By God's Grace by Felicia Rogers Page B

he saw her had been going through his head for most of the day. His silence on the matter must have led her to believe he didn’t remember.
    A deep sigh escaped her lips as she continued. “I guess not. I’m afraid I’m just not that memorable. But I remember it like it was yesterday. I was the tall, gangly, freckle-faced girl sitting on the sacks full of grain watching you. You were shirtless, and the sweat was glistening on your body in the sunlight. You were carrying sack after sack of grain and loading it on a wagon. You had just gotten into a good rhythm when a tall fair-haired woman sauntered out of the woods. She came up behind you, wrapped her arms around your middle, and snuggled against your back. Then she turned you around toward her face and gave you a most thorough kiss. She backed away and crooked her finger, as if she was urging you to follow. You just shook your head and went back to work.”
    If Arbella had not kept opening her mouth for broth, he would have thought she was talking in her sleep, so still was her body.
    After swallowing another spoonful she continued, “There were four more girls that day who did the same thing. I used to dream I was one of those girls until I realized you never left with any of them. Your labor was more important than what those girls offered you.”
    The last words came out in a whisper. Her eyes opened and connected with his. “Why didn’t you leave with them?”
    Duncan knew exactly why he hadn’t left with any of those ladies, but now was not the time to tell. With face downcast, he answered, “I don’t know for sure.”
    Almost as if talking to herself, she added, “I always wondered that. The last was more beautiful than the first, but you turned them all down.” Opening her eyes and looking at him in a serious manner she asked, “Duncan, what do you want in a wife?”
    Duncan was floored by the switch in topics. Recovering, he answered, “Well, quite honestly, I have never thought about it until recently. When my father passed away about five years after your last visit, and my brother became laird, he gave me permission to leave and do my own living. I have spent quite a few years just being selfish, and I have never worried about my wife because I never planned on marryin’.”
    Another spoonful of broth was given, then he added, “And what would ye be looking for in a husband?”
    Wiggling down and settling herself, her mouth continued to open at regular intervals. She took so long Duncan feared he might not receive an answer. When she did speak, he was surprised.
    â€œFor one thing, my husband will appreciate my vast talents.”
    The seriousness of her tone, begged Duncan to poke fun. “Vast talents, ye say. Do ye mind sharing some of them with a curious friend?”
    â€œI believe you’ve witnessed most of them.”
    â€œHmmm, yer beauty is a vast talent indeed,” he mumbled under his breath.
    Arbella blushed but gave no other indication his statement had been heard. With earnestness she continued, “I have vast talents. I can run quickly and jump far. As you saw at the tournament, I am a decent horsewoman, and I believe I could wield a sword if need be. I can till a garden and keep a house.”
    â€œAll those talents, as ye call them, are all right if a man is looking for a warrior or a servant. Why, I bet ye even chop wood.” He watched the blush creep up her neck when he made light of her abilities then added, “But a man looking for a woman as a wife is looking for other talents.”
    She whispered in a hurt tone, “I can sing.”
    â€œAye, I am sure ye have a beautiful voice.”
    Her eyes opened and tears slipped down her cheeks. “Do you really believe I would make a poor wife?”
    Duncan was jesting, but he knew most men wouldn’t be happy she could best them in manly pursuits. He said, “I guess it would