Chapter 13
Willow sat silent in front of William on his horse since leaving Sara’s cottage more than an hour ago. She had checked Sara’s wounds and all seemed to be well and with no signs of fever, it was decided they would take their leave. The old woman had stirred when she and Slatter had wrapped her in three blankets. Slatter had spoken softly to her, telling her that he was taking her to a safe place where she could heal without worry or fear. Her eyes fluttered open and she nodded.
Willow’s mother had taught her that rest was best when a person needed to heal, but it was no good if a person slept and didn’t stir. Then it was too deep of a sleep, one that many never woke from. So she was relieved that Sara responded when spoken to even if it was only a shake or nod of her head.
Willow’s silence, though, wasn’t due to any worry over Sara. She was in the best place she could be, her grandson’s arms. Her silence was due to what Slatter had said to her earlier.
That’s the problem, mo ghaol, I care too much for you.
She had been ready to ask him… why then would he leave her if he cared for her? But Rhodes entered the cottage letting them know a light snow had begun to fall. That was another reason they had hastened their decision to leave. It wouldn’t have been wise to remain there with barely enough food to feed one person.
Willow more than cared for him. She believed she had fallen in love with him. It made no sense and she questioned the wisdom of her feelings for her husband. She’d even made excuses as to why it was a foolish thought, but her heart ignored every one of them. Common sense cautioned her against thinking Slatter would make a good husband. And yet, the warning went unheeded.
Love can blind. That was what her mum had once told her.
When she had asked how not to be blinded by love, her mum had smiled and told her that was a mystery she doubted would ever be solved. Was she letting love blind her to the truth?
I’m not the man you think I am.
Was Rhodes right? Was Slatter nothing more than a scoundrel and a liar? Would he leave her brokenhearted?
Willow was suddenly eager to know what William thought of Slatter.
She turned a soft smile on him. “What do you know about Slatter, William?”
“I only know that his lies caused great pain and heartache to the Northwick Clan. He also had many a lass enthralled with him and some surrendered to his charm and lying tongue.”
“You agree with Rhodes then?”
“I do. Slatter is nothing more than a scoundrel and a liar. You can trust nothing he says.”
Why when everyone warned her against Slatter, did she not see it for herself? Had love blinded her that badly? Had she become one of those women who refused to see the worthlessness of her husband?
But what of the other man who resembled Slatter? Was that truth or tale? Devin had known of the man. Or did he lie to protect his friend? And why? Why? Why did she miss being in his arms?
She turned silent again and felt relieved she was on her way home. She’d be in familiar surroundings with people who loved her, perhaps once there she would see things differently.
They arrived at Willow’s home late past mid-day on the second day of their journey. Thankfully, only a light snow had followed them on their way home, though it had turned heavier about an hour ago.
Rhodes and William followed her and Slatter, his grandmother cradled in his arms, into the Great Hall, where James, Snow, and Eleanor waited.
“Explanations will have to wait, I have an old, ill woman who needs tending,” Willow announced upon seeing her family and got the results she wanted.
Snow, with Eleanor’s help, hurried toward her. Thaw, Snow’s pup, yapped as he followed along.
Willow was quick to reach out to her sister and hug her tight. “I am well, do not worry. We will talk later and I will explain all.”
“I am glad you are home safe,” Snow said, tears lingering in her eyes.
They both turned to their brother as he spoke.
“I’ll speak with Slatter while you tend to the woman, Willow.”
Slatter issued his own command. “I speak to no one until I’ve seen my grandmother settled.”
Willow shocked them all when she said, “And you’ll not talk with my husband without me present.”
“Husband?” James, Snow, and Eleanor asked in unison.
“Aye,” Willow confirmed. “That he is and that he’ll stay.”
“You let your wife dictate to you?” Rhodes said, sounding as if he issued a challenge.
The man was itching for any reason to fight Slatter ever since he had laid him low with one blow. Willow hoped her husband wouldn’t oblige him.