Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
A fter a hearty meal, she and Jamie ascended the creaky wooden stairs behind Mrs. Robertson, followed by the others. “I’ve put you and your missus in this room,” she said, opening the door for them.
Jamie and Annabelle shared a look, but didn’t dissuade her from the idea that they were married. Instead they entered their quarters. The room had a cozy charm to it, with a large, well-made bed adorned in plaid covers taking center stage. A sturdy wooden table stood by the window, upon which a flickering candle illuminated the room. The window itself offered a picturesque view of the quaint village below, its thatched cottages and narrow cobblestone streets bathed in the soft glow of twilight.
“Thank you, Mrs. Robertson, this is a very nice room,” Annabelle said graciously.
She nodded, a smile on her lips. “Sleep well.” She pulled the door shut and moved on down the hall with the others.
As they settled into the room, Annabelle's gaze was drawn to the inviting bed. Her thoughts wandered for a moment as she contemplated the newfound comfort of the inn's accommodations compared to the tent they had shared during their journey.
Curious, Jamie noticed the faint blush on Annabelle's cheeks and inquired with a playful smirk, "Why, lass, what's got you all flushed?" he teased. “Twas it Mrs. Robertson callin’ you my missus?”
Annabelle's lips curved into a half-smile. “I almost feel bad about misleading her. We didn’t even try to explain.”
Jamie winked at her. “Tis nothin’ to be ashamed of, lass. She saw the affection between us, and assumed. If’n you want your own room, I can bunk with one o’ the others.”
Annabelle quickly shook her head and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Don’t you dare.”
Jamie chuckled and said, “I was hopin’ you wouldnae take me up on that offer.” He set about putting his bag down and pulled out a few things, laying them on the desk. He took a seat and picked up his quill, dipping it into a well of ink and turned his attention to Annabelle. "I'm penning a letter to Cam. I'm going to request he send more mento us here in this village. I truly believe we are on the cusp of finding these bandits."
“That’s a good idea,” Annabelle agreed. “Who are you going to send it with?”
“I’ll use one of the innkeeper’s messengers. I donnae want to send away one of my men, as I may need them here.”
Jamie finished writing the note, sealed it and then told her he’d be back in a moment. Annabelle used that time to make use of the wash basin, cleaning her face and hands and getting comfortable. Jamie returned, pulled off his tunic and began to wash as well. Annabelle couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He was sculpted perfection, and she was amazed that he was interested in her.
“Lass, keep watching me like that and we willnae get any sleep this night.”
Annabelle giggled. “As intriguing as that sounds, I don’t think we’ll be getting any sleep anyway.”
Jamie frowned and looked at her. “What do you mean, lass?”
"I have a plan, well, more of an idea," she said. "Beitris said that things were being stolen and their kitchen was ransacked. She didn’t say when it happened, but I would have to assume it’s been at night, once everyone has gone to sleep. I think we should start watching for the thieves at night and follow them back to their camp once we find them."
Jamie considered her words carefully. His deep blue eyes met hers. “That is a sound idea, lass.” Pulling his shirt back on, he rose from his seat, the muscles of his powerful frame rippling beneath the fabric. “I’ll go inform the others.”
Annabelle couldn’t help the moment of regret that they wouldn’t be making use of the large comfortable bed she was sitting on, but duty came first. They needed to catch these murderers and clear the Donald Clan’s name.
Jamie returned and as he entered the room, pulled his tunic over his head and grinned at her. Annabelle gave him a questioning look. “I thought we were going to go watch for the bandits?”
“Hugh and Aedan are taking first watch.” Jamie wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Thought we might make use of this nice bed the innkeeper has provided us with.”
Annabelle laughed. “I like the way you think,” she answered, reaching for him.
* * *
The next morning greeted them with a soft, golden light that filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. It was a new day, and Jamie and Annabelle reveled in it after a night and morning of shared passion.
After their fiery connection, they shared a hearty breakfast of freshly baked scones, still warm from the oven, a generous platter of sliced ham, and bowls of hot porridge with honey.
“What are we doing today?” Annabelle asked.
“We’ll need to trade off with the others to keep watch. I checked in with Eamon this morning, so far there’s been no sign of the bandits. So with that in mind I thought perhaps we could explore the village? Visit the shops and maybe ride in the surrounding countryside?”
Annabelle grinned. “So basically a stakeout and undercover work. I like it.”
“I thought you might, best wear a dress instead of those pants and quilted top. You’ll want to blend in more.”
Annabelle laughed. “What, my nightdress won’t work?” She lifted the skirt of the linen nightgown she was wearing currently.
“Lass, I fear I shall have to poke out every man’s eyeballs if’n they saw you in such attire.” Jamie chuckled.
Annabelle laughed too. She liked this playful side of Jamie. It was so refreshing after being with someone like Edward for so long. She hurried to change into the single dress she’d brought along so they could get started on their day.