Read Online By God's Grace by Felicia Rogers - Free Book Online Page B

it?”
    â€œWhy did I do what?”
    â€œYe know verra well what I mean.”
    â€œHmm, nay I do not. Are you asking why I haven’t visited? Are you asking why I volunteered to live with Uncle Jonas rather than the clan? Are you asking why I left your room? What are you asking?”
    â€œLass, don’t test me. Ye know what I want to know. My question is why did ye participate in the games? Why ye? There are plenty of Kincade lads who could have participated and won the events and still named ye as my bride.”
    â€œAye, this is true,” Arbella said, studying the ground in front of her as she refused to offer farther explanation.
    After a moment of silence, he asked, “Why did ye not present yerself with the other ladies the night before the tournament?”
    A sad smile crossed her face. “If I had presented myself with the other ladies, would I have stood out? Can you honestly say you would have looked at me for more than a few moments before dismissing me like all the rest?”
    Duncan didn’t have a ready answer. Arbella had been correct.
    Interrupting his silent musing, she whispered under her breath, “See, I knew you would never pick me.”
    He reached forward. Grabbing her hand and holding it in his own, she watched him study the work-worn appendage. With a jerk, she tried to pull it back, but he refused, holding it tighter and rubbing it in a soothing motion. Duncan stared into her eyes and spoke with a reassuring tone. “Arbella, ye are correct. I would never have chosen ye.”
    With another hard tug, Arbella proceeded to try and release his grasp, but to no avail. His lips widened. “But that is because I had no intentions of accepting any of those ladies.”
    Arbella relaxed. “But, but why?”
    The deep sound of Duncan’s laugh sent tingles down her spine. He explained, “It should be obvious, lass. First of all, I am not used to taking orders, and the council decreed this marriage hunt. Second, I have spent several years in the company of a happily married couple, and I wish to have a similar relationship with my wife, one where I could share my faith in Jesus Christ. Such a thing could never happen with just a few moments of an encounter. I wanted to have time to get to know my bride, not be forced into a sham of a marriage.”
    Arbella nodded. “Aye, I understand.”
    â€œYe see, it was divine providence that helped ye win yesterday’s games and garner my attentions.”
    â€œAye, I believe God did play a hand in my winning. I also believe He played a big role when Jamus set up the events.”
    â€œAye, that is how it is, is it?”
    â€œAye, that is how it is. Are you disappointed?”
    â€œNay, not in the least. I believe ye still won the events on yer own. Did ye not?” Duncan stroked her hand until she trembled. “I am most pleased by the turn of events. However, I do have one issue.”
    â€œWhat is that, my laird?”
    â€œThat ye have left the keep. Come to think of it, how did ye leave? The front door is not exactly on straight, and it is verra difficult to move. Did the twins assist ye?”
    â€œNay.”
    â€œGrant and Bryce, did they help ye?”
    â€œNay.”
    â€œYe best be sharing who assisted with yer escape, lass.”
    â€œWhy is that, my laird?” she said, her eyelids fluttering with the coy answer.
    â€œBecause I intend to teach them a thing or two about letting my bride-to-be leave my protection.”
    With the sudden release of her hand, she crossed her arms, erecting a stubborn pose. “Just so you know, I needed no assistance in leaving the keep.”
    â€œI don’t believe ye.”
    â€œFine. Don’t believe me. But I did leave your keep with nary a person’s assistance.”
    â€œAssuming I believe ye, how did ye get out?”
    â€œI went out the back door.”
    A dumbfounded expression crossed Duncan’s