Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“He didn’t mean to,” Snow said in Polwarth’s defense.
“You forgive too easily, wife,” Tarass said and reached down to run his finger gently along her cheek.
Snow looked up at him and smiled pleased that he was more than a gray blur standing there. He was still fuzzy, but she could almost see the color of his plaid and the impressive size of him. “You taught me that, since if I had held a grudge against you, rather than forgive you for all the times you were mean to me and made me apologize, ours would be far from a loving marriage. Lord Polwarth meant well and my leg was nothing more than an accident.”
“That should have never happened,” Tarass argued. “And wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t tried to abduct you.”
“Your husband is right, Snow,” Lord Polwarth said. “I stand ready for punishment.”
“Nonsense,” Snow protested.
“It’s not your decision. It’s your husband’s,” Abbot Bennett snapped.
“You’re right, Abbot Bennett, it is my decision as is the punishment. I deem this whole matter your fault,” Tarass said. “And I will see you appropriately punished. Actually, I have the perfect punishment for you both.” He turned to Lord Polwarth. “Your punishment is that you are to send a missive to whoever is in charge of Abbot Bennett and explain that you will no longer provide the monastery with a generous yearly stipend unless…” Tarass turned to the Abbot. “Abbot Bennett is removed from his position for failing to provide adequate and accurate counsel.”
Abbot Bennett glared at Tarass. “You don’t seriously think that Lord Polwarth would do such—”
“I agree,” Lord Polwarth said, the strength in his voice leaving no doubt he meant it.
“You can’t be serious,” Abbot Bennett said.
“I am, and I will see it done,” Polwarth confirmed and turned a slight smile on him. “And remember who also benefits from my generosity.”
Abbot Bennett paled, his fate sealed as he barely got his words out. “The Bishop.”
Tarass walked over to Abbot Bennett. “You leave here alive and well because of my wife’s good and forgiving heart. Otherwise, I would have seen you suffer horrendously for your deceit, and the danger it brought to my wife.” He looked to Rannock. “Take both men and remove their shackles. Return Lord Polwarth here to me and take Abbot Bennett and his men and see them escorted off my land.”
“I’m not leaving. I will hear what you have to say to Lord Polwarth,” Snow said as soon as the door closed.
“You need to rest that leg and have Nettle apply the poultice,” Tarass said, returning to his wife’s side.
“I’m staying here,” Snow said, striking a stubborn pose by folding her arms across her chest.
“You’re not going to win this one, ást,” Tarass said.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said, sounding even more stubborn.
Tarass chuckled and scooped her up in his arms so fast she yelped in shock, her arms going quick around his neck.
“You’re safe in my arms,” he reminded and kissed her softly, then walked to the door. “You know I’ll tell you everything.”
“Depending on what he says, I may have questions for him,” she argued though less stubbornly.
“We think the same, wife. I’m sure our questions would be the same,” Tarass assured her.
Snow grew quiet, surprising Tarass. He thought for sure she’d bombard him with questions until they reached their bedchamber.
“What disturbs you, wife?” he asked, concerned.
“Thoughts of Fay and how terrible and frightening it must have been for her. And how horrible for Twilla to lose her son. Was he her only child?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t even know she had a son. I never heard anyone mention him, not even Twilla. I understand why that might be. Losing an only child must have been beyond heartbreaking. She is the only one left here of the original Clan MacFiere. My da did tell me to trust her beyond all others, that she knew all the clan secrets. Though, I’m grateful she didn’t keep this secret.”
Tarass entered their bedchamber. “Thaw must be worn out. He’s already asleep by the hearth, and Nettle waits with a pleasant smile.”
Snow had noticed that her husband painted pictures with words for her lately, just as Nettle did. And she loved him all the more for taking the time and being patient so she could see through his eyes. She hoped and prayed with all her heart that her sight would continue to improve so that she could one day see him clearly and also be able to see the many bairns they would have together.
He placed her on the bed, kissed her, and ordered, “Stay put and be good.”
She smiled. “I’ll try.”
Tarass turned to Nettle. “If my wife attempts to leave this room before I return, send Thaw to fetch me.”
“Aye, my lord,” Nettle said with a smile and got to work on Lady Snow’s knee as soon as Lord Tarass left the room.