Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 557(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
His thoughts remained on the night’s incident and the question that enraged and frightened him. Who wanted his wife dead?
He thought his father might be responsible, but his father knew nothing about their marriage. Who then and for what reason could someone want Sorrell dead?
The more he thought on it the more his rage grew and the memories he kept suppressed surfaced, reminding him of the consequence of such an overpowering fury.
He looked down at his wife cuddled comfortably against him, thought of the love she had for him and the trust she placed in him. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he would let the barbarian loose in him and kill anyone who harmed her… kill as viciously as he had when he rode with the barbarians.
Chapter 19
Sunrise couldn’t have come early enough for her, though it was a gray sky that greeted them. As soon as she and Ruddock woke they were out of bed and ready to take their leave. They had declined the morning meal Mother Abbess had offered them and the woman had seemed relieved that they had done so.
Sorrell now stood by her horse, Prince, talking to him, letting him know they were on their way to a new home as she waited for her husband to finish discussing the day’s plan with Erland, when she spotted the young nun, Eleanor. She had inquired about her earlier, wanting to see how she was doing after last night’s incident. Mother Abbess had told her that she was praying and could not be disturbed.
She immediately went to the young nun, but as she approached her, Sorrell saw that she was weeping and she wasn’t dressed in the drab garments of a postulant. Her shift and tunic were worn and she hugged herself against the chilled air, wearing no cloak to protect her from it.
Sorrell’s arm immediately went around Eleanor when she reached her. “What has you upset, Eleanor? You did well last night. You are stronger than you think. And what are you doing without a cloak on this chilly morning”
“Not according to Mother Abbess, my lady,” Eleanor said with a sniffle. “She says there is no excuse for me to have been outside wearing only my nightshift in front of a group of men. That I should have immediately sought shelter where I wouldn’t have been seen. That my actions revealed my true nature and being I am only a postulant, not having taken my vows, she has said I’m not worthy to do so and has sent me on my way.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I have no place to go. These garments are the ones I wore when I arrived here two years ago and Mother Abbess took me in. I worked so hard to prove I was worthy to be a nun, so hard.” She shook her head. “I have nothing. The abbey was my home and the nuns my family.”
Sorrell was furious. How could Mother Abbess treat the poor woman so badly, but recalling how she had judged Ruddock and her, it was easy to understand. You either lived by her rules or you were condemned.
“I know the perfect place for you to settle and call home. A place you will be welcomed with open arms. The Clan Macardle, my home. I will send a message along with you to deliver to James the chieftain of the clan and another message for you to give to my two sisters.”
“Truly, my lady?” Eleanor asked, wiping away her tears and looking hopeful.
“Aye, truly. You’re a good woman, Eleanor, and you deserve a good home.”
“You really think me a good woman?” Eleanor asked, tears trickling down her cheek. “Mother Abbess spent a good portion of the night telling me what a terrible woman I was.”
“Mother Abbess is a bitter woman who should better learn to embrace God’s love and share it with others.”
“Thank you. I am so grateful,” Eleanor said, wiping away the tears that ran into her smile. “Is your home far from here? Can I get there soon?”
Sorrell could see the young woman had grown colder, her slender body trembling. She turned and called out to her husband. “Ruddock, a moment please.”
Ruddock nodded, spoke briefly with Erland, then joined her.
“Mother Abbess banished Eleanor from the abbey. I have offered her a home with the Clan Macardle and she has graciously accepted. I need one of your warriors to take her there, and she needs a cloak to keep her warm.”
“You are too generous, my lady,” Eleanor protested.
“Nonsense,” Ruddock said, “You were of great help to my wife last night, getting her out of the abbey and explaining to me what had happened. You should be rewarded not punished. I will arrange for you to be escorted to the Clan Macardle. You will depart when we do.”