The table had erupted, and Marjorie was mortified. She hadn't expected his family would need to beg Cormac to help her. The blood pounded in her cheeks.
“Declan's place is here,” Gregor continued firmly. “And so it falls to you, Cormac. In any case, you, more than any of us, are suited to this. The famed scout and spy? Who better to trawl Justice Port for rumors of a shipload of indentured laborers. ”
Marjorie studied Cormac's face. The candlelight caught the scar at his temple. It winked in the light, before falling back into shadow.
Cormac curled his lip. Slowly, he shook his head.
“Marjorie's mother was our mother's dearest friend. You will do this for her. ” Gregor leaned forward, his usually jovial manner forgotten. “Mother would have wished it. ”
This was going too far. Marjorie had simply wanted to make Cormac think she'd put herself in danger. Spur him to action.
Cormac tensed. “Think twice before you invoke our mother. ” He blinked for a long moment. “You know as well as I that the boy is gone. ”
Such dark words, so casually spoken. It shot a fresh spear of dread through her belly.
“He might not be gone. ” Bridget reached over to pat Marjorie's hand.
“No,” Cormac said evenly. “The boy is gone. The world is cruel. It's time for Marjorie to accept it once and for all. ”
He only spoke about Marjorie, not to her. Why wouldn't he address her? Did he blame her that much, hold her that accountable for the loss of Aidan? The loss of his mother?
“You will take a few days,” Gregor ordered. “Go with her to Aberdeen, have a look around the docks. ” Marjorie sat frozen. She couldn't endure the fact that he wouldn't voluntarily help her. “No, truly,” she stammered. She'd wanted his help, but not like this. “I'm able to do this myself. ” Gregor stared at his brother. “He'll come to his senses, won't you, Cormac?” Cormac gave her a cold look. If he hadn't hated her before, he'd surely hate her now, for putting him in this position. He was a proud man, and she'd set him up to take orders from his older brother.
Whatever it was she'd started, she needed to follow through now or seem a fool. But first she needed to get out of there. Cormac's glare told her there was no changing his mind. It seemed she really was going to the Aberdeen docks. By herself.
She dabbed her mouth then meticulously folded her napkin. “I'm afraid I shall have to excuse myself. ”
“Marjie, wait,” Bridget said.
Marjorie got up quickly, meeting nobody's eye. She managed a shaky laugh. “Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be returning to Aberdeen… “
When?
An image of Davie came to her. Two missing teeth and perpetually soiled cheeks. His eyes were bright, always with a smile for “Marjrey. ”
She needed Cormac's help, no matter the cost.
She braved a glance his way. He fisted his dinner knife as though ready to run someone through.
She had no choice but to force his hand.
“I'll leave tomorrow. If you'd be so kind as to lend me those trews?” She flicked a glance at Declan, catching his wide green eyes, and then fled the room.
Cormac stalked to the kitchens to forage for food. His appetite had fled the table with Marjorie, and now his empty belly was paying the price.
But he'd been furious. Furious his world had been so upended. That his entire family appeared set on forcing him to do their will. Furious at Marjorie's daft plan. And furious at himself for not being the man worthy of her.
Because he would make all her pain go away if he could. He'd take her and help her, and make it all better. But he was unable. He was his own mass of pain, a great black nexus of despair. Were he to go with her to Aberdeen, he'd be the one forced to show her how this Davie was gone forever.
And were he to go so far as to claim her as his own? To take her and claim her as he'd wished for his entire life? His own darkness would eventually destroy her.
He was about to step through the door when he heard hushed voices.
“Truly, I will,” Marjorie said.
The sound of her stilled him, as it always did. Like a damned buck catching a scent, Cormac froze.
“Are you certain you won't let me help?” his sister asked her. “I'll be simply devastated if something untoward comes to pass. ” There was a rustling. “I am so sorry about Cormac. He really hasn't been himself since coming back from the wars. ”