Black Richard's Heart (The MacCulloughs #1) - Suzan Tisdale Page 0,71

a good day, they were still young and impressionable.

“Thank ye, boys,” she said taking a step back. Turning once again to Hattie, she said, “Now how can we help?”

There was a palpable tension in the kitchens while Aeschene, Marisse, and the boys helped as much as possible. Aeschene couldn’t help but to believe that the room was usually a bustling hive of activity. Whether it was the fact that their new mistress was within or the after effects of the earlier argument that drove people to muteness, she didn’t know. However, she refused to cower or hie off and hide.

Once the lads finished washing the last of the cooking pots, she declared loud enough for all to hear, what a fine job they had done. Marisse would later tell her that the smile on the lads’ faces were bright enough to light the darkest of rooms.

In her heart of hearts, she knew she was on the right path. Killing two birds with one stone as it were. Not only was she going to prove to her new family and clan that she was worthy of being here, she was also showing them that Raibeart and Colyne were good young men.

Richard hadn’t returned for the nooning meal. Much to her disappointment, she didn’t see him again until just before the evening meal.

She had been waiting for him in their bed chamber, eager to share her ideas with him. However, the moment he entered the chamber she could sense he was in no mood for a conversation.

“God’s teeth, but I am done in,” he declared. He sounded fatigued.

“A long day?” she asked, testing the waters as it were.

“A long few years,” he muttered under his breath.

She wasn’t certain how to respond. “What ye need is a good meal.”

“I fear I must change and leave immediately,” he told her.

“Why?” she asked, trying to mask her disappointment.

“There has been a skirmish at our western border. Thankfully, no one was killed. Only a few minor injuries.”

Relief washed over her at the news that no one was killed. She placed one hand over her heart and gave thanks to God.

“But I must leave,” he said. “I will not be back until late.”

She couldn’t help to feel disappointed. Not only had she been looking forward to telling him of her plans for his brothers, she had also been eager to share a few intimate moments together, as man and wife. Putting forth a stoic posture and face, she did her best to be supportive. “Promise me ye will not get hurt.”

Richard chuckled lightly. “I shall endeavor to do my best.”

Dawn arrived, bringing with it much needed sunshine and only slightly warmer weather. Aeschene woke to find herself once again, alone in a cold bed and colder room. The embers in the hearth had died out long ago.

Fear struck at her heart with images of her husband lying dead somewhere, dying to protect his lands and family. Just why her mind went there, to those thought so rapidly, she didn’t know. But there they went.

Tossing the blankets aside, she made quick work to wash her hands and face and dress. All the while her heart pounded mercilessly against her breast. Please, God, keep him safe. Dread and fear assailed her and try as she might, she couldn’t get those images or the worry to cease.

In no time, she was knocking on Marisse’s door. She didn’t bother with waiting for permission to enter. Slipping into the room, she knew immediately that her friend was still asleep. The room was dark and still.

“Marisse, please wake up,” she whispered as she sat on the bed and shook Marisse’s shoulder.

A grumble of something indecipherable was her only reply.

“Please, Marisse. Richard has not yet returned. I am worried.”

Another grumble and muttered curses before Marisse sat up on one elbow. “And ye are picturin’ him lyin’ dead somewhere, aye?”

Aeschene nodded her head rapidly as she valiantly held on to her tears.

“I swear, yer imagination will be the death of us all someday,” Marisse groused as she rubbed sleep from her eyes. “I am quite certain he is fine.”

Aeschene wasn’t so certain. “Please, take me below stairs so I can find out what has happened to him?”

She could almost hear Marisse rolling her eyes. “Verra well,” she said. “But I am quite certain yer husband is fine.”

She prayed with all her heart that her friend was right.

Aeschene’s worries were immediately quashed the moment she heard her husband’s voice. He was in the gathering room, speaking