Uriah was surprised, "She does not love him?"

"She loves him greatly. But we, neither my sister nor I, were prepared for the ways of men."

"Neither of you?" He carefully studied her face, "Mary, are you unhappy?"

She hung her head, "Unhappy? No, not precisely. It's just that . . ."

"Go on."

"Well, I would be far happier, if you loved me just a little."

"What?"

"Do not mistake my meaning, you are a fine husband and in the beginning, I did not expect you to love me."

"But Mary, I . . ."

"Please, allow me to finish." She took a quick breath and continued while her courage was still intact. "Ours was a marriage of comfort. We were dear friends, finally found and it was enough in the beginning."

Uriah turned to look out across the vastness of the water. Yet he listened intently to his wife's words.

"I was content to feel safe and protected, but the day John was born, something changed. You were overcome with joy and for the first time you kissed me."

"It is not so, Mary, I have kissed you often."

"Aye, you kiss me tenderly when I need comfort and warmly when you desire me. Aside from that, you do not touch me. But that day, you took me in your arms and allowed me to feel your strength."