Chapter 7: Choosing the Cage

Holly heard about the lady wanting to marry me to the gardener’s son.

She cried, “We’ve served her faithfully, how can she be so cruel?” She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, sniffling. The smell of lemon dish soap clung to her sleeves.

That gardener’s son was simple-minded, like a three-year-old child, but violent by nature and loved to hit people.

Only by marrying such a person could I be kept from Logan.

I went to plead with Mrs. Callahan, offering to become the eldest son’s widow bride.

Mrs. Callahan was both surprised and delighted, asking my name, birth date, and place of origin.

The master calculated and nodded repeatedly. “This girl’s birth date matches the eldest’s perfectly, and she comes from humble origins—a blessed match. Having her as a widow bride will surely bring the eldest great fortune in the next life.”

Logan and the lady soon heard and hurried over.

When they entered, I was kneeling by Mrs. Callahan, massaging her legs, when I heard Logan’s laughing voice. “Is this the girl willing to marry my brother?”

The lady also smiled serenely. “I wonder which wing’s maid she is, so kind-hearted. Mother must reward her well.”

As they spoke, I turned and greeted them. “It’s me.”

Logan was surprised to see my face. “Aren’t you mute?”

I shook my head. “I can speak, but the lady dislikes my voice and forbids me to speak.”

With just a few words, the lady’s face turned ghostly pale.

Mrs. Callahan held my hand, her wrinkled face full of comfort. “I didn’t expect such a good child in your wing—so loyal.”

She wiped her tears. “But once you become a widow bride, you must remain alone for the eldest... have you thought it through?”

My knees dug into the thick wool rug, but it was the shame burning in my cheeks that hurt more. I lowered my gaze, folding my hands in my lap the way obedient kids do when they’ve learned not to talk back. “I’ll never regret it, ma’am.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Logan’s hand at his side clench tightly.

He stared at me, disbelief in his eyes. A muscle in his jaw jumped, the only sign of emotion he’d let slip.

Mrs. Callahan patted my hand. “Sweetheart, is there anything you want? Money, jewelry—if I can decide it, I’ll grant it.”

I hesitated, pulse pounding in my ears, then finally looked up.

I turned to look at the lady, my gaze cold.

She forced a smile, but subconsciously took half a step back.

After a moment, I lowered my eyes and spoke quietly. “I have a younger sister, Holly. I beg you to let her serve by your side.”

Mrs. Callahan agreed at once. “That’s easy. As long as she’s a maid in the household, I can decide. With your devotion, I’ll protect her for life.”

The lady forced a smile. “Mother, Holly is my maid. I shouldn’t be stingy, but she came with my household, so I’m afraid...”

She had just started to speak when Logan’s deep voice interrupted, “Just a maid. If Mom wants her, then give her. What’s there to discuss?”

I’d made my choice, but as Mrs. Callahan squeezed my hand, I wondered if I’d just traded one cage for another.