“No, I will not be lovers as we used to be. People who love do not commit two or three such offences as you committed against me.” 141 “I will atone for them. I will indeed! Aspatria, I miss you very much. I will 142 not go to America without you. How soon can you be ready? In a week?” 142 “You will atone to me? How? There is but one way. You shall, in your own name, call every one in Allerdale, gentle and simple, to Aspatria Church. You shall marry me again in their presence, and go with me to my own home. The wedding-feast shall be held there. You shall count Will and Brune Anneys as your brothers. You shall take me away, in the sight of all, to your home. Of all the honour a wife ought to have you must give me here, among my own people, a double portion. Will you do this in atonement?” “You are talking folly, Aspatria. I have married you once.” “You have not married me once. You met me at Aspatria Church to shame me, to break my heart with love and sorrow, to humble my good brothers. No, I am not your wife! I will not go with you!” “I can make you go, Aspatria. You seem to forget the law—” 143 “Will says the law will protect me. But if it did not, if you took me by force to your house or yacht, you would not have me. You could not touch me. Aspatria Anneys is beyond your reach.” “You are Aspatria Fenwick.” “I have never taken your name. Will told me not to do so. Anneys is a good name. No Anneys ever wronged me.” “You refused my home, you refused my money, and now you refuse my name. You are treating me as badly as possible. The day before our marriage I sent to your brother a signed settlement for your support, the use of Fenwick Castle as a residence, and two thousand pounds a year. Your brother Will, the day after our marriage, took it to my agent and tore it to pieces in his presence.” “Will did right. He knew his sister would not have your home and money without your love.” She spoke calmly, with a dignity that became well her youth and beauty. Ulfar thought her exceedingly lovely. He attempted 144 to
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