The Damaged Bride

Chapter 20

With a brilliant smile on her face, she loosed the ribbon holding it together and produced a fine new linen shirt.

“Moira bought the linen for one of my dresses, but I thought it far too fine for myself,” Bridgette explained, offering Marcus the garment. “I used one of your old shirts as a guide, and Christine helped me with the stitches. I hope you like it.”

Taking the proffered article he turned it around, admiring the stitch work, noticing the intricate patterns of thistles worked into the cuffs.

“It’s very nice,” he said, handing it back. “I have to go speak to several of my tenants at the moment. Would you take this up to my chambers?”

“Of course my lord,” she said, her smile growing wider.

“Well then,” Marcus said, “I must get back to work.”

“Thank you my lord,” Bridgett said, watching in awe as he walked away.

Turning back, Marcus looked at her puzzled, as if he was trying to decide something. Pausing a moment, he turned and walked back to stand in front of her.

“Bridgette,” he said softly, running his fingers over the fabric of his new shirt, “I think, perhaps you could stop calling me ‘my lord’. We are married after all.”

“Then what should I call you?” she asked, looking into his eyes.

“I think you could call me Marcus if you like,” he replied, moving his finger from the fabric to her soft, pink cheek.

Seeing her in the full light of the Fall sun with no clouds to obscure the light, he was shocked to see that her face was completely healed. Not a blemish remained of the beating her grandfather had given her.

“I had not noticed how well you look,” he said softly, running his finger across her soft skin.

Bridgette leaned her face into his caress, loving the feel of his hand as it cupped her cheek. It was absolutely wonderful to feel him touch her so gently.

Seeing the look on her face, and understanding its expression, Marcus quickly withdrew it.

“I have to go now,” he said quickly, hastening away.

The way she'd looked at him, as if he were a hero of legend sent to save her made him uneasy.

He couldn't afford to deal with a doe-eyed wife who mistook his kindness for anything more than what it was.

Marcus hoped with all his heart that Bridgette would remember their arrangement as he had laid it out to her on their wedding night, and not delude herself into thinking he had come to care for her.