Not a flicker of anger, no hint of irritation in Warren’s ice-colored eyes. William paused. His eyes…
He nearly spoke but Warren offered a polite rise of the lips and filled the quiet first. “She has not told you, for she does not know it herself.”
William scowled and Warren answered the unspoken question. “Anna and her brother Samuel were the fruit of the love between myself and their mother Catanna.”
Dear God, it is true.
Like a flash from heaven, a memory illuminated in his mind. Those striking eyes. He knew he had seen them before. First in Samuel, then Anna. Now Warren. They were his eyes.
“Why has she never known this?” William said, his question sharp.
“When Catanna’s family learned of our love,” Warren answered, “and that she planned to run away with me, they forced her to marry Martin. They did not want her to suffer the life of a gamekeeper’s wife. Martin knew she was with child and accepted her—for her fortune.” Warren’s jaw flexed. “He despised our offspring, knowing they reminded Catanna of me. When she died, he unleashed the fullness of his malice upon them.”
The cold wound its icy fingers through William’s limbs, but the chill that bit curled more from the inside than from without. My dear Anna, what you must have suffered.
“She was forced to marry at sixteen,” Warren went on. “A man older than I, who wished not to have a child. Knowing Anna’s inability to bear children, Martin arranged the marriage and though she tried to escape it, she was forced to live a life of misery for ten years, until her husband died and Martin arranged another.”
William shook his head, recoiling. “Why do you then wish to return her to England?” He balked. “If you truly cared for her then why take her against her will?”
“Any father truly caring for his child would not wish them to remain in such a war-torn land. She is not accustomed to such a life. She never learned the skills needed to survive, let alone thrive, in such a place.” Warren looked past William to the road. “I would not return her to Martin. I would see her safely in England, at a cottage I have prepared for us in the north. Far from anyone who would wish harm upon her.”
The man’s sincerity eased the tension in William’s fists, but not fully. “Though your intentions are benevolent, forcing her away with you is no less violent than what Martin intended.”
Warren bit the inside of his cheek.
“She does not wish to leave,” William said. “She wishes to continue the life she sought here. She is not blind to the dangers. Anna is the most courageous, most honorable, most trustworthy person I have ever known. We wish to build our lives here. Which is why I have come to you for help.”
Dropping his hands to his sides, Warren neared. “Anything.”
“I must first have your word that you will not steal her back to England.”
“You make me ashamed of myself,” Warren said. He looked down then raised his gaze to align with William’s. “I have always wanted to protect my daughter but never could. Then when given the chance I…” A longing clouded the older man’s face. “I give you my word. What would you have me do?”
Tension rising in his blood like a hot spring, William turned toward town. I place my trust in you, Lord. Pray, do not let him take her from me. “We must find a more secure place to talk, for tomorrow I will end the conflict. And I cannot do it without you.”
~~~
Anna leaned into the large barrel by the fire and scooped the last bit of meal from the bottom when a knock on the door pulled her back to standing.
She brushed the back of her wrist against her forehead. “Come in.”
The door creaked open and Kitty entered, brighter than a burst of spring sun. “Good day, Anna.”
“Welcome, Kitty.” Anna rounded the table, relieving her friend of the basket in her arms. “I’m so pleased you’ve come.”
Kitty glanced through the room. “Is William not here? I didn’t see him outside.”
“He said he had business. I assumed he and the other men were occupied with their duties for the war effort.”
“Aye, the munitions of course.” Kitty nodded. “You’ve already started, I can see.”
“Only on the pudding.”
Kitty raised her chin, sniffing the air and smiling. She removed her outer cloak before hanging it on the hook by the door. “It smells magnificent.”
Did it? This morning Anna’s ailments were no less potent than the days previous, and the scent of anything—be it sweet or savory—made her belly defensive. At least she hadn’t lost the few bites of day old bread William had insisted she eat to ease his fears of her becoming too weak.
“I’m pleased you think so, Kitty.” Anna motioned to the chair nearest the fire. “Warm yourself, please.” She quickly turned her attentions to the pudding she’d already placed on the fire. Hunched by the embers, the warmth kneaded her cheeks. “I cannot imagine I am prepared to share my cooking with everyone the way you do.”