"No, Margaret."
"Very well, I will waitto wed you... until you're able to sit up for the ceremony. By that time you'llbe on your way to recovery and won't be so stubborn."
"It can't happen. My backis—"
"Itwillhappen.I'll make it happen." She leaned forward and kissed him swiftly on theforehead. "Now, try to rest, the journey must have tired you."
"Everything tiresme."
"It will getbetter." She rose to her feet. "While I fetch a bowl of stew I'llsend Jock in to bathe you. I suppose you're too proud to let me perform thattask?" She nodded as she saw his expression. "I thought asmuch." She moved toward the door. "I can think of no reason why Godgave the masculine gender such power over females when they're all so lackingin good sense."
Margaret closed the doorbehind her and immediately closed her eyes tightly as wave after wave of theanger, sorrow, and despair she could not allow anyone to see washed over her.Dear God, poor Ian.
And poor Margaret. Why was sheexpected to endure this new trial? Sometimes God seemed most unfair.
"You have an interestingface. I may be persuaded to do a head of you."
Her eyes flicked open to seeJohn Kartauk standing a few yards away from her. She flushed as she realized hemust have witnessed her moment of weakness. No, perhaps not, for his gaze onher face was appraising but completely dispassionate. She cleared her throat."I thought I told you to go find yourself a workshop."
"I did." He wasstill staring at her face. "I've decided to use the scullery."
"The scullery?" sherepeated, shocked. "You can't use—"
"Of course I can. I needa furnace, and it will save me the trouble of building one. I can wall up thathuge fireplace." He took a step closer and lifted her chin on the curve ofhis finger. "At first I saw nothing worthwhile in your face, but I believethe jawline is tolerable and the molding of the cheekbones—"
She slapped his hand away."I will not pose for you."
He looked hurt. "Youdon't realize the honor I do you, madam. After all, I did refuse QueenVictoria."
Her eyes widened. "Thequeen asked you to—"
"Well, no, I didn't giveher the opportunity. It never pays to insult royalty, but I had already decidedto refuse her." He turned and strode down the hall. "When you regainyour senses, come and tell me. I must go to the scullery and toss out all thosepots and pans."
She hurried after him."Toss out—you'll do no such thing!"
"Why not? They're in myway."
"Are you mad? We all musteat. You maynothave the scullery."
"Beauty has more valuethan food." He frowned. "I will compromise. I'll permit you to havethe scullery in the evening for your cooking."
"You will permit… "She drew a deep breath and said through her teeth, "You toss out onecooking pot and I'll use you for tomorrow's stew meat."
He studied her expression overhis shoulder. "I believe you would do it." He suddenly chuckled."You'd find me tough fare, madam. I'm no tender rabbit."
"One pot," sheenunciated clearly.
"Oh, very well." Heshrugged. "I noticed a space almost as adequate in the stable, but youmust help me clear it and tell Jock to find me bricks to build myfurnace."
"Jock will be too busytending Ian to indulge you in your foolishness, and I certainly have notime."
Kartauk sighed. "I'vecome to a land of uncaring savages who offer me no help and will probablymanipulate my talent to suit themselves."
"You accusemeofmanipulating you because I won't let you—" She broke off as realizationdawned. Kartauk was not the one who was being manipulated. "You had nointention of using the scullery," she said flatly.
"No? Then why would I sayI intended to do so?"
She did not know the answer.Yet perhaps... kindness, an attempt to distract her from her grief withoutdamaging her pride? He had certainly seen her weakness and acted with faultlessaccuracy to dispel it. No, she must be mistaken. They were strangers, and hecould not possibly read her so well.
