By God's Grace by Felicia Rogers

say I’ll be glad of it.”
    â€œTamara, tell me about the current mistress.”
    Before the young maid spoke, she looked this way and that. Arbella assumed the girl was assuring herself they were alone. In hushed tones she said, “Well, mistress Lyall, that’s her name ye know. It means wolf, and she is as mean as one, I tell ye. I believe she eats children for breakfast and spits out their bones. Some in the keep believe she uses their souls for her sorcery.”
    Arbella’s lips twitched, making a hesitant smile. “Surely it is not all that bad.”
    Tamara’s eyes widened, as if pleading for understanding. “My lady, whether ye believe me or not, ye must stay away from her.”
    â€œIs this Duncan’s sister-in-law?” asked Arbella.
    â€œAye, she was Cainneach’s wife. Although rumor has it the marriage was in name only.”
    Arbella patted Tamara’s hand. “I don’t see any way I can stay away from her. We will be family. I need to try to make her feel welcome, even though I will be the new mistress.”
    Tamara appeared distressed. Wringing her hands, she got down on her knees and stared into her eyes, imploring her to listen. “My lady, I can tell ye have a kind and gentle heart, but not everyone is like ye. Mistress Lyall is ruthless, and she isn’t happy Duncan refused her. Trust me when I say she won’t be happy with ye marryin’ him.”
    â€œDuncan’s sister-in-law wanted to marry him?” Arbella asked, as she struggled to maintain her rapid pulse. Tales and rumors of Cainneach’s wife’s great beauty had circulated the entire area. How was she to compete? Pacing back and forth across the confining room, she worried her nails.
    Tamara twisted to face her. “My lady, did ye hear me when I said he refused her?”
    â€œAye, I heard you, but maybe Duncan didn’t comprehend the offer. Maybe he regrets turning Lyall down now that I am his choice for bride. Maybe this is why I remain in the dungeon.”
    The small maid followed her pace. “Nay, my lady, the laird understood perfectly well what Lyall was after. In fact, every time the mistress tries to get near him, Duncan retreats.”
    Arbella stopped. Pondering aloud, she asked, “Why would he do such a thing? I have heard she is very beautiful.”
    â€œAye, men have said she has physical beauty a plenty, but they also say when they look into her eyes, they see the Fires of Hell burning.”
    â€œTamara, you must stop listening to these rumors. I’ve never heard such tales. Fires of Hell, indeed.”
    Tamara’s lips moved when a rattle was heard outside the door. Keys clacked and knocked, the door squeaked open, and there he stood. The object of her dreams.

 
Chapter Eleven
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    Duncan sent the guard away and stood outside the cell door listening as Tamara warned Arbella about Lyall. It was a pleasant surprise to find the servants noticed his lack of interest toward his sister-in-law. When Arbella expressed doubts about her own beauty, he was a little shocked.
    The door now open, he stared at her. The gown she wore was several sizes too small, emphasizing a waist so tiny he could grasp it in entirety. Roving his gaze over her frame, his breath caught as Arbella slumped. His hand reached forward, but he was too late. Quicker in reflexes, Tamara slid under Arbella in time to keep her head from slapping the cold stone floor.
    â€œMy laird, I believe the lady has swooned.”
    Sighing, Duncan said, “I believe ye are correct.”
    Tamara was pinned under skirts and Arbella’s slight weight. Duncan walked toward them and hoisted Arbella into his arms like a rag doll. It was like carrying a feather. Why, one swift wind could carry the young lady away forever.
    Cradling Arbella to him, his gaze roamed the length of her. The changes since last they met were beyond measure. Long, black lashes lay against pale,