Page 18 of Bride takes a Scot
Anse smiled, his unruly dark hair blowing in the wind. “Och, that lad cannot hear and probably wasn’t paying attention. He likely did not know ye were saving him.”
No wonder.It all made sense, then.He wasn’t rude, he was…“He cannot hear?”
“Nay, he’s a deaf-mute. His grandma usually looks after him, but I do not see her about. I will have a word with her.”
“Oh, please, don’t get the lad in trouble. I am not hurt, and I was able to save him from being run over. I only hope someone looks after him.”
“If that pleases ye, Milady, I will not speak of it to her. Och, ye can be sure I’ll be telling his da.” Anse smiled at her. “You are Declan’s new wife?”
She curtseyed to him. “I am Isabella. Yes, his wife.”
“He said ye were lovely, but I vow he understated your beauty.” Anse held out his arm. “If ye would like, I can show ye around.”
Isabella smiled and could have laughed at Anse when he told her that. It was unlikely Declan had spoken of her at all, let alone professed such compliments. “I would like that. You mentioned the lad’s father… Who is he? Perhaps I can offer to…” She discontinued speaking because it wasn’t her place to offer assistance to the lad or his family. Isabella didn’t wish to overstep.
“His da is Declan. Did he not mention the lad to ye?” Anse smirked. “He said he was going to tell ye about him this day.”
“Declan is his father? No, he failed to mention that he had a son.” Isabella’s heart ached to hear that. Her husband should have disclosed such information. But what saddened her more was that the lad ran amongst the clan without a care. His grandmother certainlywasn’twatching him. “How old is the lad?”
Anse gripped his chin in thought. “Hmm. I’d say he be about six or seven. Aye, he’s seven in years. Most of the clan avoids him because it’s a bother trying to get him to understand what ye are saying to him.”
“That poor lad. I should like to meet his grandmother.”
“’Tis Declan’s grandmother, the lad’s great-grandmother. She is aged and has a wee bit of trouble looking after the lad. He is always running about inside the walls.”
Isabella refrained from asking him why his father didn’t look after him. She would have to put the question to her husband if he ever showed himself.
Anse stopped by the building being erected and motioned to it. “This will soon be your home. Is it not grand? The men tirelessly work on it. Declan wants it ready by harvest time.”
“Oh, it’s for… He didn’t mention that either. It’s certainly large and looks…secure.” Isabella flinched because the building made of heavy stone looked more like a soldier’s fortress than a family home.
“Aye, there is a need. It will be grander when ’tis finished. I see that gaze in your eye, Milady. It might appear stark at the present, but we have yet to finish it. The flourishes will be added toward the end of the build and make it more appealing.”
She couldn’t fathom that it would be grand even with the most becoming flourishes. A few well-placed gargoyles would be more apt to its decoration. Obviously, Declan felt the need to have such a fortification for his home. Isabella hadn’t realized they would require protection. Was it possible they could be besieged by another clan or even a bloody army? Everything she learned about her new home and family made her realize how distant she was from where she’d grown up. None of Mother’s lessons had prepared her for this, although, from time to time they had to secure their home against intruders or raiders.
They continued walking, past more cottages and villagers. Nearing the end of the lane, Anse gestured to the cluster of carts set up. The scent of cooking food rose to her nostrils, along with the smell of smoke. People chattered and called out all around her, moving about their business. Women carried market baskets of goods. Children raced underfoot. Men passed,nodding to Anse, eyeing her curiously. She lifted her chin and looked past them to the merchants selling their wares.
Anse gestured. “Here, there are hawkers who sell almost everything ye might need. Just tell them ye are Declan’s wife, and he’ll see to the payment for anything ye might need. If ye need any coins, ye can ask Rolly, our steward, and he will see to it.”
They walked past what was obviously the blacksmith’s shop where a burly, aproned man stood over a fire of coals and an anvil. He began hammering at a hot bit of metal with rhythmic, metallic clangs. She couldn’t help but wince at the loud ringing. Anse laughed and led her on, past a building with a wagon wheel for a sign, and another with a shoe hanging over the door. The cobbler, she realized. Truly, her husband’s keep had everything people might need. It wasn’t as primitive as she’d first believed. Even with the threat of war and the need for a large, fortified home.
She followed Anse to the end of the lane where she saw a whitewashed building. It featured small, stained-glass windows and its painted door was open wide in welcome to any who passed by. It was beautiful, especially when compared to the other rough stone and thatched buildings she’d seen.
“And this,” he said with obvious pride as he pointed, “is the chapel, dedicated to Saint Andrew. It’s newly erected and large enough to have Mass there. We are awaiting an appointed clergyman to serve us. Declan’s father had commissioned it be built before he passed.”
Isabella stood feeling awe and thanks for the chapel. She intended to make good use of it, especially if her absent husband continued to ignore her and his brother continued to pay undesired attention to her. Her knees were sure to be tested because it was probable that she’d spend much time on thempraying for her husband. With the Sign of the Cross, she thanked God for such a blessing.
“I see this pleases ye, Milady?”
“This does indeed please me, Anse. Thank you for showing me around. I shall leave you to your duties. If you see…” She ceased in midsentence. Isabella had hoped to have him send Declan to her, but she wouldn’t be so forward. If Declan wanted to see her, he would search her out for himself.
“Shall I walk you back to the laird’s home?” Anse asked her.
“No. Now that I have the lay of the land, I think I can walk back by myself. Thank you for the tour, Anse. I bid you a good day.” She bowed to him.
“Aye, Milady. Ye’ll be safe. As long as there are no more runaway horses and carts.” His eyes twinkled as he bowed to her in return before he turned and left her standing there.
She made her way back to the cottage, moving slowly so as to avoid Helena and the rest of her husband’s unwelcoming family. But before long, she was there at the door and had to go in. Isabella hurried to her room, pleased that no one appeared to see her. Especially, Declan’s stepmother who seemed to be haranguing a young maid about something. She didn’t stay to listen but made her way to her bedchamber.