“I suppose that makes sense,” he said at last. “But ’twould do ye no good, would it? For if ye left and ran, how would ye live, off on your own?”
She glanced back—to see how far they had come, she told herself, though it gave her a good excuse to eye him again. Large as life and right here beside her.
“I do not know what I would do besides not wed wi’ your brother.”
“Aye so.” That seemed to bring heavy thoughts down on him.
“The wedding has been put off,” she said.
“Aye, for but a few days.”
“Do you know why?”
“I do.” He shot her a look. “I canna say.”
“Father claims it is because your mother wishes to attend the joining and needs to gain strength.”
“That may be what my father told him, aye.”
“It is not true?”
He hesitated and shook his head.
“There is a mystery in it,” she said. “Still, I should be grateful. Your lady mother is not worse?”
“She is not.”
“I am glad. I like her very much.”
Did his hand brush hers? If so, it was but a fleeting touch and as swiftly gone.
She stopped walking. Took one look back. No sign of Orle. No one and nothing followed them.
She looked at the man beside her, who had also paused. Suddenly she wanted to touch him, wanted it so much she ached. The desire burgeoned inside her from a place so deep, she scarce recognized it.
She scarce recognized him. But he mattered to her.He did.
“Tell me of yourself, Master Deathan.”
Those beautiful eyes of his examined her face, touched the corners of her mouth, her brow. “There is no’ much to tell. I am a second son. I mak’ myself useful as I may.”
“What will you inherit, of this place?”
He shrugged. “Naught.”
“But you love it, do you not?”
“I love it most deeply.” He glanced at the sea, the land, the sky. “More than I could ever say.”
“And who is to decide you are not worthier of inheriting it than your brother?” Their eyes met, held for a long instant.Or of marrying me, her heart whispered.
“Fate says it.” His lips twisted. “Destiny.”
“Ah. Destiny can be a cruel goddess.” To keep from reaching for his hand, she resumed walking. “Talk to me of this place you love.”
He did.
Chapter Eighteen
