Abigail put every bit of loathing she felt at her mothers perfidy in her glare. I was looking for the truth; something difficult to come by in your company.
Sybil dismissed the insult with a sneer. You have no business in here.
By your action, you believe I have no place in this keep at all.
A silent stare answered her accusation, but it spoke more loudly than words could have. Sybil wanted Abigail gone. Pain tore through her, the years of rejection coming together in one moment to pierce her heart with a mortal blow.
When were you going to tell me? Abigail asked, making no effort to modulate her voice.
When I felt it necessary, Sybil replied with dismissive venom.
At the altar? When I stood before a priest to say vows?
Her mothers expression was all the answer Abigail needed. Sybil had had no intention of preparing Abigail for the wedding that was to take place across the Scottish border. Abigail didnt think anything could hurt worse than the betrayal she found between the lines of the kings missive. She had been wrong.
Knowing not only that had Sybil arranged for this marriage, but that she intended Abigail to go into it not only deaf, but blind as well, destroyed the last vestiges of hope of her mothers love to which she had stubbornly clung all this time.
How could you be so cruel? How could any mother set her daughter up so foully?
It is not cruel to secure your future.
Abigail didnt believe the benevolent justification for a second. There is no security in subterfuge.
She should know. She lived in daily fear of being revealed as deaf. Many considered such an affliction the result of demon possession. The Churchs answer to such a circumstance was enough to give Abigail nightmares. Many, many nightmares since her sister left at their kings edict to marry a Highland laird.
You should be grateful. What chance would you have to marry without my machinations? Her mother had the gall to look self-righteous, but Abigail knew better.
Emily wanted me to live with her. I would have been out of your way then. Abigail forced the words out, knowing
Abigail could feel the vibrations in his chest.
Sybils eyes widened in shock and then narrowed in anger, but she left. And at that moment, Abigail craved nothing more.
Sir Reuben said something but clearly was not attempting to communicate with Abigail as he tucked her more firmly against his broad chest. He carried her through the keep to her small bedroom and laid her on the bed.
I have called for Anna to come tend you. He spoke carefully so Abigail could read his lips without effort.
Thank you. She was too distraught to be sure her words had voice, but she hoped he understood.
He sighed, looking guiltywhich surprised her. I should have realized she would not tell you of the wedding.
Not knowing what to say, unsure if she was capable of speech at all, Abigail looked away.
Sir Reuben turned her head back. Listen to me, child.
She gave him a look.
He smiled. He actually smiled. Then read my lips.
She nodded grudgingly, barely moving her head up and down once.
At first, I thought your mothers idea mad, but then we got the first letter from Emily.
Abigail sucked in a betrayed breath. So, her mother had planned this as soon as the rumors had reached them that Emily had wed not the Sinclair, but the Balmoral laird? She had long suspected Sybil wanted to send Abigail, rather than Emilythe stepdaughter she relied on to help her run the keepin response to the kings initial marriage edict.
Only Emily had refused to confirm Abigails fears. She had even acted excited about the prospect of going north. She had promised to send for Abigail as soon as she could.
Now Abigail knew for certain that it had not been Sybils choice to send Emily. She did not know how her stepsister had managed, but Abigail was certain Emily had arranged to be sent in order to protect her from the very outcome she now faced.
Emily . . . It was the only word she could get out.
Chapter 2
She hates me, Abigail whispered, the words burning like acid in her throat and heart.
Sybil is a perfectionist. She put great store in your looks and the probability you would make a good match and advance her aspirations. The fever that took your hearing stole her dreams as well.
Abigail glared, trying to move back from her stepfather, causing pain enough to make her wish she had stayed still.
His shoulders sagged and an expression of deep sadness lurked in his usually commanding eyes. Her behavior was not justified, but none of us are perfect. We often hurt those we love the most when our disappointment is too great to overcome.
Emily had told Abigail a story of when she was little, before her father and Sybil had married. Abigail wondered if he spoke of that time now. It did not matter though. No matter what her mothers reasoning behind her cruelty, it left Abigail in a horrible circumstance.
He will kill me, she said, giving voice to her worst fear.
Sir Reubens shoulders drew back and his pride settled on him like a mantle. I would not allow it if I thought there was even a remote chance of such a thing.