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“The gods are surely not as fickle,” Brenda muttered under her breath, which brought a chortle from Erik.

“I am sure that it will all come in time. Be patient, Brenda. You are my daughter, and if you show them respect, then your time will come.”

“Aye, if I’m not married off first,” she sighed.

“Whatever happens, nobody can make you do anything you do not wish to do. We just want you to be happy, that’s all. He’s seen how happy your mother was when we got married, and he’s tasted that same happiness for himself. You cannot fault his intentions.”

“No, I suppose not,” Brenda said reluctantly, “but it does get frustrating when nobody seems to listen to me. And it’s not as though there’s a war on for me to prove myself. What am I supposed to do?”

Erik’s eyes twinkled with wisdom. “I’m sure there will be opportunities, and you have never been a woman to shy away from opportunities.

“I hear that our guest’s condition has improved immensely.”

Brenda beamed and then blushed at the mention of Douglas. “He does seem tae be getting better. I’m sure that soon enough, he’ll be off for home.”

“Well, perhaps he will need an escort. That would certainly show people that you are capable of handling responsibility. It would be good for you to see your cousin again as well. I’m sure he misses you.”

“I think I shall, Father, if you believe you will be well without me?”

“Oh yes, I have the ocean. Sometimes that’s all a man needs,” he said.

Brenda wasn’t sure if she should find that worrying or not.