“A likely declaration from a liar,” Rhodes accused.
“Truth or tale, either way it presents a dilemma,” James said.
“What dilemma?” Rhodes asked. “Disavow the marriage and return Slatter to Lord Tarass.”
“How can the marriage be disavowed when Willow may be with child?” James asked and turned to look at Slatter. “Is there a possibility she can be with child?”
“A strong possibility,” Slatter confirmed without giving a moment’s thought to the consequences. If Willow’s brother thought any other way, their marriage would end and he didn’t want that as foolish a thought as it was.
“It is your decision, not Willow’s,” Rhodes argued, his anger not only flaring in his eyes, but his tone flaring with it as well.
“Willow would have informed you immediately that Lord Ruddock had granted her and her sister Snow their choice of a husband,” James said. “Are you telling me she didn’t explain that to you?”
“She did,” Rhodes said curtly, “but who am I to take her word for it?”
“You have my word now and I suggest you go and inform Lord Tarass about what has happened. Also advise him that I will speak with Willow first and send word when he can speak with her.”
Rhodes glared at James. “Lord Tarass follows no man’s dictate.” He turned and left the room, swinging the door open with such force that it slammed against the wall.
James looked to William who had remained silent. “You have nothing to say.”
“I don’t speak for Lord Ruddock. My task is accomplished with Willow home safely. My men and I will take our leave on the morrow and inform Lord Ruddock what has happened. I am sure he will send a missive to you as soon as he receives the news, though weather may delay it. So it could be weeks before you hear from him.” William gave a nod and left, closing the door behind him.
“I don’t like this at all,” James said, concern in his voice. “Something doesn’t ring right about this, and yet, Willow isn’t one to lie. If she claims you are her husband and will stay her husband, then I have no choice but to believe her.” He looked over Slatter with a questioning glance and shook his head. “Still, I find it difficult to believe she would choose you for a husband.”
“I can understand your misgivings, but I give you my word… I would never harm Willow and I would never allow harm to befall her.”
“Why should I believe the word of a liar?” James asked apprehensively, though caught a gleam in the man’s eyes that couldn’t hide his feelings for Willow.
“I can’t make you believe it, nor do I care if you do. I know it’s true and that’s all that matters to me.” Slatter turned a defiant glare on James. “Willow made it clear that I am her husband and I will remain her husband.”
James stared at Slatter and he knew why, so Slatter wasn’t surprised with what James said.
“Why then does it sound like you doubt your wife’s words?”
“You are tired and need to rest. We will talk tomorrow,” Snow said and gave Willow a hug. “I am so glad you are home.”
“I am too,” Willow said, returning the hug and realizing the truth of her words. She also hadn’t realized just how much she had missed her family.
“Eleanor had Mum and Da’s bedchamber freshened for you. James has still to make use of it.” Snow chuckled softly. “Though, I think we were right about him being taken with Eleanor. He seeks her out more than necessary.”
“Do you think she feels the same?” Willow asked, recalling how she and Snow had seen how the two seemed to be drawn to each other almost from the day Eleanor had arrived here.
“I do. She grows giddy every time their path crosses and he finds chores for her to do that keeps them near,” Snow confirmed.
“I’m glad for them both. He deserves a good woman and Eleanor has proven to be one. She has been a great help here and…” A yawn stole the rest of her words.
“You need to rest,” Snow said, though it sounded like an order.
Willow was surprised and pleased by the strength she heard in Snow. Her absence had been good for Snow. Even though Eleanor had been here to help her, it wasn’t the same as one of her sisters she had grown dependent on.
Eleanor entered the room. “Your husband is bathing. He says when he is done, he will come sit with his grandmother so that you may bathe and rest. I will have a fresh bath prepared for you as soon as he is done. Food and drink also awaits you in your parents’ bedchamber.”
“I am most grateful for that, Eleanor,” Willow said, looking forward to finally having a good washing and donning clean garments.