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Her words came back like a blow to the head and struck him hard. His heart sank as he lifted his and caught a whiff of the food, seeing the breakfast she’d mentioned. Throwing the covers off, Noah rose out of the bed and moved to the small table, shuffling like a man walking to his own funeral. Instantly, his shoulders sagged as he noticed all of his favorite foods.
“What have I done?” he whispered to no one.
Sitting down, he tried to take a bite of the freshly baked honey roll with a piece of salty, smoked meat, but it tasted stale and rotten in his mouth. There was nothing wrong with the food, of course, but his encounter with Saoirse had left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Tossing the food back onto the tray, he shook his head and glanced at the door. She’d been right about it all. Hehadbeen cruel, when she’d just tried to surprise him with delicious things.
And sheismy wife. There shouldnae be any room where she cannae go in this Castle that’s meant to be her home.Stirred by sudden determination, he hoped it was not too late to make amends.
Throwing on a robe, he burst out of his chamber and raced down the hallway in the hopes of finding Saoirse somewhere close. He slowed when he came to her bedchamber door, his hand trembling as he lifted it to knock on the hard wood. He had no clue what he was going to tell her. A simple apology didn’t seem to fit the situation, considering her damning, departing words.
“Saoirse?” Noah called.
Hope continued to brim inside him as he waited, though it was laced with embarrassment. It was hardly dignified for a husband to beg forgiveness at his wife’s door. Then again, maybe that would prove that he really was sorry.
“Saoirse?” he repeated. “I… apologize. I’m sorry.” He pressed his hand to the door and dropped his chin to his chest. Evidently, she wasn’t going to answer.
The sound of footsteps tapping on the wooden floor echoed in Noah’s ears, sparking his hope afresh. His head twisted around, praying he’d see Saoirse, only to be disappointed.
“Ye’re up and in a darin’ mood, I see,” Scott said with a smile, gesturing at the robe. “Imagine that. Well, since ye’re awake and in fine vigor, ye should ken that yer presence is required in the village.”
“Why?” Noah tugged the lapels of his robe closed to protect what dignity he had left. “What is goin’ on?”
Scott shrugged as he glanced at his fingertips and leaned against the wall. “Somethin’ about missin’ sheep. Malloy came by this mornin’, requestin’ that ye come out and oversee the matter. Seein’ as how Malloy is plannin’ on sellin’ a bit of his livestock to the McCormick’s, he’s anxious to find what’s missin’.”
“Why on earth is Malloy sellin’ his livestock?”
“Did ye nae hear?” Scott’s eyes lit up, like he’d been waiting for the question. “His daughter is gettin’ married and he’s preparin’ a dowry or somethin’. But, if ye ask me, I think the whole thing is a mistake. If a man is demandin’ a considerable sum like that from a humble shepherd, he’s likely nae marryin’ with good intentions.”
Scott and Noah moved down the hallway, the latter somewhat relieved by the distraction. If he had sheep and quarrels to contend with, he wouldn’t have the time to wallow about his own crumbling marriage. Although, it would cling on in his mind until he properly apologized.
“What is the marriage to ye? I wouldnae think it’s any business of yers to disapprove,” Noah said, entering his chamber so he could dress more appropriately. He left the door open ajar, with Scott waiting the other side.
“Christie, Malloy’s daughter—let’s just say, she and I have had our moments. Now, I ken ye think me heartless, but I do care about the lasses I’ve “had moments” with,” Scott replied. Even though Noah couldn’t see him, he could tell that Scott was grinning mischievously.
“Tell me the lass isnae marryin’ because she’s wit’ child,” Noah said, tucking his shirt into his trews and grabbing his leather jerkin. “And tell me it’s nae yer child, and this lass isnae tryin’ to cuckold another.”
“Of course nae,” Scott answered. “She claims it’s love, and if there is a bairn in her belly, it couldnae be mine. I’m careful about such things.”
Noah emerged, fastening the ties of his jerkin as they set off again. “So, ye’ve spoken wit’ the lass?”
“Just this mornin’,” Scott replied with a wink.
Noah groaned. “So, her betrothed might well end up a cuckold?” He rolled his eyes. “If she’s to marry, ye cannae see her again. What is it with ye and lasses who are to be wed, eh? It’s like ye’ve been told ye need to leave a gatherin’, but ye want one last taste of the mead.”
“I kept my hands off yer betrothed, dinnae I?” Scott smirked. “But aye, I ken. She’s already said the same thing to me, right as I left her with me scent on her skin. Although, I reckon she’ll seek me out again when the marriage turns sour.”
Reaching the entrance hall, they strode out into the cool morning. A fine mist caressed Noah’s face, soothing his hot skin. It was a welcome reprieve from the stifling air that seemed to linger about the Castle. Although, Noah was certain it had more to do with Saoirse being in the Castle than anything else. The guilt clung to his consciousness like pond scum sticking to a fishhook.
“Dae ye love the girl?” Noah asked as they walked to the stables. He looked up, watching the wisps of clouds shroud the blue sky from his view. The courtyard was a misty gray that seemed to reflect Noah’s mood.
“Of course nae,” Scott said with a start. “We just enjoyed one another for a time.”
“And now her faither is sellin’ his livestock so that he can marry her off?” Noah arched his eyebrow in suspicion.
“What?” Scott asked, his face riddled with confusion.
“The lassiswit’ child, and I’m guessin’ itisyers, so ye mustnae have been as careful as ye thought,” Noah mumbled as he grabbed Scott by the arm and yanked him to the side of the stables. “Dae ye have any idea what would happen if word got out to her family? She’d be cast out.”
