Brenda was waiting for her the next morning in the passageway, out of sight of the retainers breaking their fast in the great hall. Ailis touched her foot down from the last step and considered the woman. She was beyond striking, a true beauty. Brenda smiled knowingly. “I came here because I’d heard ye were breeding. It’s true. I’m not going to run away and pretend I did nae. I suppose it’s no’ very important to tell ye how clear it is that Bhaic is content with ye, but I know he never looked at me the way he does at ye. So here I am. Say what ye will.” “Really? He never looked at ye the same way? Ye are…” “Beautiful?” Brenda shook her head in disgust. “It’s more trouble than it’s worth. Believe me.” A knowing gleam entered her eyes. “There’s something I know about. The way men look at women. It’s different when they merely want a ride.
