by Fiona Faris
Madeleine’s mind was a tangle of thoughts and concerns, but she didn’t let that deter her from letting the serenity of the massive garden she was in bring her some peace. She leaned forward, just off of the path, to smell a soft pink rose; touching her fingertips to its silky petals as she breathed in its delicious scent, when she felt the strange sensation that she was being watched. With a slight frown, she lifted her head and looked around.
James was standing not far from her, dressed finely and looking perfectly groomed. His dark brown hair took on a glint of gold in the midday sun, and his brown eyes seemed to shine as he watched her. A playful smile formed on his mouth, and, having been discovered watching her, he walked toward her until he reached her, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips.
“I would not have dreamed that this garden could ever be lovelier, but with you here in it, it has improved immeasurably.” He bowed slightly as he kissed the back of her fingers and let her hand go.
Madeleine felt her cheeks grow warm as she blushed. “Thank ye. Hello, James.”
“It’s a good day now because you’ve made it so.” He held his arm out to her. “Shall we go a short way and talk?”
Madeleine dutifully took his arm, pushing away the thoughts of independence that hedged at the back of her mind. She listened as James began to speak.
“Your aunt has made it clear that you are seeking a husband at court. I myself am seeking a wife. I have been for a while. The lady that I marry must be the right lady for me. I am hopeful that you will be that woman; your beauty is incomparable, and it would please me immensely if you were a good match for me.” He spoke pleasantly, looking off into the distance of the garden as if he was picturing his future with her in his mind, glancing at her from time to time.
“Why have you no’ found the right one yet?” Madeleine asked curiously, wondering why a man who was considered to be such a fine catch might still be single.
James considered her question and answered it thoughtfully. “I want a woman who is a well-behaved wife. A true lady. I’m not so concerned with the dowry a wife could offer me, so long as she is of the right mind and temperament. She must be obedient; pliant to my will.”
Madeleine wondered if she could be the kind of woman James wanted as a life partner and if she could change enough to be someone she wasn’t, in order to secure a good marriage. Her mother’s words about marriage being a sacrifice came back to her.
James continued, looking into her eyes. “I am a proud Protestant. My wife will be, as well, so that I may rule over a house at peace; one that is unified in its faith and direction.”
Madeleine felt the stirring of rebellion deep inside her. “It sounds as if you’d rather have a servant than a partner.”
James considered her statement and nodded in some acquiescence. “What is a wife, if not a servant to her husband, her lord and master? She is there to give him children, to love him and support him, to cherish him, to care for him all of his days.”
Madeleine’s jaw clenched. She did not like the direction that his train of thought was taking. James saw the tightening of her jaw and a half-laugh escaped him. “Come now, perhaps we should get to know each other a bit better, and let rest the talk of marriage for a little while. As wonderful as it would be to continue to walk through this garden with you, perhaps we might go for a ride, instead. Come.”
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About the Author
Fiona Faris is an American author of authentic historical Medieval & Scottish romance books. She started writing historical highlander romance after she visited the Scottish Highlands years ago with her husband.
Her books have received startling reviews about the humor, the darkness and the romance they have.
She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and their two sons. Before she started writing romance, she experienced the various occupations: translator, dog-training, and a substitute English teacher for the most part of her life... However, nothing could ever compare to writing stories depicting the majestic and mysterious Scottish Highlands!
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