Maddie stared at her hands and bit her lower lip. “Well, he did kiss me last night.”
Alice reached for Maddie, “And, how do you feel about that?”
Maddie glanced up sharply, her gaze connecting with Alice’s keen eyes. “I am so torn, Alice! When I am in his arms, it feels so nice. He is a gentle, kind man. But last night, when he kissed me, I started remembering Niles and what he did to me.” Madeline hung her head again. “And I hit him, Alice. The man must hate me now. How could he ever forgive me?”
Alice pulled Madeline’s hands into her warm ones. “Mayhap you should try explaining to him what has happened to you in the past. I am sure he would understand your fears, and tread more carefully with you.”
“But for what purpose?” Maddie stood quickly and paced before the hearth. “I am no longer a maiden, what could he possibly want with me? I have no dowry. He could do much better than me.”
“You are a wonderful young lady that would do any man proud, Madeline.” Alice said fiercely. “You have noble blood in you, and if your father was still alive, he would be arranging a marriage just such as this for you. And if Alexander Grant is half the man I think he is, he will not care about your maidenhood under the circumstances. You are a beautiful, kind-hearted woman that can give him many strong sons. But be honest with him. Do not try to deceive him, no good will come of it.”
“Alice, may I ask you a personal question?” Maddie sat at her side again.
“Of course you may. I hope I can answer it for you.”
Maddie looked down at her lap, and sighed in frustration. “How do you tolerate the marriage bed?”
Alice reached over and tipped her chin up, “Maddie, look at me, child. The marriage bed is a wonderful thing between two people who love each other. It is a sharing of your love. Most men treat their wives with love and respect. It is not at all what you were forced to experience. Niles tied you to the bed, did he not?”
“How did you know? And don’t all husbands do that to their wives?” Her voice broke with emotion as she turned her head in shame.
“I saw the raw marks at your wrists and ankles. That is unnatural and Alexander Grant is not that kind of man. I believe he will be a gentle, caring husband. Look how gentle and caring he was with me.”
There was a knock on the door and Mac entered. Maddie leaned down and kissed Alice’s cheek. “Thank you, Alice. I think your husband needs to see you. We will talk later.”
Maddie smiled as she witnessed the genuine affection between Mac and Alice. They still gazed at each other with such love after all these years. Could she ever dream of the same thing for herself?
She thought of Alice’s words as she walked down the corridor and the stairs. Reaching the great hall, she noticed very few people. Sitting down to break her fast, she beckoned to Brenna sewing in front of the hearth.
“Good morning, Brenna. Where is everyone?” She broke off a piece of bread and bit into it.
“Alex has taken a group of men to scout the area for signs of your stepbrother. He wants to be ready in case there is an attack.”
“Oh, I am so worried.” Madeline put down her bread and wrung her hands in her lap. “I hope no one is hurt.”
“Well, I do. I hope something happens to your stepbrother. The man is a menace. If he isn’t stopped now, he will only get worse. He is a threat to our peaceful living. My brother has pledged to the king to keep peace in this land. Alex is no’ worried. He has more men, better trained than either the Comming’s or your stepbrother’s. When your father was chief, he had a mighty guard, but many of his men have left for other clans. We have taken in some and Robbie says they have tales to tell. I know he is your kin, Maddie, but I am sorry. He is naught but trouble.”
A passing servant handed Maddie a bowl of porridge, covered with honey. “Do not apologize. I know my stepbrother’s harsh ways.”
What could be done with her stepbrother? He should not be laird. Now his maliciousness would spread outside his own keep. He did need to be stopped. But how?
***
Darkness grew before the men returned. Alex strode into the keep with his brothers at his side, many of his guardsmen close behind, his chain mail on and his sword at his side. Maddie marveled at what an impressive sight he made, massive with all his gear, his dark hair curled slightly at his collar, his finely chiseled jaw darkened with the day’s stubble. When he was focused, his gray eyes turned dark and never wavered. According to Mac, he had a reputation for making men cringe just from the way he looked at them.
Maddie’s breath caught as his presence commanded her attention. He was so fierce and proud. She couldn’t take her gaze from him as he advanced toward her. No wonder the lasses of the clan stared at him. He was very pleasing to the eye.