Page 18 of Marin’s Promise

“So I've been told,” Bran muttered.

Ella glanced to where his hand hovered over the knob of the drawer.

“I think you're a good man despite what you've done.” Catriona appeared from behind her sister and watched him carefully with her large blue eyes, as if expecting him to contradict her.

“You didn't hurt me,” she went on. “I think you only killed Eversham because he would never…” She swallowed hard. “He would have never allowed you to take me. It didn't appear you hurt Marin either. Mayhap…” she pursed her lips. “Mayhap you might let her go?”

“Can I get either of ye to help me with the cook, or the steward? Hell, even the chatelaine?” Bran asked, ignoring the request. “No one will speak with me.”

“Marin would be the only one they will speak with.” Catriona offered a tentative smile. “If you let her free—”

“Catriona! Ella!” A voice hissed from the hallways, and Anice swept into the room. Piquette was at her side, of course, and both cast Bran a cold look.

“This man is not worth our time.” Anice stared at him with the impact of all the scorn a beautiful woman could muster. “Especially considering how he has handled Marin.”

Ella turned contemptuously to him. “He is indeed a vile cur.”

Bran lifted a brow. Vile cur seemed a bit strong. “The lass did try to kill me.” His bland defense fell on deaf ears, however, for at that exact moment, Lady Ella gave a gasp of outrage and snatched up the book from the desk.

“You do not leave them open like this.” She fondly caressed the leather spine where a deep crease showed. “Do you not know how to handle books?”

Apparently, he did not. “I dinna realize there was a certain way.”

She stroked her book while Anice approached, her gaze going from him to the top of the desk where the cat snoozed in front of Bran. “How fitting Bixby should find you.”

“Aye, because he likes rats.” Bran rubbed a hand over the aching muscles of his neck and prayed for patience. God knew he was failing with these daughters of Werrick. “I'd ask ye if ye knew how I might get the servants to speak with me but assume ye'll tell me to speak with Marin.”

“Mayhap you ought to free Marin from imprisonment.” Anice put an arm around each sister and led them to the doorway. “Come, Piquette.”

The dog followed, but Ella glanced over her shoulder before being guided out. “Marin is the heart of Werrick Castle, in more ways than one.”

The heart of Werrick Castle. Bran bit back the bitter laugh. The situation was quickly becoming absurd. Not a damn thing could be done in the castle without Marin's blessing.

He pushed back from his seat. Bixby startled at the sound. If he needed to see Marin for the castle to function, then he would see Marin, but he'd be damned if he released her simply at the nagging of meddlesome women and obdurate servants.

He stalked through the castle, left with no choice but to talk with Marin.