“We understand,” Lord Scott said. “Sprig, you need to go. Laird Buchanan will take good care of you. I promise to send a missive and you must write back to me to tell me how you fare.”
She nodded but remained silent.
“Then I shall await ye outside, lass. Do not keep me waiting.” Breckin bowed his head to Lord Scott and turned on his heel. He left the beautiful manor home and stood by his horse.
“Milord,” a lad said as he rounded his horse. “I gave him a little bit of hay and water.”
“My thanks, lad. Where is the stable?”
“’Tis behind the manor, Milord.”
“Fetch a horse for Lady Eva.”
The lad’s mouth hung open. “Milady never rides horses. Are ye sure, Milord?”
“Aye, I am. Make sure the horse is sound. We have a good distance to ride.” Breckin grabbed the reins of his warhorse and followed the lad to the side of the manor to ensure that Eva was given a proper mount, one sturdy enough to make it up the incline and hillier mounds.
Eva caught up to him and called out. He noticed her overlarge satchel and eyed her skeptically but decided he would allow her to bring whatever she’d put in the baggage. His wife tested his patience but since she was leaving her home, he’d give in to her, if only to show her that he could be reasonable.
“Breckin, can my maid come? She has looked after me since I was young and I cannot do without her. Her name is Luella and she is—”
He shook his head.
“But why? Surely you will not refuse my need for a maid. Will you please cease shaking your head? Surely, a maid will not inconvenience you.”
“Outsiders are not permitted on my land.” It was all the answer he would give. Breckin busied himself with tying her packs to her horse, a cream-colored mount with brown speckles. The horse was unlike any he’d ever seen and its kind had to come from across the channel. But then, Lord Scott was a trader and probably had acquired the horsefrom a breeder. Its value must be high given its confirmation and coloring.
“I am an outsider,” she said, softly. “Perhaps I should stay here and…”
Her words trailed off when he shook his head again. “Nay, Eva, ye are my wife, not an outsider. Now, here, take the reins of your horse. I hope to make good ground before it gets too dark to travel.” Breckin handed her the horse’s reins and mounted his own horse. He rode ahead and didn’t look back. Once he was through the gate, he slowed his progress so she could catch up to him.
She kept a slow pace behind him and he gave a side glance to ensure she followed. Eva was irked, given the daggers in her eyes and the pout of her bonny lips. He felt the hotness of her stare on him and though he wanted to chuckle, he kept his expression devoid of his mirth. Breckin did not know how to abate her ire. She’d release her anger once they were well enough away from her home.
*
His wife wasfurious with him. Throughout the ride to the Highlands, she spoke not a word, not even to make a complaint. Breckin tried to make small talk with her, but she wasn’t having it. When he asked her if she needed to rest, she’d either nod or shake her head. He hadn’t heard her bonny voice for days. With a sigh, he stopped earlier that evening so they could rest and make an early start on the morrow. By nightfall next, they would reach his land and he was never so happy to be close to home. There, he’d part ways with his surly wife and allow her to be for a time. Sooner or later, she would accept her fate and then, perhaps, him.
He set a tartan on the ground in front of a large crag that would shelter them from the strong winds. The day grew chillier but at least it hadn’t rained. As soon as he set the cover for her, she sat wearilyupon it and rummaged through her satchel. She pulled out a small loaf of wheat bread and tore a piece off for herself. He could hope that she’d offer him some but he wouldn’t hold his breath.
Breckin scrounged the area for small logs and twigs so he might light a fire. Even though they were on Stewart land, he wasn’t too worried about being attacked. His relations with the Stewart clan wasn’t close at the moment but there was no cause for them to attack him. He would have kept riding but Eva appeared tired and besides, he wanted to spend a little time with her before they arrived at his keep. Somehow, he would get her to talk to him…and then a notion came to him.
After he set the logs and kindling, he retrieved the flint from his satchel and within a moment, had the dried grass lit with flame. The fire took hold and brightened the area where they had made camp. She shifted closer to the warmth.
“There is a small stream yonder if ye wish to wash,” he said and motioned in the direction of the water.
She knelt and then rose. “I do. Have you a flask? I will get us some water.”
He handed her his empty flask and turned back to his horse. Breckin found a good spot where new grass sprouts covered a small area and began to hobble them so they’d stay close by. The horses immediately lowered their heads and nibbled on the shoots.
“If you want some bread, help yourself,” she said over her shoulder as she walked away.
His head snapped around to watch her leave. Breckin grinned at hearing her voice. Shedidcare about him and wouldn’t let him go hungry. At least, there was hope for them yet. While he waited for her return, he retrieved his small bow and a handful of arrows. He’d do a little hunting and perhaps kill something for their supper.
She returned and sat down upon his tartan. With her eyes on him, she clasped her bent legs and held her knees. “Are you going to…”
He nodded, surmising what she was going to ask. “Aye, I will not go far. If ye need me, just call out. I hope to hunt something for our supper. Ye are hungry?”
Her chin bobbed slowly. “Then I will rest whilst you are gone. Is it safe here?”
