Page 16 of Moon Craving

Abigail shook her head again, bringing on another wave of pain in her shoulders.

But it was a lie. Her mother was full of them.

"Whatever her true reasons, this was the only way you could leave her influence

forever. Had you gone as a guest to the Highlands, she could have called you home at

any time. I love your mother, but I know she has a vindictive streak."

Abigail's tears had been drying, but at the reminder of the hatred her mother had

for her, they spilled over her eyelids once again.

Sir Reuben brushed them away with his thumbs. "Here now. It will be all right. If

you wish me to tell the laird the truth of your affliction, I will."

She stared at him, her tears drying in her absolute shock.

"I give you my word."

Her stepfather was a hard man, a man she had never gone to for comfort or

solace, but one thing she knew: he kept his word.

Anna arrived at the door then, clucking and looking as upset as she had the time

her own little granddaughter had fallen too close to the cooking fire and burned herself.

"Think about what I have said. We are to leave for the border tomorrow. You can

give me your answer once you have looked in the eyes of the man you are intended to

marry."

The words stunned Abigail all over again. Only the most besotted parent took their

child's opinion into account when arranging marriage. It was a boon she could not have

expected, for she was not cherished at all.

Sir Reuben's offer was beyond a boon even; it might be enough to give her the

courage to face what the journey tomorrow would bring.

"Thank you," she whispered, forcing sound she could not hear, only feel in her

throat.

His face twisted in a grimace. "I owe you far more, child."

Then he left Abigail to Anna's ministrations.

The trip to the MacDonald holding took two days.

Abigail had spent both days in pain and avoiding looking at or responding to her

mother in any way.