Page 20 of Bride Takes a Charmer
She’d never heard that word used that way before, but it sounded right. She was a lover, and she wasn’t terrible at it. She giggled softly. “That is good to know. I hope we do that again.” Sorsha couldn’t wait until their next encounter. She would have to test her theory that the sensations of pleasure would return.
“Aye, as often as we like. If I had my way, Sorsha, we would never leave our bed.”
A giddiness came over her and she laughed. “Unfortunately, we must, but I shall like to lie with you often too. You are a laird and must have many duties. Now as your wife, I suspect I too have duties.”
“Ye were a wife to a laird before. Did ye not have duties?”
She shook her head. “Nay, I was never allowed to involve myself in the keeping of Tor. It was as if Rodick wanted to keep me from knowing his clansmen and women, or perhaps he did not wish to have a woman control any part of the keep.”
“Allowed?” Shaw shook his head. “As my wife, ye will have the run of my keep. It will be your home as well as mine. Speaking of home, we shall leave at first light. Let us get some sleep so we are well-rested for the long journey.”
Sorsha lay in his embrace and never dreamed of being so desired by her husband. She also never felt like she belonged at the Chattan keep. Now she would go with Shaw to his home and she hoped with all her heart that she would find his home welcoming. Her life could be nothing but joyful being married to a caring and charming man. Yet without Gillian, there was a piece of joy missing from her soul. Somehow, she had to rescue her daughter, and soon.
Chapter Eight
In his hasteto get on the trail home, Shaw rose early and dressed. He peered at his wife, confounded by how he’d been fortunate to finally marry her. Even in her sleep, Sorsha appeared beautiful but it wasn’t her allure that attracted him. Her spirit and manner first drew him to her. She had kind eyes, a gentle and approachable manner, a winsome voice, and a tender heart. She was everything he’d hoped for in a wife.
As he dressed, a sense of protectiveness came to him and he vowed then that no one would ever harm her. He’d make certain of it. Once they reached Moy, he would have her safely ensconced on his island and within the protective arms of his clan, where he would ensure that he kept his vow.
With a caress to her shoulder, he rousted Sorsha and she opened her eyes. “Good morn, Wife. Are ye ready to get started?”
Her sweet lips widened in a smile. “Wife…,” she said with a sigh. “I am still pondering how this came to be,Husband. But aye, good morn.”
Shaw pressed a hand over the silkiness of her locks and grinned. “I know it will take getting used to, lass, but aye, ye are my wife at last, and I am pleased. Now, we should arise, for we will leave soon. I presume ye will want to say your farewells to the queen. Meet me by the corral and we will leave posthaste.”
Sorsha wrapped the bed cover around her body and shuffled to the edge of the bed. “Margaret said they too were leaving thisday for England. Perhaps she hasn’t left yet. Go on and I shall hurry.” She turned and waited for him to reach the door before she stood.
Shaw grabbed his satchel, closed the door behind him, and ambled outside. He’d garbed himself in his warmer tartan and heavier tunic for the morning was chilly. As he approached the corral, he spotted Walen already tacking up their horses, and one more for Sorsha. He moved to his own mount, secured his satchel to the saddle, and checked the horse’s bridle, and girth.
Walen was quiet as he finished his tasks. Once done he leaned against the wooden postern with a wily smile splayed across his face. “How was your night? Pleasurable, I imagine? I had a productive night and won some coins…” his voice trailed off and he chuckled. “I suspect ye gave no thought to me, though.”
“I am gladdened to hear ye were not bored in wait of me.”
“Not at all, Laird, there was a group of the king’s men-at-arms who entertained me and in my appreciation, I relieved them of their silver. As you can see, I secured a horse for milady this morn, as well, so she’ll have her own mount to ride.”
Shaw meandered his hand over the neck of the chestnut mare his friend had purchased for Sorsha. The horse was somewhat smaller than theirs but sound enough for the journey. Their horses were bred to ride amid wars and a hillier climate than the fine-boned and bonny mare. They might have to pace themselves so as not to overtax her.
“My thanks. We will depart as soon as Sorsha arrives. I get the sense that something troubles her. She has not said so, och there is a bit of sadness in her eyes.”
Walen chortled. “Ye mean she is not overcome with utter joy at marrying ye?”
Shaw shoved his friend’s chest. “Jest all ye like, and of course, she is overcome with joy at our marriage but something is troubling her. That is all that I mean.”
“Have ye asked her what it is?”
He shook his head. “Nay, I do not want to force her to tell me. Given time, she will understand that she can speak to me of her troubles and that I will listen. Living with the Chattans, I expect she has not had an easy time of it and is untrusting.”
“Best keep your ears alert then because here comes milady now…” Walen moved to untie her horse and smiled at her as she approached. “Milady Sorsha,” he said and bowed. “’Tis a pleasure to see ye again. I have not laid eyes on ye since ye were last here at the king’s keep.”
“Is that you, Walen? I remember you. You are still following Shaw around?” She laughed lightly and his comrade’s eyes shone with affection.
“’Tis naught but my lot in life, milady, to serve my laird and follow him. And I am also at your service and vow to protect ye with my life. Our clan will rejoice when they learn that our laird has finally wedded and to such a bonny woman at that.”
Sorsha raised her dainty brow and scoffed. “You still have a way with words, Walen, and yet are not as charming as your laird.”
Walen bellowed a laugh. “Ye only say that because ye are now married to him.”
She folded her hands in front of her and a coyness brightened her cheeks. “It is good to see you too, Walen, and my thanks for your offer of protection.”