“Wonderful!” Judith declared and practically ran from the room.
“What was that all about?” Stephen asked, rising and walking toward his wife. He lifted a damp curl from her breast. “You look as enticing as a fresh spring morning.”
She pulled away from him and looked back at the fire.
“Bronwyn, you still aren’t angry about what happened at Hugh’s, are you?”
She turned to face him. “Angry?” she asked coldly. “No, I’m not angry. I was merely foolish, that’s all.”
“Foolish?” he asked, putting his hand on her shoulder. He didn’t mind her rages or even when she took a knife to him nearly as much as he was distressed by this coldness of hers. “How were you foolish?”
She turned to face him. “I had begun to believe that there could be something between us.”
“Love?” he asked, his eyes bright, a smile beginning to curve his lips. “It’s not wrong to admit you love me.”
She curled her lip at him and pushed his hand away. “Love!” she said angrily. “I’m talking about more important things than love between a man and a woman. I’m talking of trust and loyalty and the faith one person must have in another.”
He frowned at her. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I thought love was what most women wanted.”
She sighed in exasperation, and her voice was quiet when she spoke. “When are you going to learn that I am not ‘most women’? I am Bronwyn, the MacArran, and I am unique. Perhaps most women do think love is the major goal of their lives, but I have love. My men love me, Tam loves me. I have friendships with the women of my clan and now even Kirsty, a MacGregor.”
“And where do I fit into this?” Stephen asked, his jaw set.
“I’m sure we do love each other, in our own way. I cared for you when Davey’s arrow wounded you, and you often exhibit that you care for me.”
“Thank you for small favors,” he said grimly. “And here I thought you’d be pleased to hear that I love you.”
She looked at him sharply and felt her heart jump at his words, but she wouldn’t tell him so. “I want more than love. I want something that will last past my smooth skin and my narrow waist.” She paused for a moment. “I want respect. I want honor and trust. I do not want to be accused of being a liar, nor do I want your jealousy. As the MacArran, I must live in a world of men, and I do not want a husband who accuses me of all manner of dishonorable things when I am out of his sight.”
A muscle in Stephen’s jaw worked. “So! I am to stand by and watch man after man touch you and say nothing?”
“I do not believe there has been more than one man. You should have reasoned that there was a purpose behind my actions.”
“Reasoned! Damn you, Bronwyn! How can I think when someone else touches you?”
Rab’s bark kept her from replying.
The door opened a crack. “Is it safe?” Judith asked, watching Rab.
“Come, Rab,” Bronwyn commanded as Judith entered. “He won’t hurt you unless you come at me with a weapon.”
“I’ll remember that,” Judith laughed and held out her arms. Across them lay a gown of deep, rich dark brown velvet, embroidered all over with heavy gold thread. “For you,” she said. “Let’s see if it fits.”
“How…?” Bronwyn began as she held the luscious gown up to her.
Judith smiled secretly. “There’s an awful little man who works for Gavin; Gavin was always locking him in the cellar for all manner of…indiscretions. I decided to use the man’s talents. I gave him a bag of silver, told him how tall you were, and told him to get me a gown worthy of a lady.”
“It’s beautiful,” Bronwyn whispered, running her hands over the velvet. “You’ve been so kind to me, made me feel so welcome.”
Judith was staring at Stephen, who had his back to them. She put her hand on his shoulder. “Stephen, are you all right? You look tired.”
He tried to smile at her and absently kissed her hand. “Perhaps I am.” He turned to Bronwyn. “My brothers would like to meet you,” he said formally. “I would be honored if you’d visit with us.” He turned and left the room.
Judith didn’t ask about what had happened between the newlyweds. She only wanted to make their visit as free of strife as possible. “Come and I’ll help you dress. Tomorrow you should be able to try on the new clothes I’ve ordered for you.”
“New…? You shouldn’t have done that.”
“But I did, so the least you can do is enjoy them. Now let’s see if this fits.”