At that moment, Alex looked at her eyes and he felt protective of her. It was not her physical appearance, but somehow he felt responsible for her. He could not think of a better word to describe it. He had not felt something similar in a long time and he realized he was comfortable enough to open up a bit. After all, he was going to marry this woman.
“And...I know that men do not often speak of such things, but sometimes I become lonely for the gentle company of a woman.”
She looked down at her hands and nodded. “Just as we long for the strength of a man.”
He smiled, but she was still looking downwards and did not see him.
“All I ask is that you are kind to me, M'laird,” she said, looking up. She was even more beautiful now. “Consider my feelings, include me in your decisions, and help me to understand you and your world. I am not a laird, but if I am to be a laird’s wife I should not be totally ignorant.” She sounded confident.
She was not an ordinary woman but he was eager to give this a chance.
“There is one more thing,” Robina said.
“What might that be?” he asked.
“You expect me to be a virgin.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Of course I do,” he replied, puzzled. “Why?”
“Are you?” she asked frankly.
“No, of course not,” he answered. “Why are you asking this?”
“Why ‘of course?’” she asked, trying to keep calm. “If I were not a virgin would you marry me?”
There is no reason not to be honest.
“No.” The reply was firm and definite.
“But I must marry you when you are not,” she said grimly. “And what happens to all the women that you have bedded that are not virgins anymore? Who will marry them?” She looked up at him, her golden eyes challenging.
She held his gaze and saw his cheeks flaming as he grew confused and then angry.
What is this girl thinking? Will she question going to church next?He could not think of a reply and he did not care. She looked lovely but if she was going to give him a hard time he would not hesitate to cancel the arrangement. Opening up was not a good idea after all. So be it then.
“Well, Mistress,” he said at last, “I have no answer for you. So I suppose this means that there will be no marriage.”
“There will be, if you wish it,” she answered, standing up. “I merely wanted to point out, M'laird, that I am not a fool. Do not underestimate me, and do not patronize me. I am your equal in every way but physical strength, and in the birthing of babies I can rival you even there.” She glared at him for another minute, then curtsied. “My mother has suggested next Sunday for the wedding. Is that agreeable to you?”
“It is, Mistress,” he replied, feeling challenged.
“Thank you,” she said, with exaggerated politeness. “Next Sunday, then.”
“At my chapel, as is customary,” he agreed.
She nodded, then swept away, leaving him wondering what had just happened.
Most men would not dare to look me in the eyes and this girl I just met is challenging me.
He was unsure if he liked that or not. But he definitely wanted to see her again and outsmart the little devil next time.
4
Wedding Day
Robina wondered if it was written down somewhere in a handbook for brides’ mothers that it was necessary for them to fuss over their daughters to an almost unbearable degree. Robina was sorely tempted to slap Lady Donna, so much so that the only thing stopping her was the fear of damaging her dress.
Donna was even now circling her like a vulture about to go in for the kill.
