Part 55 (1/2)

The oldest of the women stepped forward. Her nose was long and pocked as old cheese, her lips fleshy, her eyes hard black stone.

”She's come to verify your virginity. She brought friends, to hold you down, if necessary.”

Fayth looked from the women to Ridley. Her mind raced, but for once, no solutions presented themselves. There were too many of them and she was hurt. Hopelessness washed over her in waves, her bandaged hands clenched tightly at her sides.

Ridley regarded her curiously, stroking the golden brown hairs of his pointed beard. He turned to the women and the guards. ”Leave us.”

He watched the door until it closed behind them, leaving the two of them alone. Ridley turned back to her, his gaze a.s.sessing. ”I care little if you f.u.c.ked the red reiver but throwing it in Carlisle's face was unwise.”

Fayth winced at his crude term.

Ridley's brows raised. ”Ah, I see how it is.” He shook his head, smiling slightly. ”These Maxwell brothers must be sorcerers, the way they ensnare women.”

”There's no sorcery involved. Only honor and truth, courage and loyalty. Things you know nothing about.”

Ridley laughed, slightly incredulous. ”Jesus G.o.d, you've been seduced. I didn't think it possible.”

Fayth knew there was no point in arguing or reasoning with her brother. He would be neither swayed nor inclined to grant favors. He was visiting her for a reason and would come to it sooner if she remained quiet.

”You see that I speak the truth now? I've known where Mona is since she left Graham Keep, she and her fatheaded knight.”

Fayth darted a look at him, not remembering seeing Sir Patrick, but then she'd been in no condition to observe much. She would be sure to tell Alex when she saw him again. Please, Lord, let me see him again.

”Oh, aye. He was there. Sniffing after her like a hound.” Ridley's lips curled as he turned inward. After a moment he seemed to shake himself and crossed to the cabinet beneath the window. He set his velvet-wrapped parcel on it. ”This is for you to wear to the wedding. I found it below in Alexander's little treasure trove. Did you know of that?” When she ignored him, staring straight ahead, he said, ”I see you did.”

He approached her with a bemused frown. ”You're unusually subdued.” His gaze dropped to her hands. ”Are you in pain?” He paused, visually inspecting her. ”There are things that will dull the pain. Those things will also make your wedding night more bearable.”

Fayth could take no more. ”Enough! Why are you here? What do you want?”

He threw his head back and laughed. ”That's more like my wee sister.” He crossed his arms over his chest. ”I do want something.”

”No?” Fayth exclaimed in mock surprise.

”I want no trouble from you. Go through with the wedding ceremony, say your vows, and lie like a dead fish in Carlisle's bed tonight. You cannot escape your fate-as even you should understand by now. Just cooperate, for once, and be done with it.”

”And what do I get?”

”If you comply, it's less likely your husband will beat you.” His gaze darted to her hands, his brows raising meaningfully. ”It appears you've been brutalized enough. Save yourself some unblemished skin.”

”Is that all?”

He shook his head. ”I will send the midwife away-after she reports to Carlisle that you were lying. That you're still a virgin. I trust you can fake virginity tonight? I will supply you with blood for the sheets.”

Fayth shuddered, choking down the miserable sobs that rose in her chest. Ridley's choices were not choices at all, but one horror in exchange for another.

”Ridley, please,” Fayth said, doing that which she'd sworn to herself she'd never do-beg. ”I love Alex. Don't make me do this. I ask you as a brother, have you any love for me at all?”

Ridley came to her, his brow furrowed, and placed a hand on the top of her head, smoothing it over and over her hair. Fayth resisted the urge to jerk away from him.

Finally, he dropped his hand and shook his head. ”No, I think not.”