Chattan Bride

Chapter 11 - Part 1

Alysandir's arrival interrupted Andrew and Rose during dinner. Now that the Laird was, for all intents and purposes, his liege lord, and a very fine one at that, Andrew welcomed him warmly into his home. A place was immediately set for him and he began to chat kindly with Andrew's wife about the impending birth of her first child. Rose seemed to get on well with the daunting Laird, but then Rose got on well with everyone. At times she was a little jealous of the time he spent with Isabel, despite his assurances that she was simply his commander. Women could grieve over odd things, he noted, as Isabel seemed to do the same with Alysandir.

"That was delicious, Rose. Thank you for caring for me unexpectedly."

"Oh, we are glad to have you, sir. Besides, Andrew always says that I should keep things in constant readiness, just in case." She smiled as she picked up his dishes.

Andrew smiled briefly at Alysandir. He knew well from where such domestic ideology came. He nudged Rose who bent to his ear. She looked up sharply at Alysandir and then bid them both good night, that her sister required some assistance this evening.

"I am glad that I met your wife. She is generous," he began. "And it clearly counters the rumors that you are enamored with my wife."

"All of the soldiers are enamored of her," his expression was direct. "Surely this doesn't surprise you sir. She is exceptional. But I am glad that I have gained your confidence in this and hopefully all other matters."

"Not all," Alysandir disagreed.

"Isabel finally confessed her lie?" he breathed relief.

"No, she didn't. I had to catch her in it. Why did you allow her to carry out this duplicity under my nose?" he asked roughly.

"Primarily because it was not intentional. When you arrived, we were expecting Lady Gillian. I do believe your presence in front of Lady Isabel stopped her heart." He laughed at the memory of Isabel dumbstruck before her husband. "I have never seen her become so speechless and captivated. But then she became angry, and you know, better than any, how quickly and easily that can be ignited. She promised to admit the truth each day."

"This resembles Gillian's account," Alysandir noted aloud.

"You have spoken with her too then? She comes here with the guise and name of a cousin-."

"Yes, she told me that as well. Did Isabel mention to you that she was going to see Father Beckett today?"

"No!" Andrew's alarm instantly rose. "He cannot be trusted."

"No, and we must find him and capture him. I am convinced he is in league with Gilbert."

"That has long been my suspicion but I have never established the proof of it. And Lady Isabel won't hear a word against him. His penance bordered on torture and that proclivity is perhaps the link between the suspected bond the two men share." He related the story that Isabel had told him in the secret passageway.

"I cannot wait for the proof of it to be established. I saw enough. He must be captured before any more damage is done. See to this in the morning." He paused before broaching the next question. "Isabel has been under the impression that there is something external that jeopardizes our marriage. Has the old priest indicated in any manner the nature of the threat?"

Andrew rubbed his chin hesitantly. "I have had a theory as to why Gilbert stopped trying to kill Lady Isabel." He wanted the Laird to piece it together himself. "I believe he needs the priest to seek an annulment and officiate the union between him and Lady Isabel to take over Bamborough legitimately."