Page 11 of Moon Craving

She should know. She lived in daily fear of being revealed as deaf. Many

considered such an affliction the result of demon possession. The Church's answer to

such a circumstance was enough to give Abigail nightmares. Many, many nightmares

since her sister left at their king's edict to marry a Highland laird.

"You should be grateful. What chance would you have to marry without my

machinations?" Her mother had the gall to look self-righteous, but Abigail knew better.

"Emily wanted me to live with her. I would have been out of your way then." Abigail

forced the words out, knowing her mother had no patience for her affliction.

"Not permanently. Once her husband realized you were cursed, he would send

you back to us." Sybil spoke as if the words were not daggers to the heart of her eldest

daughter. "This is a better solution."

"Emily's laird knows of my affliction. She told him."

"Of course she didn't. If she had, he would never have allowed her to extend the

invitation for your visit."

Abigail felt herself shaking. "Do you hate me so much?"

"I am showing a mother's concern in securing your future. Jolenta is jealous of the

good match you are making," Sybil had the gall to point out, confirming she had told

Abigail's younger sister of the wedding plans.

The truth that the slight had been on purpose could not have been more obvious.

Abigail had to swallow back bile as she became physically ill at this additional

evidence of her mother's hatred. "The only future you are securing is your own."

"Think what you like." Sybil shrugged. "You clearly place no importance on my

motherly wisdom. Thankfully, I still have a daughter who listens to my advice."

The unjustness of the accusations took Abigail's breath. Sybil had withheld both

motherly affection and advice ever since her eldest child had become an abomination to

her. Saying as much would carry no weight with her lady mother, though, so Abigail did

not try. "I think the Sinclair laird will be furious when he realizes he has been deceived."

"Then you had better make sure he never finds out."

"How can I do that? We will be married." She didn't have Emily to nudge her when

others spoke to her or cover for her when she missed something.