He walked off, not saying another word. She did not doubt he would keep his word, but one look at Cadell told a different tale. And the way he grinned at her and scurried off, she was certain he was going to find Lawler and report what had gone on between her and Brogan. What then? Would the decision be taken from Brogan? Had she placed herself in a precarious situation?
She ignored the whispers and stares as she made her way home. Bliss had to be told what she had done, told of her foolishness. She hoped nothing would come of it, but something warned her otherwise.
Annis entered the cottage, ready to confess all until she saw the look of despair on her sisters’ faces. “Tell me,” she said, fearful of the news.
Bliss detailed her visit to Cumina.
“That does it. You are not going to the witch in the hills for help,” Annis ordered when Bliss finished. “There is no telling what she will want from you in return for her help. You will not take such a dangerous chance.”
“I agree with Annis,” Elysia said. “Besides, we may be spared being chosen, then there will be no need for worry. No attention has been paid to me or Bliss. You, Annis,” —Elysia shook her finger at her— “need to stay out of Lord Brogan’s sight.”
Annis scrunched her face. “I had a slight problem with that today.”
Bliss gripped her chest, a pain of worry squeezing at her. “What happened?”
“Lord Brogan and I shared a few words, but I asked him if he wished to wed me—”
“What?” Bliss and Elysia said in unison.
“Do not get upset. I purposely asked him to remind him that his interest in me could very well earn him a wife… a wife he did not want. He agreed and told me he would not trouble me again,” Annis explained and lowered her head, her eyes unable to meet her sisters’.
“What are you not telling us?” Bliss asked, worry gripping stronger at her heart.
Annis looked from one sister to the other. “The man with Lawler… Cadell. He witnessed our exchange, but I do not believe he heard what I asked Brogan about marrying me.”
“Good God,” Bliss said and dropped down on one of the three chairs at the table.
“Something else you should know. Duff told me I cannot work with him any longer. The men complained that I purposely made them look like fools and they refuse to have me around,” Annis said and dropped down on one of the other chairs, upset over losing the work she so enjoyed.
Bliss reached out and laid her hand over Annis’s, giving it a comforting squeeze. “I am so sorry, Annis. I know how much that work meant to you, not to mention Duff’s friendship.”
“He will not even want to be seen with me now, for fear of what the men will think. I do not know what I am going to do. The chieftain will make sure I am given a woman’s chore and I will go completely mad.”
“I should mention what happened to me today,” Elysia said, joining her sisters at the table.
Bliss’s worry mounted.
“Clyde came here knowing full well you were not here—to talk to me, so he said. He would have forced his way into the cottage if it had not been for Saber. He grabbed Clyde by the throat and made it clear by his actions alone that he was to leave and not return. Then Saber escorted me back inside. I had fixed him a brew for his throat to help him regain his voice, and he sat for some time drinking it. I also had him take s spoonful of the bramble berry syrup, then I encouraged him to return each day to take both in hopes that it will heal his throat and restore his voice.”
Bliss rubbed her brow, a dull ache starting. “Tongues will wag about that, but Saber does seem a good man.”
Elysia was quick to defend him. “He is and well-mannered when with me.”
“You favor Saber,” Annis said with a teasing smile.
“Do you, Elysia?” Bliss asked, pleased that at least one of them might have found favor with a good man.
Elysia blushed, which of course had Annis teasing her all the more.
“Your cheeks bloom red. Goodness, you do like him.” Annis kept her grin but pointed an accusing finger at Elysia. “But is he not too big for you? Would he not squash you in bed?”
“Annis!” Bliss scolded.
Elysia’s blush deepened. “Though large in size, he seems a kind man.”
“And he is quiet,” Annis said, trying to hide her laugh.
“Annis,” Bliss scolded again. “That is not nice to say when you know he has lost his voice.”
“Well that does work for Elysia. She prefers quiet, and what is better than a husband who cannot complain or yell at his wife?”