Kiera shivered at the thought of the whip. It only happened once. She had scars, though they were light. She never wished to see a whip in use again, though she agreed with the punishment.
“She wouldna have taken the coin otherwise,” she said.
“He complained that a whipping would injure him too much and so would take food from the mouths of his own bairns. His wife just birthed his seventh daughter, which is why he couldn’t demand his marital rights,” said Duff. “His words, not mine. Mistress Hetty said there were whispers he’d done it afore but none came forward, as they, too, had been forced to take money here and there.”
“So all he lost was some coin.”
Duff’s chuckle made her bounce on his chest. “Not at all. Malcolm took the lash to him. He can make a man scream in pain without cutting his back to ribbands. His body was punished yet he could still work.”
“And the woman? Are the villagers angry with her?”
“Nay doubt, but one of yer father’s guards asked if she and her bairns could return to Castle Leod with them. Laird MacKenzie liked that she spoke well, stood up for herself, and didna ask for too much.”
“I carried her wee lassie on my horse most of the way to Castle Leod,” said Malcolm softly. “I’ve not seen many bairns, and she made me think of the babe ye be carrying.”
“You wish for a son, aye?”
“Yer father wishes for a son. I’d like a wee lassie with yer eyes and smile.”
She lifted her head, smiling at the praise.
“See, Duff. I told ye Kiera’s smile lights up the room more than a fire.”
The bolt struck her heart, and she knew.
During the day Malcolm seemed harsh and unyielding. He needed to be. But in here he showed his true self, one that understood why a woman could be forced to act the whore to save her children, and not judge her harshly for it. A man who could carry a little one on his saddle for days and find joy in it was one to love.
She laid her head on Duff’s chest and closed her eyes. She couldn’t tell them, or let them know she loved them both. They’d made it clear they knew nothing of love. What her father and mother had was unusual, though she doubted either of them had ever spoken of it.
She would be the perfect dutiful wife in public. Modest, obedient, and calm. In this chamber she would be as she chose, which was a totally different person. If the three of them could get along well, respecting and caring for one another, it would be enough.
No, it wouldn’t. But it would have to be.
Chapter Nine
“I am glad to have a day of rain to sit and mend.” Bessie sighed in contentment. “’Tis so peaceful here in yer solar. Ye can barely hear the noise of the bailey.”
“’Tis glad I am to sit!” Kiera settled on her padded chair and picked up Malcolm’s old shirt. “I’m wondering if ’twould be best to turn this to another use.” She held up the threadbare garment. “If Malcolm stretched his muscles ’twill rip apart.”
“Yer men have put on muscle.”
“Aye, they had little food at Duncladach.” She thought of her rear and frowned. “I’ve put on weight as well.”
“Aye, I heard Master Duff say so to the laird.” Bessie dimpled. “He says all the stairs are putting an extra curve to yer arse, though he misses the jiggles.”
“Well, there’s enough jiggling here to make them happy.” Kiera lifted her growing breasts, making Bessie smile. “’Twas such a surprise to see you here, Bessie. I never kenned you’d leave your home.” Kiera paused. “I expect since you’ve never married or had a babe ’twas easier to leave?”
“I left my home as a wee lassie with my mam when Lady Elizabeth Stewart married yer father.” Bessie peered closely at the cloth in her hand. “Mam taught me, so I was often with Lady Elizabeth. After she died...well, yer father was lonely, and I was there...”
Kiera’s jaw dropped. When her mother died she’d been so tied up in her own grief and busy with taking over the household that she’d not noticed much beyond her own work. Bessie ducked her red face.
“The laird kenned ’twas best I leave with ye. He had Lady Silean...” She cleared her throat. “Please, my lady, dinna send me away.”
“Send you away for comforting my father? Never.” She patted the older woman’s hand. “You kenned me when I was a lass. You’re the only one I trust to speak your mind.”
Bessie’s breath shuddered when she exhaled. She wiped the corners of her eyes with her knuckles. “Thank ye, my lady. I was feared of keeping it from ye, and of telling ye.”