Page 14 of Anice’s Bargain

Ella tilted her head in ponderous consideration. “To me, he seemed conflicted.”

Anice wrapped the remainder of the meat to share with Leila and Papa. Little more than a knot-sized amount remained. “What do you mean?”

“He stated he didn’t approve of the siege.” Ella shrugged. “And yet he was still there. Either he was attempting to placate us by wiping himself free of culpability for his association, or he lacks conviction.”

Ella’s explanation implied Anice’s future husband was either a turncoat or a coward. And while that might bother some women, Anice was simply happy to have her family fed.

For now, at least.

* * *

Reivers were alwaysready to be on the move, even when they’d been stationary for months. James’s life was a nomadic one, filled with constant movement and no real place to plant roots. If nothing else, he hoped this union would offer his clan a much-needed change.

The reivers had cleared their camped position around Werrick Castle, despite the driving rain, leaving patches of the wet ground scarred by evidence of their occupation. When James entered the castle once more, he found Anice waiting for him with Piquette and the earl by her side. Another man stood with them, with reddish-brown hair and a face with creases at the corners of his eyes as though he smiled often.

Piquette’s tail wagged with such excited ferocity, it rocked the dog’s massive body back and forth. He appeared the only one eager to see James and his father.

The earl regarded them with his lips tucked downward in a sour expression. “Per the agreement, we bid you welcome to Werrick Castle.” Lines of tension wrinkled his forehead contrary to his civil tone. “I assumed you would prefer to look over your newfound wealth upon arrival. This is my steward, William.”

His final words were hard with bitterness, not that James could blame the man. In one day, he’d lost a daughter and a portion of his fortune to his most hated enemy.

The man with reddish-brown hair offered a slight smile at the introduction and nodded his head.

“I dinna care to see.” James shifted the weight of his pack onto his shoulders. “But I’d like to be shown to my room.”

“Ye may no’ wish to see,” Laird Graham said. “But I do.”

The older man’s claim did not surprise James. Nor did the earl or his steward appear surprised.

The earl inclined his head toward James. “I will call a servant.”

“That isn’t necessary.” Anice waved James toward her. “I will show him to the guest chamber.”

The earl frowned. “I do not think that would be appropriate.”

“Forgive me, Papa, but I do not see any of this as being appropriate.” She lifted her brows. “Besides, Piquette will accompany us.” She stroked the dog’s large square head. With the ease of one who always got what they wanted, she turned to James. “Follow me.”

The earl settled a hard stare on James in silent warning and motioned for Laird Graham and the steward to join him.

James lifted his bag and made his way beside Anice. He wanted this time with her. Alone again. Where mayhap she might elaborate more on what she’d said earlier.

“You do not wish to see your fortune?” Anice slid him a long stare as if she expected him to react. “Interesting.”

“It was my da who wanted it, no’ me.”

“What did you want?”

“To stop the siege.” He adjusted the weight of his heavy pack from digging into his right shoulder. “How did ye acquire Piquette? He doesna seem like the typical lady’s dog.”

“We are not in a typical location.” Anice’s hand reached out and stroked Piquette’s large head. The beast immediately gazed up with adoration, his jowls swinging with each step. “As you know the border can be a dangerous place. Our castle was breached once, and the destruction was…harrowing.” She paused, her gaze lost somewhere else. Her jaw clenched tight as she continued on.

James tightened his grip on his bag. He knew well what she spoke of, but from a victor’s perspective. The raid had been traumatic for the people of Werrick Castle. He thanked God he had not been old enough at the time to join his clan in the attack.

“Papa immediately set to building the castle wall to ensure our safety,” she continued. “To keep out those who would attack women and children.”

Implication laced her statement like poison. She was obviously referring to reivers, and more specifically the Grahams.

The reivers still told tales of their great spoils of war from that night, prior to being run off by the remaining soldiers. Ever since, his clan had been clamoring to get back in while the earl did everything in his power to keep them out.