Page 24 of Stealing Sophie
“Why steal yourself a bride if you have no home and do not care to get one? This is not the Middle Ages. You do not need to steal a wife. A man does not always need a wife, but for...” She stopped.
“For what?”
“Love,” she answered. “A commitment of hearts and minds under the bevol...benoo...benevolent guidance of heaven.”
He huffed. “There is one reason a man needs a wife.”
“A man does not need a wife for that. There are women available in most towns who will—” She stopped.
He glared down at her. “Who will what?”
“Take care of his needs,” she answered. “And I have heard that some men prefer to take care of their own needs.”
“Jesu, madam!” He stared in sheer astonishment. “You are an outspoken wench. Where did you learn such nonsense?”
“In the convent school. The other girls knew a good deal about men.”
“Did they. Hush, now.” He looked around warily, hoping no one had followed them over these hills.
“Sorry. I think the whisky is making me chatter. I am not used to imbibing.”
“So I see,” he muttered, and pulled her along beside him.
