Page 80 of Captured by a Laird
“Unless Wedderburn had the witnesses remain in your bedchamber to watch him accomplish the deed,” the prior said, raking his gaze over her again, “’tis your word against his as to whether he succeeded in the task.”
“And I can say with some certainty that the Church will choose to believe you, my dear,” her uncle added with a smug smile.
“But Wedderburn did succeed.” Repeatedly.
“Regardless, you shall swear that the marriage was never consummated,” her uncle said in a tone that conveyed he thought her slow-witted, “so that it can be annulled.”
“I don’t want an annulment,” Alison told them.
She had initially accepted the marriage because she had no choice. Now that her uncle and prior threatened to take it away, she realized just how important the marriage—and David—had become to her. Though she had known him but a short time, images of him flooded her mind.David, stern and formidable as he pledged to protect her with his life…at ease on the floor amidst her squealing daughters and wood shavings…impossibly handsome as he lay naked beside her with his hand on her cheek and his eyes dark with desire…
Nay, she did not want to give him up. Though she wished he cared as much for her as she did for him, that did not change her resolve.
“I’ve had the petition to Rome prepared,” her uncle said to the prior. “We needn’t wait for it to be formally granted to move ahead with our plans.”
Panic rose in her chest as the two churchmen discussed her future as if she were not in the room.
“I cannot agree to this,” she said, raising her voice.
The two men abruptly turned toward her.
“I have shared a bed with my new husband, and I’ll not lie about it.” She was shaking. It was not easy to stand up to her uncle, but she would not let him do this. “I am David Hume’s wife, and I shall remain so.”
“The matter has been decided,” her uncle said in a firm tone. “The Douglases and the Blackadders have come to an agreement. This false marriage shall be dissolved, and you shall marry a Blackadder.”
“That is not possible,” she said. “I could already be carrying Wedderburn’s child.”
“All the more reason to act quickly,” the prior said. “My brother will not be happy about claiming the Beast’s spawn, but he’ll do it.”
“As will my niece,” her uncle said, glaring at her.
“I will not.” Alison took a step backward, in the direction of the door.
She had made a grave mistake in coming. Worse, no one at the castle knew where she was.
CHAPTER 32
Relief coursed through David’s veins when he crested the last hill and saw the solid stone walls of Blackadder Castle. After finding Leana, his unease over the Blackadders’ motive for the attack grew into a pulsing urgency to return home and see that his family was safe. Though he had left enough men at the castle to defend it, a warrior survived by trusting his instincts. He had set out at once.
He saw no sign of trouble as they approached the castle. Hume men stood on the wall and waved. All was well. Still, he did not regret pushing his men to ride hard. He was glad to be home.
Odd that he thought of the castle that had belonged to his enemy such a short time ago as his home. That was because of Alison. She filled an emptiness inside him.
He regretted the harsh words between them before he left. On the ride back, he’d given a good deal of thought to her and their argument. Trust was hard for him, but she deserved better.
Anticipation swept through him as he led his men up to the open gate. He imagined Alison and the girls running out of the keep to greet them. One night away, and he missed her.
He needed to talk to her about Leana. He had left Brian with Leana, but suggested he bring her to Blackadder Castle when she was well enough to ride. Alison had a big heart and would know what to do to help the poor lass.
The household was gathering in the courtyard. David scanned their faces, looking for his wife. Was she still so upset with him that she would not show him the courtesy of greeting him upon his return? It seemed unlike her.
He dismounted and tossed his reins to a stable lad, then climbed the steps of the keep. Inside, the servants were clearing the remains of breakfast from the tables.
Alison was not in the hall, but Will ran up to him with the girls’ pup on his heels.
“I’ve been teaching Jasper tricks,” Will said. “I wanted to surprise Bea and Margaret.”
“Where are they and Lady Alison?”
