Page 58 of Never Leave Me
Ellen was relieved to see that even though Marian was changing, she hadn’t lost her fire or her ability to stand up for herself and what she believed. “Did you not say you wanted me to have a drop or two of the water this day to aid my healing? If you are master of the well, then you will be able to refill our flasks.”
Will stiffened and then turned, his brows furrowed above his dark, brooding eyes. “Do not try to manipulate me, wife.” Without waiting for her response, he exited the room.
Once the door closed behind him, Marian lowered herself into the pillows and pulled the baby close. “He’s a stubborn man. But he always does the right thing, no matter how hard or dangerous.”
“Don’t worry over me.” Ellen helped to situate the pillows behind Marian more comfortably. “You must rest for now.”
Marian nodded.
“Everything will work out.”
Marian reached for her hand. “I pray you are right, sister. I really do.”
A soft rap on the chamber door was followed by the entry of a maidservant, the same pregnant woman who’d helped with the labor and delivery. She carried a platter of food along with a flask of wine Will had ordered. As the servant neared the bed, she acknowledged Ellen with an almost reverent bow.
Ellen hadn’t eaten much since arriving in the Middle Ages, and her stomach gurgled at the sight of the simple fare of oatcakes,cheese, and dried fruit. “You’re so very kind.” She smiled at the servant, who flushed and bowed again.
After the maidservant took her leave, Marian shook her head with a smile. “How do you always do it?”
“Do what?” Ellen nibbled on a piece of cheese.
“Get everyone to love and admire you.”
“She’s simply grateful I saved you and the baby and admires my nursing skills. That’s all. Not everyone loves me.”
“At the very least, every man you meet falls head over heels in love with you.”
“No. That’s not true.”
“Then you have not yet figured out that Harrison adores you?”
Ellen shook her head in denial even as a flush stole through her at the memory of their kisses.
Marian paused in chewing a dried plum and narrowed her eyes. Marian seemed to have a way of looking deep into her heart and seeing the things she left unsaid, perhaps even the things she couldn’t understand herself. “What transpired between you and Harrison over this past year?”
Ellen dropped her focus to her simple pewter plate. “We’re friends as always.”
“And?”
“And maybe we’ve grown closer. But that’s to be expected after both of us being miraculously healed within hours of each other.”
“Last time we were together, I noticed his feelings for you, and I suspected he might be in love with you.”
Ellen’s gaze shot up. “Of course he’s not in love with me.” He couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible. Was it? Yes, he cared about her. And the trip had facilitated an attraction to one another. But that didn’t mean he loved her. Not as in love-love. She swallowed hard. “He loves us both. He always has.”
“His love for you is different than what he has for me.”
Ellen shook her head. “No—”
Even as she voiced denial, she sensed Marian was right. Harrison cared about her in a way he never had for Marian. But that didn’t mean he loved her, did it? If so, why hadn’t he told her?
Marian’s eyes widened. “You love him too.”
“No. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“It’s not ridiculous. Harrison is perfect for you.”
Ellen broke off a piece of the oatcake and fiddled with it. Harrison was perfect. If she was honest, she’d always held him as a standard for the few men she’d gone out with—chivalrous, compassionate, considerate, giving. The list was endless.
