Highlander of My Heart (Mcardle Sisters of Courage 1)

“The keep is large and Erskine did well with it when I was there. You may find it too much to handle,” Ruddock said and knew it was a mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

“We’ll see about that,” Sorrell said.

Ruddock hurried to retrieve the gauntlet he had inadvertently thrown down and she had quickly snatched up. “You’re Lady Northwick now and need not worry about chores or the upkeep of the clan. There are others to attend to that. Enjoy the leisure and freedom you have as my wife.”

“A wife has duties and I intend to see to them.”

“Duty and obedience to your husband comes first,” he reminded teasingly.

She appreciated his playful manner, though she kept hers serious. “My husband will always come first to me.”

“As it should be,” he said with feigned sternness.

She stretched her head up and kissed him gently. “I do so love you.”

Her words twisted his stomach in knots and melted his heart. He loved hearing her say that she loved him. The words were on his lips to tell her the same, but he held them back. It wasn’t time yet, just as it wasn’t time to free himself of the shackle on his wrist. But soon, he hoped very soon, it would be.

The nuns welcomed Ruddock and Sorrell, and only them, into the abbey with solemn faces. Ruddock’s warriors were left outside to make camp around the abbey, something Mother Abbess hadn’t welcomed.

Night had fallen several hours ago, but they had pushed on to the abbey. Sorrell admitted, to herself, that she was glad they had. It had gotten colder with the descending darkness and a light rain had started to fall. It would have been a cold, wet, uncomfortable night to be outside.

Sorrell followed behind Mother Abbess and in front of her husband down a narrow hall, a cold stone floor beneath their feet, sending a chill through her and the gray stone walls seemed to close in on the narrow space, making it feel more like a prison than a sanctuary. Silence hung heavy, not a sound being heard, giving the impression that the abbey was deserted.

Sorrell was pleased with the room Mother Abbess had led them to. It wasn’t large, but not small either and a small hearth burned brightly, heating the room nicely.

“It is because of your father’s generous support that the abbey survives. This room is kept for anyone, without question, he sends our way. Your father did not, however, let us know that you had wed.”

“My father does not know I have taken a wife. We were wed only yesterday and I wish to surprise him with the good news.”

The abbess did not hide her skepticism, looking questionably between Ruddock and Sorrell. “As I said anyone your father sends we accept without question.”

“Mother Abbess,” Sorrell said as the tall woman turned to walk away. “I am new to my position as wife to Lord Northwick, but I am not new to recognizing rudeness. You obviously think we lie to you and are not wed. That you question my husband’s integrity is an insult. One that I believe his father will not take lightly.” She turned to her husband. “I will not stay where I am believed to be a whore, and I will be sure to inform your father of our unwelcoming experience here.”

Ruddock couldn’t have said it better, though he had intended to, but his wife had been hastier with her words. He was pleased to see the Mother Abbess pale, her thought of losing Northwick’s patronage no doubt foremost in her mind.

“Forgive me, Lady Sorrell. There had been no news of Lord Ruddock’s marriage and I fear I thought the worst of—”

“My husband,” Sorrell said with a note of anger.

“My apologies, Lord Ruddock,” Mother Abbess said, turning to him. “It was wrong of me to have assumed the worse. Let me make amends and have some of our fine wine brought to you and your lovely wife to enjoy while I lead the sisters in a special prayer session blessing you both and your marriage.”

“My wife will decide if what you offer makes amends for your discourtesy,” Ruddock said with an air of command.

Sorrell looked up at the tall woman, though by no means felt shorter than her. “I appreciate any blessing offered for our marriage, since it can only help strengthen our love and commitment to each other. And the wine is most welcomed as is the fire in the hearth after traveling in the cold and damp.”

“You are a forgiving and generous woman, exceptional qualities, and will make Lord Ruddock a good wife,” Mother Abbess said with a respectful bob of her head.

Sorrell stopped her from leaving again. “Where is the chapel located where you and the sisters will pray? I’d like to know so that I may pay a visit before our departure in the morning.”