Oh heavens.What had she just agreed to?
CHAPTER 5
“Abargain is what we made,” Duncan said to her the next morning when they were already off for England in their carriage. Malcolm had accompanied them.
She had not been particularly chatty that morning, her mind filled with all manner of worry.
First of all, she had agreed to a marriage. But second, she hoped with everything that she had that this was the best decision for her sisters.
“But let me explain to you more clearly,” he went on, though he did not look at her directly for long. “There would be expectations, of course.”
“Are you going to tell me what they are?” she asked, feeling tired. “What do you expect of me, as your… prospective wife?”
The words felt so strange in her mouth, but perhaps in time she would come to accept them.
“This marriage will be for convenience,” he said without mincing his words. Charity’s stomach tightened. She wasn’t sure what she had expected, but surely, she did not like how cold he appeared to be about the matter.
“What does that mean for me?”
“It means you’ll be given what you require. You’ll have anything you want,” he said, “within reason.”
“Within reason,” Charity nodded, feeling a bit ill.
“You’ll not be treated as a prisoner,” he went on.
“And what is off-limits?” Charity’s heart beat faster, suspicious now.
“Me,” Duncan spoke without looking at her.
Charity felt a strange flicker in her chest, surprise, perhaps, that he would say it so plainly. Duncan didn’t pretend for a second.
“So,” Charity said slowly, “I may have anything I want except you.”
Huh.She was not overly romantic, but had never expected this out of a marriage. But knowing her luck, it was not surprising.
“That’s a crude way to put it.”
“It’s the way you said it,” she shrugged her shoulders.
“I’m making it clear where you stand so you don’t build expectations,” Duncan replied curtly.
“Very well,” she said. “Clear boundaries.”
Convenience. An heir. Protection.
“Aye,” Duncan nodded once, as if satisfied.
“And in return,” Charity pressed, “you protect me from anything. And my sisters.”
Duncan’s gaze returned to her, “Anything. As long as you’re under my protection, no one touches you without consequence.”
Charity’s stomach eased slightly, relief creeping in despite her efforts to remain guarded.
That was the entire point, right?
“All right, then you should know what you’re riding into.”
“Tell me.”
