Page 26 of The Last Warrior

“Oh?”

“Though the child will not be my own, I would like to come to know him. If I am to be a father, then I should like to see him, if only so he might become familiar with a man and what is expected of a man in the society he finds himself. I will not try to possess him or take him from you.”

“And if it’s a girl?”

“I would like to come to know her, as well.”

“You realize I intend to return to England after the babe’s birth?”

“I do. Do you agree?”

“Are you expecting to come with me back to England?”

“Hiya.”

“And, am I right? This word means no?”

“It means no. Are we in agreement?”

“Yes.”

“Good,” he uttered softly. “Do you have a father or brother whom I should seek to gain permission?”

“No, not here. My father and mother are in England.”

“They know you are here? You did not run away?”

“They know I am here.”

He nodded. “And the Song Bird, the one the whites call Irena, is she a relation to you?”

“She is my grandmother.”

“Your grandmother…” He arched a brow. “She looks good for a grandmother. I am glad, though, to learn she is not your mother. For a man must not speak to his mother-in-law and must avoid her by all possible means. Irena is a friend, and we have had many conversations. I would not like to have to avoid her because of marrying you.”

“No. I should think this would not be pleasant. So, if Irena were my mother, you would really have to avoid her?”

“Hau, you are correct. A man must not look at his mother-in-law, nor should he speak to her. But gifts can be sent to show one’s respect.”

“How strange.”

“It is not strange,” he defended. “To talk to the mother of one’s wife would be very unusual, I think. It makes for ill relations in the family.”

Suzette tilted her head to the side. “How peculiar. You are an odd one, I must say. But I am bound to marry you anyway…” she sent him a surreptitious glance, “…on the pure understanding, of course, of our marriage being in name only.”

“Hau. I have not misunderstood you or your desires on this matter. But I think you forget one point, and perhaps a good point.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Once you become accustomed to my kisses, you may find it difficult to leave me…” Without any further conversation, he leaned toward her and kissed her soundly on the lips.

Chapter

Eight

The wedding ceremony was short, as well as grudgingly done. The chaplain, Reverend Hopkins, was proving to be anything but cooperative. It seemed that in regards to the prejudices between the whites and the Indians, Black Lion had indeed been accurate. In truth, were it not for the derringer Suzette carried in her purse, the ceremony would likely have not taken place at all.

The only witness to the affair was Mrs. Hopkins, who stood off to Suzette’s side, where she was tut-tutting and muttering to herself. The word “savage” was distinctly heard now and again.