Page 78 of A Touch So Wicked

“Bloody hell, Damian! I’ve told countless women I’d marry them. ’Tis all part of the game.”

“Not to Maggie, it isn’t. She’s not one of your London doxies. She’s Elissa’s kinswoman and ignorant of the games men play. I won’t allow you to dishonor her.”

Dickon half rose from his chair. “Like you dishonored Elissa? We’re one of a kind, Damian. Bloody hell, we’ve even shared women. Elissa is no different from the dozens of other women you’ve bedded.”

“There’s a big difference, Dickon. I’m going to make Elissa my wife, so be careful what you say about her.”

Dickon fell back into his chair, a stunned expression on his face. “You’re marrying Elissa? Are you mad? The king will use your ballocks for target practice. I hope you’re prepared to lose Misterly and everything else you’ve been given.”

“Perhaps it won’t come to that,” Damian ventured. “I want her, Dickon. I’ve never wanted a woman more than I want Elissa.”

“I beg you. Keep her as your mistress but don’t defy the king. I’ve been your friend a long time and I care what happens to you.”

“Forget about me and Elissa. Let’s talk about you and Maggie. Do you care for her?”

“I’m not ready to let this drop yet,” Dickon said bluntly. “Has Elissa agreed to marry you?”

“She will. Enough, Dickon. I’ve made my decision; there’s nothing more to discuss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the village.”

Dickon stared pensively after Damian as he strode away. Why was his friend being so stubborn about this? The king’s anger wasn’t to be taken lightly. When he saw Maggie enter the hall, his thoughts scattered and he hurried after her.

Elissa prowled her chamber like a restless cat, Damian’s parting words still echoing in her brain.

If anyone carries my child, ’tis you.

Could it be true? She pressed a hand against her flat stomach. It was far too soon to tell, but she seriously doubted she carried Damian’s bairn, and she intended for it to remain that way. Just because Nan seemed to think she carried a bairn didn’t make it so.

Aware that she couldn’t hide in her chamber forever, Elissa left her room, and met Sir Brody and her mother in the passageway.

“Elissa,” Marianne greeted excitedly. “Sir Brody has arranged for a pony cart to take me to the village. I wanted to see for myself how our clansmen are faring. Would you like to come along?”

“That’s a wonderful idea, Mama,” Elissa enthused. “Shall we take Lora with us?”

“She’s already there. Lachlan invited her to spend the day with his family.”

The cart was waiting for them in the courtyard. Sir Brody lifted Marianne onto the seat while Elissa climbed in and took up the reins. “I can drive the cart, Sir Brody,” Elissa said. “No need for you to tag along.”

“Are you sure, my lady? Lord Damian said…”

“I donna care what Lord Damian said. I’m perfectly capable of driving myself and Mama to the village.”

“We’ll be fine,” Marianne concurred.

Though still skeptical, Sir Brody buckled beneath Marianne’s sweet smile. He bowed and backed away. “If you have no further need of me, I shall return to my duties.”

Elissa had no idea if Damian would approve of her leaving the keep, and she didn’t care. She was so happy to see her mother take an interest in life again that she wouldn’t miss the chance of an outing for anything.

Elissa handled the cart with ease as she drove along the winding road to the village, elated at her mother’s renewed interest in life. Before Damian had arrived at Misterly, Elissa was convinced her mother was on her deathbed. Admittedly, Damian had made a difference since becoming the Lord of Misterly. Even her kinsmen had become energized and more mindful of their responsibilities. Damian might be a hated Englishman, but he had brought stability and purpose to Misterly.

Elissa wondered what would happen to them if the king stripped Damian of his title and lands. Damian shouldn’t have been so quick to send Kimbra away. From what Elissa had heard about the Hanover king and those who served him, they were unforgiving when crossed.

“You’re quiet, daughter,” Marianne said. “Is your head hurting?”

“My head is fine, Mama,” Elissa assured her. “I was just wondering what will become of us should Damian lose Misterly.”

Marianne’s brow puckered. “Pray that willna happen. We could get a new lord less agreeable than Lord Damian.”

“There’s the village up ahead,” Elissa said excitedly. “It seems like forever since I’ve been there. Shall we visit the shops first? Damian said most had survived the fires.”