Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Leora took a few moments for herself in the blessed silence to think. With so much going on and falling in love with her husband, she had had no thoughts for her sisters or da. That was not true. She did think about them but not as frequently as she had done since her arrival here. She had had such grand plans to go see her sister for herself even if it had meant sneaking off and journeying through the woods alone. But reason had made her see the foolishness of such a thought and learning how well-protected Sky was with Lord Slayer, she had realized her sister was safe where she was for now. Eventually, Noble would take her to see Sky and arrangements could be made for her return home.
She did not have to worry about Elsie. She was safe with Cavell, and he loved her. And as for her da, he had been doing well when she had left home and would only get better with Elsie’s loving care. It seemed the time had come to have their own families and live their own lives just as their mum had told them they one day would do, except for Sky.
Though their mum always believed that a good man would find Sky and be unable to resist her loving and unselfish heart. She hoped her mum was right. She hoped her sister Sky would find love.
CHAPTER 21
“I have been waiting three days for Mother Abbess,” Lady Elizabeth said, her arms crossed over her chest. “And I am tired of waiting. I will go to the abbey and talk to anyone there that may be able to help me.”
“Mother Abbess was sent word to come directly to Clan Skirling when her task was done. You may miss her if you go to the abbey,” Noble said, the three days the old woman had been there feeling more like three moon cycles with her demanding ways and constant questions. Thinking the respite her absence would bring had him adding, “But if you want to go, I will not stop you.”
“You have no right to stop me. I will go where I please,” Lady Elizabeth said with a sharp lift of her chin.
“Then go,” Noble said and turned and walked away from her before he put her on a horse himself.
Chief ran at him yapping and tumbled over his own legs as he did but righted himself fast enough as usual, jumping around him in joy when he reached him.
“I worry he will not grow into those legs of his, he tumbles over himself so much,” Leora said, worry creasing her brow as she stopped in front of her husband.
“Chief will do fine, worry not. We all find our footing eventually,” he said, bending down to give her a quick kiss.
“Do we?” Leora asked, thinking about her sister Sky. How does one do that when given a burden to bear? The thought had her asking, “Any word from Lord Slayer since his last message?”
“Nay, he is aware of the Lowlanders arrival and the demands Lady Elizabeth is making and offers any support I need, but we agree that it is someone else entirely who searches for Sky. He will keep us apprized and let me know when we can visit.”
“I hope it is soon,” Leora said, worry growing heavier in her scrunched brow. “I will feel better when I can see Sky and know for myself that all is well with her and, when safe, make arrangements for her return home.”
“Sir! Sir, forgive my interruption,” Wendell said, running toward Noble, wearing a wide smile. He stopped a short distance from him and leaned over, his hands on his thighs while he caught his breath. He straightened up suddenly, a smile on his face. “I heard and I had to thank you, let you know how very grateful I am, and to tell you that I will serve Clan Skirling well.”
“It is Lord Slayer you should be grateful to,” Noble said. “It is only because of his consent that you can call Clan Skirling your new home.”
“Aye, sir, I am grateful to Lord Slayer as well, truly I am,” Wendell said with a tremble.
Leora stepped forward. “You fear Lord Slayer so much that you quiver when you speak his name?”
“There are not many who don’t quiver when his name is mentioned, mistress,” Wendell said. “He is a powerful warrior.”
“You have duties. Go see to them,” Noble ordered, knowing such reference would only make his wife worry more about her sister.
“A moment,” Leora said. “How is Adele doing? She looked quite well when I saw her two days ago.”
Wendell’s wide smile returned. “Adele is doing well, mistress. She still must rest, and Novice Angelica warned that she is still not allowed to lift anything, and it will be a few more weeks before she can return to her kitchen chores. But that is all right, Emma says I do Adele’s chores well enough and without complaint. I do my own as well. Atworth is teaching me how to fashion weapons and I quite enjoy it.”