Page 118 of Bride of Fire
Morgan scowled at her. “Shewantsto meet him.”
“Does she?” Bethac asked.
“O’ course. Why wouldn’t she?”
Bethac had no answer for that. And to be honest, he was annoyed at the maid’s distinct lack of enthusiasm.
Without another word, Bethac bundled up the lad and put him in Morgan’s arms. “Good luck.”
All the way back to his bedchamber, the bairn babbled softly at Morgan, looking up at him in wide-eyed wonder. Morgan couldn’t help but smile down at the comely lad. Suddenly he longed for a whole keep full of sons and daughters. He hoped Alicia would feel the same.
Chapter 52
Alicia perched on the edge of the bed, hoping she could put on a convincing show of bonding with her son.
She shuddered at the thought. She truly had no use for infants. Holding one was as appealing to her as cuddling a gigantic, writhing slug.
But she’d delayed the meeting as long as she could. She had to lay claim to the lad now, to ensure the departure of that pesky nursemaid before she could whisper any more mischief into Morgan’s ear. Mischief that might stir up investigation into Alicia’s story.
Morgan entered, securing the door behind him, and lifted the bundle up to show her their son. “Isn’t he handsome?”
There was nothing handsome about a pale, formless blob. But she gave Morgan a quick nod of agreement. Then she extended her arms, indicating her willingness to hold the infant. Her smile felt tense, and her arms felt clumsy.
He set the bundle carefully into her arms, propping the lad’s head against her shoulder and guiding her other arm beneath him for support.
Then she stared down at the lad.
And felt nothing.
Not love. Not hate. Not pity.
Only vague repulsion.
But she managed a nervous grin.
The infant stared back at her uncertainly.
As the moments stretched on, her smile grew weary.
Slowly, the lad’s forehead began to crumple.
“What is he doing?” she muttered anxiously.
Morgan peered down at the child, speaking softly. “’Tis all right, wee lad. This is your ma, the lady who gave ye life. Don’t be afraid.”
Morgan was talking to the infant. Why was Morgan talking to the infant?
“He can’t understand you, can he?”
“In his way,” he replied.
She continued to hold the squirming thing, counting the moments until she could give him back. The infant’s chin started to shiver. Then he started to fuss.
“I can’t…” Alicia began.
“Hush now, lad,” Morgan said. “Be good for your ma.”
But the infant had clearly had enough. So had Alicia.
