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Fia startled at the unexpected voice but smiled to see Dysa and Cara slowly approach her.
“We saw you rush around back here and worried something might be amiss,” Cara said.
“Sore from the ride,” Fia said, since it was partially true. “And this is the quickest way to ease the discomfort. How does Seth and Harold do? And you, Cara, how do you and the bairn do?”
“Harold improves more every day and talks with hope for the future, something he never did before now,” Cara said teary-eyed and rested her hand on her rounded stomach. “With enough food to eat and a warm home to shelter us the bairn and I not only do well but are content.”
“I am so pleased to hear that,” Fia said and looked to Dysa.
“Seth grows stronger each day as strong as an older man can be,” Dysa said with a laugh. “He also shares his knowledge with the young men whether they want to hear it or not.”
“Harold enjoys the talks he has with him,” Cara said. “He says Seth has taught him much.”
“I am glad. Not all want to listen to an old man tell tales of his life,” Dysa said.
“I must go,” Cara said suddenly. “I almost forgot I promised to make honey cakes for Harold. They are his favorite, and it has been too long since either of us have had them. Do feel better, my lady.”
“She is a sweet, young woman and will make a fine mother,” Dysa said, watching Cara rush off, then turned to Fia. “The snow will only numb the soreness so long as will a salve. The best way to heal when new to coupling is to refrain from coupling for a few days, not an easy thing for most new husbands.”
Fia felt her cheeks flush so hot that she thought the snow would melt around her.
“Oh, my goodness, my lady, forgive me for speaking out of turn,” Dysa said, seeing Fia’s cheeks blossom red.
“Nay. Nay,” Fia said to ease Dysa’s concern. “It would be wise of me to speak with someone who has experience with such a delicate matter, though I would prefer you not mention it to anyone.”
“Never would I do that, my lady. That is your private affair, and I would dare not speak of it to anyone.”
“I much appreciate that, Dysa, and I would be grateful for any advice you can offer. Women who came to my mum and grandmother were given a salve to help such a delicate condition. I do recall my grandmother warning women to keep their husbands at bay for a few days. Something most of the women said would not be easy to do.”
“It takes a man who loves his wife to restrain from coupling. A man who doesn’t put his own needs before his wife’s discomfort, a man who cares more for his wife than for himself. Seth refused to touch me when he learned how sore I was after our first coupling.” Dysa laughed. “Make that after we coupled twice more after we first coupled that night. When I finally healed, I had to chase after him and plead with him to make love with me, he was so concerned for my comfort. A good, decent husband is not easy to find. I am grateful I found Seth and I believe you will come to be just as grateful that you found Lord Varrick.”
A soft smile lit Fia’s face. “I already am.”
“Fia!”
Both women turned with a start to see Varrick standing by the corner of the keep, a scowl on his face.
“I believe that scowl is for himself, not you,” Dysa said with a chuckle and took her leave, bobbing her head respectfully as she walked past Varrick as he headed toward his wife.
“It was the way to get instant relief,” Fia said before her husband could say anything when he stopped in front of her.
He crouched down beside her. “You cannot spend the day in the snow, but I can have buckets of snow brought to our bedchamber if it will help you.”
That he even suggested it warmed Fia’s heart.
“I will let you know if that is necessary, but for now there is a salve I can use that will help with the soreness.” She hesitated to continue and say what was necessary when her husband did it for her.
“We will refrain from coupling until you heal.”
“It will not take long. One or two days at the most.”
“As long as it takes, wife. I will not have you suffer when it is meant to be enjoyed. Now come, let me get you inside before you freeze.”
“A few more minutes if you don’t mind,” she said, the discomfort almost gone.
Varrick stood and with his booted foot cleared an area of snow beside her, without disturbing where she nested, and sat.
Fia thought it the perfect time to discuss the thought that had come to her in the shelter. “What happened in the woods gave me pause to think, especially with the two men suggesting they knew who stalked the woods.”
