Page 94 of Anice’s Bargain

Anice pressed her lips together and opened her eyes. “Rest now, my love.”

He let his eyes close, having no choice, but to do exactly as she bade.

James woke sometime later and discovered he had been tucked into a comfortable bed. Sleep tried to lure him back to its embrace, but laughter filtered into his room from somewhere below. Women’s laughter. Most likely Anice and her sisters.

Warmth touched his heart at the thought of his wife. His bonny wife. Because after everything they’d been through, he now appreciated what it was to trust the woman he loved.

All the years of rage at Morna’s betrayal eased away. After all, if he had not walked in on her, he might never have known of her infidelity. And he’d never have met Anice.

More laughter trickled in from the window, and James’s lips lifted in a smile at the joyful sounds. They were a family like he had always wanted, one whose bonds went beyond blood. A family willing to accept despite wrongdoings, despite even being a Graham. He had lost a father, but he had gained a family.

“Ye dinna look like ye’re resting.” Drake peered in from the open doorway. He lifted a brow. “Does that mean ye’re ready to spar?”

“Lucky for ye, I canna do it just yet,” James countered. “Mayhap after I’ve moved around a bit, aye?”

Drake came into the room. Sunlight played over his face, highlighting the deep bruises and swelling of his skin. The lad didn’t even seem to notice his own injuries.

“Thank ye.” James nodded up at him. “For protecting Anice.”

“I’ve got sisters.” Drake lifted his shoulders in a helpless shrug. “Several. I’ve been protective of Lord Werrick’s daughters since I met them.”

A shriek sounded below followed by giggles.

“They’re in the garden,” Drake said. ”Do you want to join them?”

James nodded. “More than anything else.”

Drake came to his side and lowered his arm, putting it at the ready for James to use as a brace. “Come on, then. The sooner ye recover, the sooner I can get a new sparring partner.”

* * *

Anice keptan eye on the wild creature scurrying about Ella’s feet. “What is it?”

Ella dropped a bit of food to her new pet and the animal fell on the treat. “Moppet is a squirrel.”

Moppet did not resemble a squirrel. The beast was nearly too large to be one. It stood on its hind legs, fur mussed and standing every which way. It held the food in its one hand, while its shiny black eyes darted about. No doubt seeking out its next victim.

Piquette gave a low growl of warning when the squirrel set its gaze on him. Anice rubbed a loving hand over her dog’s large head. Engelbart had personally brought Piquette to Anice as soon as he’d received notice it was safe to do so. Anice hadn’t known the large dog could run with such haste, but he charged at her like a pup when he first saw her and nearly knocked her to the ground.

“Regardless, I’d prefer you not set Moppet near James while he rests.” Anice glanced up at the castle to gaze at the window of their shared room. It had only been several days since his injury, but he had been resting a considerable amount. Thus far, the fever had not touched him, and she wanted it to stay that way.

Having a corpulent squirrel with a mischievous streak frolicking about on the sheets beside him would be a poor decision.

“He only wishes to help,” Ella offered simply.

Moppet scurried up a tree, settled upon a low branch and flung a berry down at Cat. It bounced off her forehead. She started, then placed a hand over the point of impact and laughed good-naturedly. “He is such a feisty creature. I’m pleased he recovered so well.”

Leila shifted slightly to put herself behind Cat, and out of Moppet’s sight.

“Moppet,” Ella chided. She lifted her hand up and the animal obediently scurried down from the tree and into her arms.

Piquette bristled but remained at Anice’s side. In truth, he never left her anymore. He went about as though he were tethered to her hip, the sweet boy.

Anice laughed at the scene. While she hated her reason for returning to Werrick, it was so good to be home. Everyone was exactly the same as when she’d left. Her father still doted on his daughters and ruled the West March with fairness. Nan ran the kitchen seamlessly, grousing about the new butcher and his attempt to sweeten her disposition with an extra side of venison. William was still as uncompromisingly kind as he was knowledgeable about the castle and its land. Geordie was still madly in love with Cat, and Ella continued to follow the Master of the Horse with doe-eyed longing.

Anice’s world had gone on in another direction, carving her own trail in life, while theirs had continued as it always had. Somehow seeing this, knowing that they would always be here, unchanged, gave her peace at going along her own path. In truth, she was beginning to miss Caldrick Castle. The land had just begun to show shoots to reward the Grahams for their hard work in their fields, and Ingrith had become the confidante Anice had needed. Even the cook’s brusque manner in the kitchen had started to soften toward Anice, and it made him all the more endearing.

A pang hit her heart. She was ready to go home. With her husband. Back to their shared life.