"Oh, I promise I've been tryin' ta do good and only that. But me heart is rebellious. And... would it be a scandal if he fell in love with me? Oh, I don't know. I didn't ask fer this, I promise ye, I didn't look fer this at all. But I feel me heart fill with joy just because he speaks ta me. I would be happy just ta be in the same room if he only just looked me way." She gave a hoarse laugh. "I won't say a word o' me feelins' right now. I can't. I'll just try ta settle fer bein' where I am fer now. I won't leave his home until I know he will eat without me. I cannot leave him ta wither away."

She sighed. "He is a good man, ma... He is a better man than I deserve. I would never do somethin' ta make him a villain. Did ye know he confronted Angus in the inn a while ago to defend me honor? Did ye know he's been payin' fer a lawyer ta make sure I get ta keep me boy?"