"So, I have a brother." I did not soften my words with a preamble.
Father looked up from the table where he was eating, with half a leg of reived mutton before him and a flagon of good claret. "You have a brother," he confirmed. I could tell by the narrowing of his eyes that he expected me to lay blame on him. I could not do that after my experience with Hugh.
"I always wanted a brother," I said and saw Father"s expression soften.
"We all need kin," he said.
I nodded at that. "I think there is more you need to tell me, Father." I slid onto a bench opposite him, folding my skirt neatly beneath me. "Such as why he rode into the valley and abducted me."
Father could never look innocent. His attempt was ludicrous, with spreading hands and wide-open eyes. "Why should I know that?"
"Becaus
