Chattan Bride

Chapter 5 - Part 1

The second letter Isabel had sent to Alysandir detailed the strange events surrounding her sister's wedding and her newfound half-brother, Gilbert. Now that she was an accomplished fighter, she wrote to her husband of how she defended herself against him and survived the attempt he had made on her life and that of her sister while they embraced. Surely this would impress him, she reasoned. He hates soft women, she concluded thinking of Eva. But he had sent no response to her first letter or her second.

Though William was carefully watched, he was not removed from his service to Richard. Isabel swore he had daggers in his eyes for her. Isabel also spoke to Chamberlain regarding plans to make a profit next year. She had designated the land she required for her project and those who would be assigned to work it. Chamberlain deemed it a worthy idea and set things in motion to prepare for it in the spring. When winter's edge began to subside, she knew that she must return to her husband. Under her father's heavy guard of soldiers and Andrew's watchful eye, she journeyed back home. She was not at all surprised to learn that Alysandir was not at home, but had been called away to his duties before the king of Scotland. When her home had quieted and she resumed her former routine, she felt renewed. The staff adored her and thrived under her guidance. Edward, Dylan and even Ian were away with Alysandir, so she anticipated their homecoming with each passing day. Perhaps his absence explained why he had not responded to her letters from Bamborough.

After a mere three weeks back at home Isabel received a beautiful letter from Gillian telling her that she was with child. She ran out of her chambers to share this good news with the cook. Perhaps on market day they would find some material to make a gift for the newborn when it arrived. Without looking up Isabel pulled her chamber door shut and turned directly into Edward.

"What are you doing back home, Edward? Is Alysandir with you, then?"

"No, Lady Isabel. He will be arriving shortly along with the other clan leaders and their families. I am here to see to things before their arrival."

"When shall we be expecting them?"

"By tomorrow's eve."

"So soon?"

"Because we received word you were back home, it was assumed that all would be in order for this event. You are known to keep all things in readiness at all times. It is a compliment, Lady Isabel."

"Yes, thank you Edward." She smiled briefly. "How many will we be entertaining and for how long?"

"All rooms will be occupied. Alysandir is quite proud of you. Hell, if the MacPherson's laird praises you, the world is in your palm."

"Oh, no. Not the Laird of MacPherson." Isabel's brows furrowed deeply.

Edward laughed and walked with Isabel down the corridor. "It has taken this full year for Alysandir to discover all of your mischief on Davidson's land."

"And that's not the half of it," she groaned under her breath.

"His opinion of you has shifted, if I may speak for my lord."

"Thank you. Let us hope I may keep him of that mind. I must set things in motion for this event." There was not a soul in all of Perth, it seemed, who did not receive some instruction from Lady Isabel. From merchant to maid, from nun to knave, everyone had a part to play from the arrival of the clansmen to their departure. The kitchens were hotter than a summer's day and everyone glowed with happy anticipation.

It could have been a dream. Exhausted, Isabel dropped into her warm bed and covered even her head beneath the blankets. Heavy sleep refused to relinquish her even when she felt herself pulled into the arms of her husband. Alysandir had ridden hard to make sure his home was in full readiness. Arriving late that night after all were asleep, he went to find Isabel and read over her inevitable lists. With a candle he examined these pages and nodded with a smile. Turning toward the bed, he noticed the still shape of his wife beneath the blankets. He extinguished the candle and stripped off his clothing. With great pleasure he pulled Isabel into his arms.