Page 39 of Maid for the Marquess

“Your blood to soothe his anger?”

“Yes.”

I released her hand and picked up the other. It was similar, but it bore more scars. He had purposefully beaten her weaker side with additional strokes so as not to render her useless. She could still perform her chores.

I dropped her hand and picked up a reed, swishing it in the air. It made a low, hissing sound before hitting the wood. Madeleine flinched at the noise.

“Why have you brought me so many reeds?”

“So you could choose which one to use, as my father did. I followed my usual instructions, my lord. Have I displeased you again?”

I had to clear my throat before speaking. Rage coursed through my veins, but I did not wish to frighten her more. The fury was not directed at her, but I suddenly understood her fear more than I had before, and the reason for it sickened me. “Madeleine, look at me. Now.”

She lifted those glorious eyes, all that much brighter with the tears she was seeking to hide and the terror that lay within them. Her skin was whiter than snow.

“Pick up the reeds and the rose.”

Shaking, she did as I asked.

“Hand them to me.”

Her breathing was picking up, and I knew she was imagining the horror of the punishment that lay ahead.

“Watch me carefully.”

I strode to the fireplace, snapping the reeds in half and flinging them into the flames. I stripped away the thorns on the rose and added those to the rapidly burning strips of wood. I returned to her side, lifting her hand and placing the rose within her palm. I closed her tiny fingers around the stem.

“The only roses you shall ever hold from this day forward will cause you no pain. You will never again know the sting of a reed on your palm—or anywhere else.”

I stepped closer, cupping her face, meeting her bewildered and increasingly watery gaze.

“I promised you that you would never come to harm under my protection. Not from anyone, but especially from me.”

“But I⁠—”

I interrupted her. “You did nothing wrong. Your act of kindness caught me off guard. The flowers are as lovely as you are. I thank you for the gesture.” I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed the soft skin.

“Do not fear me, my wife. I swear to you, nothing shall hurt you under this roof. Ever. I will not allow it.”

An agonized sound escaped her mouth. Without a thought, I drew her close, encasing her in my embrace. “Show me your pain,” I urged her. “Allow me to comfort you.”

She began to sob, the sound muffled as she hid her face into my chest. I lifted her off her feet and sat in the great chair with her on my lap, allowing her to cry. I stroked her back, making small noises in my throat as I held her close. At one point, Edward walked in, stopping short at the tableau in front of him. I shook my head in warning, and with a bow, he stepped out, drawing the door closed once again. I knew he would ensure we were not disturbed.

Aside from her, I had never held a woman this way before. Offering the shelter of my arms for something other than pleasure. Madeleine was a warm weight on my lap, still far too thin, but she fit against me well. The soft scent of lilacs I had come to associate with her was stronger with her so close, the smell alluring and warm.

Finally, her cries stopped. I slipped a square of linen into her fist, soothing my hand over her hair one last time. She sighed, blew her nose in a dainty fashion that made me smile, and wiped her eyes.

Silence hung between us.

“Are you well now, Maddie?”

She lifted her head, surprise on her face at the shortened version of her name. “My lord?” she whispered.

“I heard your servants call you that name. I like it, and it suits you.”

“My—my mother called me Maddie when I was a little girl.”

“Then Maddie it shall be. And I should like for you to call me Alexander. I am, after all, your husband.” I touched her cheek. “And this is your home. If you wish to put vases of flowers in every room, then do so.”