"It was cold. Richard tried to put a cloak around Jessica's shoulders but she shook it off. "Jessica," he said helplessly. She said nothing. He realized in that moment that silence was his usual response. No wonder she became so irritated by it. Kendrick built a fire. Richard tried to eat but found his appetite had gone the way of his lady's affection, if she'd ever felt it at first. "Jessica?" he called softly, trying to get her to look at him. She did. He wished she hadn't. The hurt in her eyes made his own eyes burn. He started to reach out to her, but she moved aside, then crawled to her feet. She walked down the shore and Richard rose to go after her. Kendrick's hand on his ankle stopped him. "You hurt her, you fool," Kendrick accused. "How do I apologize?" "Try, 'I'm sorry. Forgive me.' It has been known to work wonders." "She'll never believe me now." "And you want her to?" "Of course I want her to, idiot!" Kendrick released his ankle and smiled smugly. "I knew you loved her." "A fat bloody lot of good it does me now!" Richard thundered. "Thanks to you, you blabbering fool!"