was a set of circular stairs that led up to the second floor, or down into the armory.
The door leading into the gathering room was made of thick wood and reinforced with iron. Yet another line of defense should the others fail. While it was easy enough for him to open he doubted his wife or her maid would be able to. For the first time in years, he began to second guess his excessive need for safety. He remembered back to yesterday, when he had promised her she would be able to go out of doors whenever she wished.
He thought then of Raibeart and Colyne. The two lads were often into one form of mischief or another. Mayhap acting as his wife’s personal guards would help to keep them out of trouble. He would discuss the matter with them later. Or rather, he would give them a personal order. There would be no discussion.
Pulling the door open, he gave a gentle squeeze to his wife’s hand. “This be the gatherin’ room,” he said as they stepped inside. “There be a wide landin’ here, with two steps down.”
“Och!” Aeschene exclaimed with a smile. “Thank ye for tellin’ me that. Stairs and I do not get along verra well.”
Was it only yesterday that he found her sense of humor or the ease in which she smiled irksome? Why then this day did he begin to appreciate it? Where had the foul mood he’d awoken to gone? Why did his heart feel light and happy?
Soon, the hall was filled with people welcoming their laird home. While they were glad to see his safe return, many were more than just a bit curious about his new bride. A group of women of varying ages stood near the fireplace, speaking in hushed tones. All eyes were on Aeschene and Marisse.
Mysteriously absent from the welcoming party were his two younger brothers. Although Black Richard knew ’twas absurd to hope they weren’t getting into trouble, he still sent a silent prayer heavenward. Undoubtedly, he would know before the day was out what had kept the lads away.
Black Richard called for one of the women to come forward “Loreen,” he said. “This be yer new mistress, and her maid, Marisse. Please see them settled into their chambers.”
The pretty young woman, with dark blonde hair and big brown eyes bobbed a curtsy. She was mayhap just a few years older than Aeschene. “Aye, Richard,” she said before taking one of the satchels from Marisse. “Ye two look as though ye could use a good rest,” she said.
’Twas nothing short of the truth. There had been very little sleep for either woman last night. It also did not help that they had travelled through mud up to their horse’s knees for the better part of the day. Aeschene did not require the aid of a looking glass or even good vision to know she must look a terrible sight. Her wool dress felt heavy, weighted down by all the mud and muck. She could also feel splattering of it on her cheeks.
“I must look a fright,” she replied as Marisse took her by the hand to lead the way.
“The stairs be narrow,” Marisse warned once they reached the steps. “Take the finger loops.”
Aeschene did as requested. Even though her eyes did not work as they once had, she could not help but glance back at her new husband. She wondered if he was looking at her, and if so, was it with some sort of fondness? Was he eagerly anticipating being with her later, to consummate their marriage?
The thought of consummation made her cheeks grow warm. With her mind otherwise occupied, she was paying no attention to what she was doing. Half way up the steps, she miscalculated the next and stumbled forward into Marisse. One on top of the other, they slipped and fell, but thankfully, they did not slide far.
Black Richard, watching from only a few feet away, held his breath with wide eyes as he watched the scene unfold. Horror propelled him forward quickly and he was behind his wife, helping her to her feet in only a matter of moments. Holding her about her waist, he studied her face and hands closely, looking for any sign of injury. “God’s teeth,” he cursed under his breath. “Are ye injured?”
Embarrassed beyond measure, Aeschene shook her head. “I am fine, but how is Marisse?”
“I be fine as well,” Marisse answered as Black Richard held out his hand and