Page 104 of The Ranger
“Gloriously happy,” Belle said. “And madly in love.”
Major looked Markhel up and down. “Love? Maida love this beast?”
Markhel arched a single eyebrow at him.
“They’ve explained it well enough,” Lany said. “There’s not much more to say.”
Markhel took a step forward, and Major raised the gun again. “Maida must accept mewillingly.”
“Or?” Harrison prompted.
“She comes to harm.”
Major lowered the rifle at last. “Colin, Belle. Is this what you went through?”
“Not quite with this much intensity,” Colin said. “But, yes. We’ve even been to the Muiraran palace and visited with Jefferson and Lorelei there.” He pointed at Tylahs, who was back on Markhel’s shoulder. “There are a lot of those around. Big ones. As big as a wagon!”
Harrison gaped at him. “A wagon?”
Colin and Belle gave him a vigorous nod.
Major reached for Honoria and pulled her against him. “It seems we have no choice.”
“Maida is the one with the choice to make,” Markhel pointed out.
Major shook, and Markhel didn’t know if it was out of anger, fear, or both.
He looked Markhel in the eyes. “Very well, sir. But you will court my daughter as is proper, do you understand?”
Markhel bowed, sending Tylahs scurrying onto his back. When he straightened, he scurried up to his shoulder again. “You have my word.”
* * *
When Mama calledMaida down to dinner, she wasn’t sure what to make of things. No one said a word as she entered the kitchen. Oh, there were polite smiles, and what few words were spoken were cordial, but she knew something had happened. She’d heard the raised voices earlier, and caught part of the conversation, but it was a jumbled mix of things she couldn’t figure out. Muirarans? Sarian? Marriage? And why did Makama sound so upset earlier? What was she saying about Uncle Duncan and how did she know him? It was all so odd, and she didn’t know what to make of any of it.
She sat in her usual spot at the table and Markhel sat across from her. He gave her a hint of a smile before giving his attention to the man called Melvale. Didn’t she hear something about them being brothers?
This day was more than a little strange. She still couldn’t remember much of what happened that morning, and like a few other things, wasn’t sure if she wanted to.
Once the food was on the table and the blessing said, everyone began to serve themselves and eat. She watched Markhel with interest as he carefully cut his steak. Miss Radcliff watched everyone, looking around the table every few minutes. Mama, Pa, and her grandparents kept staring at her, then Markhel, their eyes darting between them every few seconds. The Bergs didn’t look at anyone, and instead concentrated on their food, as did Mr. Mosgofian. The only two acting normal were Uncle Colin and Aunt Belle who occasional said something to each other about their day. Just as they would any other night they joined her family for dinner. She found it comforting and tried to listen to their conversation.
By the time the meal was over, she was more nervous than ever and wasn’t sure what to do with herself. She was half tempted to go home with her aunt and uncle and play cards or something, but she wanted to spend time with Markhel. He didn’t look good, and she was worried about him.
Mama, Grandma and Belle went through the usual routine with dessert and brought cups and saucers to the table.
“Do you need any help, Mama?” she asked.
“No, dear.” She sighed then looked at Pa. “Perhaps… you and …Markhel, would like to sit on the porch?”
Maida’s jaw dropped. “What?”
Her father closed his eyes. Was he in pain? “Pa, are you all right?”
He looked at her. “Fine, darlin’. Go on if you want.”
Markhel stood, his eyes fixed on Pa, and motioned her to stand. “After you.”
The air around the table was so full of tension, leaving was a fine idea. She left the table, went to the hall and straight for the front door. She might not know what was going on, but at least she’d get a few minutes alone with Markhel.