Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“He already has,” Cavell said.
Elsie was relieved that her husband made no mention that he had not decided who Clan Murdock would pledge their fealty to, though she doubted it would be to Clan McCabe with how Cavell felt about his father.
Elsie went to repeat her question about miracles when Ann entered the room.
“Sorry to disturb, mistress, but your da needs his brew and a nap.”
Her da’s smile beamed brightly. “And a tale. Ann always entertains me with a fine tale while I enjoy my brew. She has a way with storytelling.”
“Go on with you now, sir, for praising me like that,” she said with a chuckle. “It must be that magic potion I am putting in your brew that makes you speak so kindly of me.”
Elsie’s da laughed, a hardy laugh that she hadn’t heard in some time. Ann’s tender and frequent care was doing wonders for him, and Elsie was relieved. She had hope now that her da would grow ever stronger and be with them for a long time to come. And soon, she would be able to question him without worry.
“Come, wife,” Cavell said, his hand clamping on the sides of her shoulders and lifting her off the bench. “We will leave your da to Ann’s excellent care.”
Elsie made no protest when her husband took her hand to lead her out of the room, though she kept a light hold, not the tender squeeze she would give his hand when he would take hold of it, which had been her way.
Once outside the bedchamber, the door closed, he released her hand. “Melvin has finally returned from scouting the woods. I thought you would like to hear what he has to say.”
Instinct had her hand touching his arm, thrilled with the news. “Aye, I would.”
His glance fell on her hand where it lay on his arm, and she quickly pulled it away.
“A dutiful daughter makes a dutiful wife, so you do everything out of duty?” he accused more than asked.
“I have done everything expected of me since I was young. Caring deeply for you was something I did for myself.” She turned and hurried down the curving staircase.
“Damn,” he muttered, her response twisting at his heart, and he hurried after her, glad he did, seeing her slip and about to take a tumble down the stairs.
He rushed forward, hooking his arm around her waist and yanking her to her feet before she hit the stone steps. He had no need to yank her against him, she fell against him of her own accord, resting her head on his chest and taking a heavy breath. Good Lord, but he missed having her in his arms, smelling the sweet scent of her hair, and holding her close.
“You are safe,” he said, feeling a slight shiver race through her.
“I know,” she said, her words muffled against his hard chest. “You always keep me safe.”
“And I always will,” he said.
She raised her head to look into his eyes. “Will you?”
He knew what she suggested. If he did not honor the marriage agreement, he would not always be there to keep her safe. The last couple of days had been miserable for him, his wife keeping her word that she would not touch him. He had not realized how much he had grown used to the small intimate acts they shared. How was it that he missed the way she would grab his hand and cling firmly to it as if she had no intentions of letting him go? And bloody hell if he didn’t miss sleeping next to her, even if he had to rise before her and leave their bedchamber or risk giving her a good poke since his shaft was eager to do just that each morning.
Why was he keeping himself detached from his wife when he wanted nothing more than to be as close as possible to her?
Elsie saw it in his eyes then, surprised by it. “You’re afraid?”
“I fear nothing,” he snapped.
Things suddenly made more sense to Elsie, and she spoke from her heart. “Know that I will always be here for you, beside you, and loving you no matter what.”
Cavell had no words. They were stuck somewhere in his throat or had his heart turned him silent from the shock of hearing her say ‘loving you’? Could she truly, possibly, actually… love him?
She took hold of his hand firmly. “Come, I am eager to hear what Melvin has found.”
He led her down the stairs, his thoughts on her remark. He was a Gallowglass warrior. He had fought endless battles fearlessly. He had faced death many times without an ounce of fear. There was not a man alive he did not fear raising a sword against even if it might be foolish. Yet, his wife had realized what he had not. He feared loving her, and why? Because he feared losing her and he did not know if he could stand such horrible and endless pain. But if he did not allow himself to love her at all, he would be something he never thought he ever could be… a coward.