Druce had a hand on the woman, keeping her in the doorway. But she spoke softly, mindful of Anne’s need for rest. Her face looked similar to Anne’s. She lifted her arms, showing him how to hold his son.
“Are ye Anne’s mother?”
There was a harsh note in his voice that she didn’t miss.
“Yes, and I knew nothing of this until Philipa locked me in this solar with Anne.” She shrugged, but Druce didn’t release her until Brodick nodded approval. Leaving the bed, Brodick moved toward her to allow his wife to rest.
“I’d have turned myself out before seeing my own child suffering for my choices.” She shook her head sadly. “But Anne has a pure heart. It’s better than I deserve for allowing her to be born out of wedlock.”
“I dinnae care.”
Anne shifted, muttering in her sleep. Brodick stepped through the doorway, Anne’s mother following.
“You’re a good man then. ’Tis grateful I am to you.”
Brodick grinned as the baby opened his puffy eyelids, showing off blue eyes. Brodick could feel the heartbeat against his forearm, could see the tiny chest filling with the breath of life. It was by far the most touching experience he’d ever had.
“Then there is something you may help me with, madam.” Brodick looked at Druce and Cullen.
“Assemble the staff and retainers. Bring Mary. I’m going to make sure there’s no doubt about the fact that she didnae birth this child.”
It was harsh, but no more than the noble daughter deserved.
“As you say, my lord.” Ivy lowered her head before leaving the chamber.
Druce grinned. “Well now, let me look at the laddie.”
Cullen joined him as they chuckled and teased him about being old enough to have a family.
If having a family meant he was old, he was content with his lot.
Anne awoke in Brodick’s arms. He cradled her body as surely as he had their son.
“Easy, lass, I’m sorry to disturb ye, but ye’ll nae be sleeping in that room that served as yer prison.”
Anne didn’t have any energy to reply. Her hand pressed against his chest and she smiled when she felt his steady heartbeat. A few moments later he swept her into another room. One of the large chambers that had been empty for as long as she could recall. Her sleepy brain awoke as she noted all the fine touches added. Carpets and scented candles. She could smell rosemary in the air now. It was always used after a birth to help the mother gain strength. No one knew why, only that it had always been that way.
“This is a much better bed. One that disnae look at walls that ye had to see as a prison.”
Brodick settled her in a lavish, double-sized bed with a canopy and curtains. The fireplace was lit with a cheery blaze that warmed her nose. A cradle was placed at the foot of the bed but she heard her son fussing as her mother brought him into the room.
“Here now, Anne, your son is hungry.”
Brodick pushed a few plump pillows behind her back as Ivy placed the baby in her arms. Ivy looked at Brodick for a moment.
“I’m nae leaving, woman. This is something I’ve been waiting to see for three years. Me family.”
Anne gazed into his eyes when Ivy settled the baby near her breast. There was nothing but happiness, nothing else at all.
If that meant she was insane, so be it.
She was in love.
Chapter Fourteen
The bells rang near noon the next day. The riders approaching rode with the banners of the Earl of Warwickshire. Brodick boldly met the man on his own front steps. The older man didn’t lack any strength. He dismounted and yanked his riding gauntlets off with a snarl.
“Where’s that bitch I’m married to?”
His voice bounced off the walls. Everyone froze, never having heard the master of the house publicly curse his wife.
The earl looked up. “McJames, I owe you a great deal for ferreting out this scheme. I swear I’ll do right by the dowry.” He climbed the steps, stopping to offer his hand to Brodick.
Brodick stood for a moment, feeling the eyes of the estate on him. He clasped the man’s wrist and there was a mutter of approval from those watching.
“I suppose ye’ll nae be cross with me for locking yer wife and daughter up. I wanted to make sure they didnae manage any more mischief before ye arrived to deal with them.”
“I’d not have cared if you drowned them like the demon felines they are.”
“I’ll leave that task to you.” Brodick walked into the castle with the earl. They climbed the stairs to the mistresses’ chambers where two of Brodick’s men stood guard.
“But there is someone I’d like ye to meet first.” Brodick opened the door slowly, taking care that the hinges didn’t squeak. The Earl of Warwickshire followed him inside frowning when he faced Ivy.