Return of the Rogue Read Online Free PDF Page A

swapped his empty plate with the full one in her hand.
    “What of you?”
    She couldn’t eat a speck of food; she knew her stomach would not tolerate it.
    He seemed to read her thoughts with his question. “Not hungry?”
    She shook her head.
    She thought he would force her, but he simply turned away to speak with his father, who sat on the other side of the table. Relieved that he would not torment her with demands to eat, Honora remained seated at the edge of her chair with a sharp eye on her husband’s plate and his tankard, to make sure both remained full.
    Her stepfather walked by and leaned down to reprimand her, “Tend your husband, daughter, or you’ll feel my hand.”
    Honora froze, not believing her ears. She thought marriage would free her from her stepfather’s brutality, but with a husband who didn’t want her, would he care how her stepfather treated her?
    “Honora.”
    She heard her name being called far in the distance but couldn’t answer.
    “Honora, what’s wrong?’
    She shook her head, realizing her husband was speaking to her, and quickly made an excuse. “Deep in thought.”
    “You often turn ghostly pale when deep in thought?”
    Was that concern she heard in his query? She could not be certain since his scowl made it appear otherwise, and yet, she was almost certain he had sounded as if he actually cared. Perhaps it was simply wishful thinking on her part, to have a husband to worry over her.
    “She pales for what she knows she must face tonight, brother,” Lachlan said with a laugh and a slap on Cavan’s back.
    Honora was grateful for the distraction since she had no truthful answer for her husband.
    “You have not changed, Lachlan,” Cavan said.
    Honora was surprised by Cavan’s accusatory tone. His brother jested with him, while he appeared so serious.
    “Why change when I am perfect the way I am?”Lachlan laughed and gripped his brother’s shoulder. “You’re home now. There’s nothing more to worry about.”
    “There’s Ronan.”
    Lachlan took a deep breath. “We have searched endlessly for him as we have for you.”
    “Do you continue to search?” Cavan asked.
    “Every day,” his father answered. “Perhaps it is time for us to talk. That is, if your wife does not mind your absence.”
    Honora was not surprised when Cavan turned to her and said, “I will see you later in our bedchamber.”
    He stood, as did his brothers and father, and left her alone, though she was immediately joined by Addie, who scooted past the empty chairs to sit beside her.
    “This must be difficult for you,” her mother-in-law said, placing a gentle hand on Honora’s arm.
    “Cavan is a stranger to me. I at least had gotten to know something of Artair.” Honora shook her head. “I know nothing about Cavan.”
    Addie sighed. “I would tell you of my son, but I do not know if the son I knew is the son who has returned home.”
    “He appears different to you?”
    Addie nodded and leaned closer, keeping their discussion private. “I believe his capture has left him with scars.”
    Honora shivered.
    Addie squeezed her arm, her eyes glazing over with unshed tears. “Visible scars can leave reminders of scars that cut far deeper than the flesh. Be patient with my son, he is a good man.”
    Honora simply nodded, not knowing how to voice her own concerns.
    “I know this is not easy for you, Honora. You woke this morning ready to start a new life with Artair, and here you find yourself wed to Cavan. At least you and Artair held no feelings for each other. With time you will come to know Cavan and establish a good life with him.”
    “Do I have a choice?” As soon as she spoke, Honora gasped at her own audacity, then quickly apologized. “I am sorry.”
    “Nonsense, you have a right to question and doubt. I only attempt to advise that you give your marriage a chance. If from the start you fear, then you will never find happiness. And unfortunately, the truth is you do not have a choice.