Page 10

Gwyn stood up fully as she stretched her back knowing she had worked hard on this day.

She felt a sense of accomplishment even though the dirt was smeared down her arm and her dress was rather wet.

She thought back to the numerous buckets of water they had used upon the cold stone floor of the gathering hall.

She was pleased with the result as she had seen a definite improvement.

As Gwyn moved the final cleaned bench into what she deemed as its rightful place, she smiled with a sense of pride.

The room was looking much better than it clearly had on that morn and she felt a certain warmth for her accomplishments.

That was until she heard the large doors slam heavily closed.

Gwyn quickly looked over her shoulder and saw the Laird Errol glaring at her from the small landing.

"What in God's name are you doing, woman?"

"Just tidying up a bit, my laird, and making our home more presentable. The room does look more habitable now, does it not? I have many plans for some improvements-"

"You will not! You are my wife and not a common servant. That is what everyone else is for!"

Gwyn could hardly believe her ears as she watched her husband glare angrily at those who had so graciously helped her on this day.

None of them had complained once and while there had been no warm words spoken, they had been so accommodating.

What was worse was he was now speaking to them with such little disregard and as if they were not even present.

It saddened her for even though she realized they were servants, she still wished to show them a little bit of respect.

"Now go to your room and change your clothes before anyone of importance sees your pathetic state. I have no idea what your own father's expectations were, but here you will not act like a servant in my home. You will conduct yourself as your position dictates!"

Gwyn had no chance to respond for he immediately turned his back on her and moved up the stairs leaving her staring and humiliated behind him.

She could feel the sting of tears within her eyes as the silence permeated the great hall around her.

No one moved within the room and no one spoke.

Slowly, she placed a smile upon her face as she turned to those who were still standing within its expanse.

"Thank you all for helping me without question on this day. The hall is lovely and so very inviting even if the laird did not fully notice nor appreciate our work."

Gwyn could say no more as the words she spoke brought on only startled looks to those remaining.

Quickly and since she could really take no more, Gwyn turned to make a move to retreat to her room.

She stopped short as she spied her leisurely leaning against the far stone wall in the shadows.

It was the one she now knew was named Philomena and the one who her husband had within his arms and in his bed.

As she stood across the room, Gwyn noticed there was a cruel smile touching the corner of her lips and a wicked laugh emanating from deep within her.

It was obvious she had gleaned pleasure from the laird's reaction and now, her own.

Gwyn tore her eyes from Philomena as she quickly walked up the stairs and down the hall to greet the emptiness of her chamber.

Once again, she felt of the sadness and desolation completely.

It was the most grievous of feelings, for Gwyn was still no closer to finding a way to fit into this new family of hers.

And now she doubted strongly, she ever would.