Chapter 11
Afew days had passed since that fateful argument.
It had gone a long way to clearing the air between husband and wife, and things had been all the better for it.
While Finlay still had rough edges, conversation flowed more freely between them, and he was more attentive.
There were still secrets she held within her heart, but she felt more comfortable being with him.
The nights spent together were filled with tenderness and passion.
Heat burned through her body, and she started to understand some of the secrets that were kept to the realm of married people.
She found the pleasure intoxicating and no longer considered herself a girl, but a woman, as though the flower had made its final bloom.
Finlay stayed with her in the morning so they could wake up together, and the bed was always warm.
They talked about a few plans for the future, and she felt more confident that he understood the way she felt about things.
Her face ached from smiling so often, and she was glad that they had had an argument in a way, as it led to them growing closer.
On this particular day, she was with the horses, watching them run around in the field.
They galloped, and their dark hides glistened under the sun.
Their manes fluttered as they ran around the field, and Elspeth took great delight in seeing them enjoy the exercise.
They were majestic creatures; she was pleased to see them run freely out in nature rather than being cooped up in stables.
She still had a flare of panic whenever she thought of the stables as she could only think of her father being trapped in fire.
While she was standing out in the field, Abigail came out to see her.
They hadn’t spoken much since the wedding, but Elspeth was glad to see her as Abigail had offered friendship.
She carried with her a basket of baked goods and wore a friendly smile on her face.
She greeted Elspeth with a hug, as though they were firm friends.
“I’ve been meaning tae come and see how ye are settling in. I see ye hae made friends with the horses,” Abigail said.
“Aye, I think I could spend all day watching them,” Elspeth said with a smile. She clapped her hands together as the horses rode around her in a circle, hoping that somewhere in their bestial minds, they would understand her appreciation.
“It seems that Finlay’s mood has certainly changed since ye hae arrived. Ian said he’s been like a different man.”
“Really?” Elspeth’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
“Aye, it’s been a long time coming as well, I can tell ye. I was beginning tae think that he would never get married.”
“I’m nae sure he would hae if his uncle had nae made him.”
Abigail chuckled. “Well, some men need tae be pushed. I don’t think Ian would hae asked me tae marry him if he hadnae almost died.”
Elspeth’s gasped. “What happened?”
“Did Finlay nae tell ye? Well, I suppose that makes sense given how he never talks about himself. It was a few years ago now. There’s a neighboring clan near here, and they were getting greedy.
Seemed as though they wanted some of us for themselves.
Our scouts knew they were planning an attack sae we sent out patrols tae try and head them off.
Ian led one of them. It was a fretful time.
I could barely sit still, knowing he was out there gaeing into danger.
Life around here was usually quiet, ye understand, and I couldnae think of what might happen if Ian didnae make it back. Well, my worst fears came true.
“A few of his patrol came back, looking all beleaguered and weary.
Their clothes were torn, and blood streamed down their faces, but Ian was nae among them.
I cried out tae them and searched for him, but their faces were haunted, and they said that Ian haed been captured.
My heart broke. I thought I was gaeing tae lose my mind. He was all I haed, ye see.
“Anyway, Finlay comes up tae me and tells me that I dinnae need tae worry, that he’ll get Ian back for me.
He took a band of men out tae face the enemy, and I knew from the look in his eyes that he wouldnae return without Ian and the others who haed been taken.
We waited all night, and then we heard them singing as they came back.
Well, Ian said that Finlay fought like a demon.
The other clan never stood a chance, and since then, they hae never dared attack us.
Aye, he’s a strong man yer husband. It would take a brave one tae gae against him.
I’ll never forget the way he went out there without any hesitation at all.
He could hae left Ian for dead or tried tae make a deal, but he went out there because Ian was in danger.
That’s the kind of man Finlay is. I know he can be rough around the edges, but he’s got a good heart, and that’s all ye can ask. ”
Elspeth smiled at the story and felt a deep bloom inside. It was a warm feeling that flowed through her like syrup, and it made her mind hazy. Was this love? The elusive, ethereal feeling had never been something that entered her mind before, but she was almost certain that it was.
“I’m beginning tae learn that myself. It took a wee while for me tae understand him, but the more I learn about Finlay, the more my affection grows.”
“Aye, such is the way with marriage. It’s a journey, and ye never stop learning about each other.
I’m glad ye are both in good spirits. I was a wee bit worried when ye shared yer concerns with me.
I didnae know how Finlay was gaeing tae adjust tae having a woman around. He haes nae haed one since his ma.”
“Did his da never remarry?”
“Nae, he was devoted tae the good Lady, and he swore that he could never let anyone enter his heart. It was a sad thing, but now ye are here, and everything is gaeing tae be well. Finlay is in good spirits, and that can only mean good things for the clan.”
Elspeth smiled in reply even though she had misgivings in her heart.
She knew there were some disgruntled people, although she didn’t know how many of them there were.
Everyone she spoke to at the castle seemed to be in favor of Finlay, and they acted as though nothing was wrong, although they were hardly going to come right out and say if they were plotting treason, of course.
She had brought the matter up with Finlay again, although he had brushed it away with barely a second thought.
As far as he was concerned, nobody would dare to question his authority because he kept the same.
After hearing Abigail’s story, Elspeth could well see why he would believe that.
And surely if anyone saw him train, they would have second thoughts.
She pitied anyone who brought Finlay’s wrath upon them.
She stayed with Abigail, sharing other stories with her about their husbands.
She learned more about the clan, and for a time, she was able to think about this place as her home.
Her connection with the clan deepened, and she was eager to be a strong part of the place.
She felt ready to take all the responsibility of being Finlay’s wife, and she was eager to be with him again so she could shower him with devotion and affection.