples, she held each breast up so Alex could see the scars. On each side, a small angry curved welt sat just above the fold where her breast met her abdomen. He leaned down and kissed each one with tenderness.
Alex breathed a sigh of relief. He could handle this. He stood, tugging her shivering body with him.
“I think it is time we head back, you are cold.” He dressed and helped her into her gown, then secured the basket on his horse. Once he was mounted, he reached down and scooped up Maddie. As soon as she was settled on his lap, he tied her horse’s reins to his.
