“What do ye think you’re doing walking out the gates alone? Are ye daft, woman? A simpleton?”
She started at his words, not expecting such a harsh beginning to their conversation. “I beg your pardon. I’m none of those things. I wanted to go for a walk. To clear my head. Is that a crime?” Abby unclenched her hands at her side and made an effort to control her temper, which on occasion, had been unleashed on rude people like this barbaric Scottish ass.
“Scotland is not safe for a woman who isn’t well-versed in current situations that encompass our land. Were you headed for the woods? Do ye have a death wish, lass?”
Abby pushed past him and strode toward the forest. How dare they pull her through time and then be all high-handed with her. She gasped when a large hand circled her upper arm and turned her about. She glared up at him, wishing she was a little taller so she could look him in the eye when she gave him what-for. Her hand burned against his chest, and she shoved him away, not liking the way her stomach clenched when she touched him.
“If I do, it’s your sister’s fault for bringing me here, and to marry you, no less.”
“I’m only concerned for your safety. You were supposed to come down to break ye fast, not run away.”
“I’m in front of your castle, and I didn’t see the point of eating when I’m not hungry. Why can’t I walk out here? Are you annoyed because I didn’t join you for breakfast?” She didn’t think he was, but still, Abby didn’t really know what to think anymore. This whole situation was bizarre.
“Nay, Betsy told me you agreed to our terms, but when Braxton notified me of ye walking outside the castle grounds, I thought to check on ye.”
“Well, I’m fine, as you can see. Is it always going to be this way while I’m here? Is this time that bad that I can’t step a few hundred yards from the castle without being rounded up like a sheep?” He looked down at her as if she’d said the stupidest thing he’d ever heard.
“Women in this time are not always respected. I’ll let ye decide as to what that means.”
A cold shiver ran down her spine, and she looked into the darkened forest beyond, wondering who lay in wait for women, or anyone, she supposed, to use for their nefarious means. “I was only going to walk along the forest’s edge. I wasn’t going to enter into it.”
“It makes no difference. Ye should not pass the bridge beyond the castle itself.”
His words brooked no argument, and she narrowed her eyes at his tone. “I don’t know if it’s escaped your notice, but I’m a big girl, and I’m not stupid. I can take care of myself.” She hoped. Although, if the men lying in wait for women were even half the size of the one before her, Abby wasn’t all that confident she could save herself.
“Really?” One eyebrow cocked up. “Do explain.”
Not that he would understand… “I’ve taken self-defense classes. I’ve learned how to fight.” She kept the confession that she’d yet to use her abilities in such a way, but still, under pressure, surely they’d come to the fore and save her ass.
“It is doubtful any fighting lessons you’ve been taught would save you from a knife to the throat before you’re even aware yer foe’s behind ye.”
Abby swallowed, not liking the sound of that at all, or the fact he was probably right.
“Or an arrow strike to yer head.”
“Are you trying to scare me? Why would you say such awful things?”
He shook his head, sighing. “Because I’d rather send ye home alive, than bury ye here. That’s if we ever found yer body, of course.”
“So where can I go that’s safe? Surely, I’m not going to be stuck inside the castle permanently.” The thought of having no sunshine, no fresh air away from the peat smoke or the smell of unwashed bodies, made her cringe.
“If you stay to the front of the castle you’ll be safe enough. I have guards permanently stationed in that area, along with the castle servants who tend to the gardens and crops. I will have a servant accompany ye at all times to be safe.”
“With all the guards around, like you said, I should be fine. I don’t need a guard.”