He found himself speaking. “Perhaps ye would enjoy a walk, instead.”
She turned those bright eyes on him as if taking in his presence for the first time. Not flattering, knowing he spent most the time beyond the woman’s notice.
But then, why should he care? Because she was his wife? She wasn’t, though, not in anything but name. She’d made it clear she wanted to keep it that way.
He bowed slightly. “I might show ye the grounds.”
“Aye, so.” Somewhat to his surprise again, she accepted.
Mother’s tense face relaxed into a smile. What did she fear? That Annista, left to her own devices, might fall foul of Evan?
“That’s well, then. Better for the two o’ ye to grow acquainted. But Annista, best fetch your warm cloak.”
“Aye,” Alan agreed. She’d worn only a shawl to step out and bid farewell to her father. It was cold, if clear, outside.
She went up the stairs and to her chamber where, presumably, her maid kitted her out.
Mother gave Alan a long look. “Ye’ll look after her?”
“Just wha’ do ye expect to happen, Mother?”
She gave a shiver and her glance darted to the flagstones where Robena had once lain. “She is no’ familiar wi’ the estate. She could get lost.”
Alan nodded. They both knew it was not chances of the lass getting lost that Mother feared.
****
“I ha’ already shown ye the kitchen gardens and the courtyard. But there is more to see.”
“Such as?”
Annista displayed little enthusiasm. She did not think much of this place Alan loved so deeply. “There is the orchard which makes a pleasant place to sit when the weather is fine. Several walking paths, one of which follows along by the rill and another through our woodland. The bluebells will soon be in bloom. ’Tis an enchanting sight.”
She gave him an incredulous glance. Did she realize, this woman who fancied herself so aloof and clever, that her every thought showed in her eyes? The disbelief. The irony. The antagonism.
She strode beside him, measuring her steps to his, but careful not to touch him even by accident.
She was obeying the rule not to touch.
Not but he would nay mind.
Now, from whence had that thought come? They had touched by requirement, aye. It meant nothing to him.
“Charming?” she repeated waspishly.
“Ye will see.” He nodded, telling himself not to feel offended. She’d been abandoned here among strangers. The place where her sister had died.
Well, and so had Robena been abandoned here. Had he lifted a finger to cheer her?
Nay, but Robena had not been his wife.
This woman was.
Not but they’d been constrained, forced to wed one another. Such often happened among their class. Few had the privilege of choosing for love.
Love. Did he still believe in it? No.
Yet he felt an undeniable sense of responsibility toward this woman, if only because she was his wife.
