“Don’t think you are that sneaky,” Reigna answered. “ I didn’t want you before. I was content with a marriage where I didn’t have to deal with a husband and I was satisfied with a biddable girl child. If you must know, my money is running thin and Maisie isn’t as biddable any more. I used to be the center of her universe but now, she is thinking for herself, more and more. In this, she reminds me of you.  I see you when she opens her eyes and I hear you when she speaks. She even let a stray dog follow her home and she named him Bradley. If that isn’t your child, I don’t know what is. You probably are still riding that stupid horse you named Susan. I decided that if this fool child was so much like you, then you should take some responsibility and help raise her, give me money, support your family and do the right thing. But what do I find? I find you acting like the single  man, cavorting with whores. I’m not sure that is the best role model for the child. I insist that we go home, all three of us. You can buy your way out of your contract with Lord Maric. Look how he has fallen from grace. Married to a pagan, of all things. I heard rumor that even Lord Varatt had taken the head harlot on the hill to his bed. Shameful things here. You must come away if nothing else to save your soul.”<br/><br/>Maisie walked up, dragging a dolly in the dirt. Reigna slapped her across the back of the head.<br/><br/>“Keep that doll out of the dirt. How many times must I tell you?”