'Then what…' Connor lost his train of thought as soon as he reached the top of the path and saw his courtyard.
There were deep holes everywhere. He was so stunned by the desecration of his land his temper ignited. Unfortunately, the woman responsible was directly across the yard. His wife. The longer he stood there staring at her, the more his throat began to throb with the need to let out a roar. Thankfully, he was able to suppress it by clenching his jaw tight and staring up at the sky.
She didn't realize her husband was there, as her back was turned to him and she was a fair distance away. Two soldiers were leaning against the wall, watching her pace. They stood at attention the second they spotted their laird.
They looked relieved to see him. Connor fully understood why.
The muscle in his jaw was beginning to ache. God help him, the longer he looked at the holes in the ground, the more infuriated he became. She didn't move for a second or two, then whirled around. She had a dagger in her hand.
She didn't scream, but from the look on her face he knew she was about to. He was taken aback by the fear he saw in her eyes. Yet as soon as she realized he was watching her, she let out a cry of joy, dropped her dagger, and came running to him.
'I told you she was acting peculiar,' Quinlan remarked. Connor nodded but kept silent as he watched his wife skirt her way around the obstacle course. He expected her to stop as soon as she reached him and was therefore surprised when she threw herself into his arms and kissed the side of his neck.
It was improper behavior, as others were watching them, yet Connor couldn't make himself care. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight against him, feeling very like a man whose wish had finally been granted.
'I'm so happy to have you home at last,' she whispered against his ear.
He gave her a squeeze and then let go of her. She continued to hold on to him for several more seconds before she could make herself step back.
'I have much to tell you.'
'It seems you do,' he agreed. 'You will explain everything this evening. Go and wash your face now. It's covered with my dirt.'
Quinlan and Crispin both watched their laird with curiosity. Connor's voice sounded strained, yet calm. He was keeping his anger hidden from his wife, and Quinlan thought that was admirable of him. Crispin knew better. His laird was simply saving his temper to take out on his weapon later when he trained with his soldiers.
'Where are you going now?' she asked.
'To the lake.'
'I could go with you.'
'No, you couldn't.'
'But I…'
'Others will be there, Brenna.'
'Could you please come with me inside for just a few minutes. I have a surprise for you in the great hall.'
'Can't it wait?'
'I suppose it could.'
He waited for her to leave. She waited for him to reconsider.
'I wonder how long you will be busy.'
He wondered how long he could hide his temper from her. 'Until tonight.'
'Connor, are you happy to see me?'
'Yes.'
His frown suggested just the opposite. She bowed to him before she started back across the courtyard. 'If it's dark when you come back, be careful. The ground is full of holes.'
'I noticed,' he called back.
All three maintained their silence until Lady Brenna had turned the corner on her way to the kitchens.
'She remembered to pick up her dagger,' Crispin remarked.
'She never forgets her knife and is constantly checking to make certain she has it with her. She still forgets everything else, though. You're to be commended, Connor,' he added. 'You didn't lose your temper.'
'This isn't amusing, Quinlan. There are over twenty deep holes in my courtyard. Have them filled at once.'
After giving his order, he and Crispin returned to the stables to get fresh horses. Connor hoped he could get over his anger before he saw his wife again. He didn't want to upset her, which he thought was damned considerate given that the demented woman was trying to squeeze a chapel up against his keep.
'She wanted to please me. I must keep that in mind every time the word chapel is spoken in my presence.'
'Laird?' Quinlan called out. 'Could you spare a moment of your time to speak to Father Sinclair before he returns to the Kincaids?'
Connor motioned to the priest to join him. He spoke before Sinclair had a chance. 'Do you know why my wife's afraid?'
'I cannot say.'
'I was told she's been acting peculiar and that after she spoke to you, she was happy again. Did she confide in you?'
Once again the priest gave him an unsatisfactory answer. 'I cannot say, Laird.'
'Did she go to confession?'
'Yes.'
'Did she tell you what was bothering her during confession?'
'If she did, I couldn't admit it because that would be breaking my solemn promise never to acknowledge anything said during confession.'
Connor nodded acceptance and didn't try to press Sinclair again.
'What did you want to speak to me about?'
'I wanted to thank you for allowing me to stay here. I won't be
a bother,' he promised, 'and really shouldn't be here all that often. It's my duty to serve a wide area.'
'You should give your appreciation to my wife, Father. She is the one who pleaded for you.'
'I have already thanked her. I will forever be in her debt. She wishes me to sleep in one of the chambers inside your home, and while I appreciate her thoughtfulness, I feel I should have my own accommodations in the event any of your followers should need to speak to me in private. Is this agreeable with you?'
'It is,' Connor answered. 'I'll have one of the vacant cottages cleaned and readied for you. When will you be joining us?'
'As soon as Laird Kincaid grants me permission to leave. I would also mention one other matter. I return to England in a few days to explain this change to my superior. I shouldn't be away more than a week.'
'I will have soldiers escort you,' Connor said.
'That isn't necessary, Laird; for as long as I wear the black cassock, no one would dare harm me, even those whose souls have already been promised to Satan.'
'Wild animals won't show you such consideration.'
'I will stay to the main path,' the priest insisted.
'As you wish.'
'Was there any news you wished to send back to England?'
Connor shook his head and waited until Sinclair had left before he continued on. His thoughts were on his wife, of course. She had been very kind to the priest and was certainly concerned about the man's pride and his feelings. One day soon, Connor hoped she would learn to show him the same consideration.
She could start by leaving his damned courtyard alone.
Lord, it was good to be home.
