Page 14 of Bride takes a Scot

He tried to ignore the way it felt and the way his body responded by focusing on her question. “Aye, some we are, some not. We have allies and rivals. Worry not, Wife, there are plenty of MacKendrick soldiers who protect those walls. You’ll be safe enough.” It occurred to him that her home was probably much grander than what she’d live in now. Her father had wealth and likely had a large manor home surrounded by lawns and manicured gardens, but not walls. He should have explained what her new home would be like, but she’d see for herself when they reached the cottage.

They rode toward the open wall and after he passed the gatehouse, the sentry closed the heavy iron gates. Men-at-arms waved to signal all’s well. He guided his horse through a crowded lane of clansmen and women who either greeted him or nodded. Chickens scurried out of his way, and they got held up by a lazy cow that wasn’t in a rush to move past the lane. Noise from people’s chatter and those chopping wood outside their cottagesbrought to him the sense of home. Cottages lined the path, and most had their doors open. Children either attended to chores or played in the grassy spots near their homes. He wondered briefly if Isabella was used to such clamor or if her home was more peaceful.

He didn’t stop until he reached the large structure that sat in the middle of the walled surround. His home was large, a one-floor structure with various rooms, and big enough to fit his extended family. The thatch was thick enough to ward off the cold in the winter and the rains in spring. The cottage itself wasn’t bonny to look at, but it was home for now. Hopefully, soon, he would move into the home his men were erecting. He needed to check on its progress and ensure it was almost complete. It might make for a nice surprise for Isabella and he’d tell her about it later.

He dismounted and then reached up to help Isabella from the horse. She stood beside him and stared at the cottage without saying a word. Her eyes were round and large. He removed her heavy valise and set it on the ground next to her.

One of his stable lads approached and he handed the horses off to him before telling her, “This is where you’ll live. My family also lives under my roof.”

“Family? You didn’t mention family.” She turned to him, and her face was downcast. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a family?”

Declan shrugged because he didn’t have an answer. He supposed he should have told her about his family, but it hadn’t crossed his mind. There was much they hadn’t discussed on their ride.

“What about your parents? Do they live here?”

“My parents are both dead. My ma passed when I was a lad. My da remarried after my ma died, a handful of years later. My stepmother Helena lives here as does her son. There’s also myyounger brother and sister. There are a few servants who also reside within. Helena sees to the keeping of the home. I shall tell her that she no longer needs to—”

“Please, don’t tell her that. Allow her to continue. I don’t want to intrude on her life if it makes her feel needed. In time, I’ll ask if she wants me to take over the role.”

Declan picked up her valise, took her hand, and squeezed it. “You are kind to think of that. I had not considered that Helena might wish to be useful. Aye, we’ll let it be for now.”

“Does it matter to you?” Isabella asked and turned back toward the cottage.

“Nay, why should it? You are my wife now and the responsibility is yours if ye want it.”

“I shall think about it,” she said and released his hand and took the three steps that led to the door. “But I will not overstep and insult your stepmother.”

He opened the door for her and motioned her inside. His stepmother stood at the table, kneading dough. She glanced up. Declan thought he might have startled her because she wore a frown.

“Oh, Declan, I wish I knew you were returning. I wouldst have prepared a welcome home feast for you and called the clan together. Is this the new wife? She’s a petite thing, is she not?”

Isabella curtseyed to his stepmother. “My lady.”

Helena inclined her head in response.

Declan nodded but continued, “We had a long journey, Helena. I am sure Isabella wishes to rest. It was a tiresome trip.”

With that, he guided Isabella out of the kitchen and to his bedchamber, where he opened the door. “This is where ye will sleep.”

She entered the chamber and turned to him, her cheeks brightening. “Is it also where you will sleep?”

He set her valise next to the bed and turned to her. “Aye, but I doubt I shall return this night. I often sleep in the barracks when I am working with the soldiers so I will not disturb you.” His offered explanation appeared to make his new wife grimace.

Isabella grabbed hold of his tunic sleeve. “Where are you going? You are not going to just leave me…here, alone, are you?”

He set his hand atop hers, taking a moment to marvel at the softness of her skin before gently lifting it away. She dropped her arm to her side. Her shoulders appeared to slump. Guilt nagged him a little, but he wasn’t used to explaining his actions to anyone. To ease her, he said, “There are clan matters to see to. I need to get reports from my men and take care of problems that need my attention. I’ve been away for much longer than I had planned.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize… Of course, you have duties to attend to.” She smoothed her hands over her skirt and appeared weary.

“You get rest, Wife, and I will see ye on the morrow. Helena shall bring ye a bite to eat shortly. I’ll make sure she has a maid fetch a bath for ye so you can wash off the dust and horse before ye settle for the night.” He smiled as she reached for her hair and blushed, probably realizing she was disheveled from their journey. “I know ye are probably weary and saddle sore.” Declan placed his hands on her shoulders and shifted her to sit on the bed. His lovely wife frowned up at him.

“I am tired but more nervous about meeting your family. I worry that they might not like me.” Isabella folded her hands, set them on her lap, and peered at him uneasily.

Declan flinched. She would be apprehensive about meeting his clan, but he didn’t know what to say to relieve her concern. His clan might not welcome her with open arms, but once he told them she was his wife, they would respect her. He didn’t want to leave her feeling vulnerable, but right now, the security of his clan outweighed the needs of his wife. Somehow, he had tofind a way to balance his role of being a laird and that of being a husband. He hadn’t realized what it appeared to her or how intrusive having a wife would be. Declan hadn’t had anyone else to consider or answer to when he went about his duties for many a year. “I will be here, but outside. I rarely stay in this room so make it your own if ye wish.”

“I will fare well…on my own.” Isabella gripped her hands and averted her gaze.

He hesitated by the door. “If ye need any—”