Saving Grace

She turned her gaze to the fire. She was thoroughly disgusted with herself. "Do you know what I've realized? In my bid to protect myself, I've become completely self-consumed. I'll have to go to confession tomorrow and beg God's forgiveness."

"You have no need to worry about protecting yourself. It's my duty to take care of you."

She smiled in spite of her irritation. Gabriel sounded insulted.

"No, it is my duty to take care of myself."

He didn't like hearing her opinion. His scowl was as hot as the fire. "Do you deliberately try to rile me by suggesting I can't take care of you?"

She hurried to soothe him. "Of course not," she answered. "I'm pleased to have your protection."

"You contradict yourself, woman."

"I'm not trying to confuse you, Gabriel. I'm just trying to sort things out in my mind. When someone's hungry and there isn't any food, well then that someone is consumed day and night with the worry of finding something to eat. Isn't that true, husband?"

Gabriel shrugged. "I would imagine so."

"For a long time I've been consumed with fear. I lived with it for so long, it seemed to take control of me, but now that I'm safe, I've had time to think about other matters. Do you understand?"

He didn't understand. He didn't like seeing her frown either. "I've told you, you please me. You needn't be worried."

She was exasperated. Since she was turned away from her husband, she felt it safe to smile. "Gabriel, as surprising as this may be for you to hear, I'm not overly concerned about pleasing you."

He was surprised all right as well as irritated. "You're my wife," he reminded her. "It is therefore your duty to want to please me."

Joha

"I meant no insult, m'lord."

She sounded sincere. Gabriel was appeased. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Then he leaned down to kiss the side of her neck.

"Come to bed now. I want you, Joha

"I want you, too, Gabriel."

She turned around and smiled at her husband. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed.

They made slow, sweet love to each other, and when they each had found their fulfillment, they held each other close.

"You do please me, woman." His voice was gruff with affection.

"Remember your praise, m'lord, for I'm certain there will be times in future when I don't please you."

"Is this a worry or a prophecy?"

She leaned up on her elbow and gently stroked the side of his neck. "Nay, I give you only the truth."

She turned his attention with her question about his intentions for tomorrow. He wasn't accustomed to discussing his plans with anyone, but he was in the mood to make her happy and so he went into detail about the hunt he pla

She vowed not to lecture him. She couldn't keep silent more than a few minutes, though, and hurled herself into a speech about the merits of probity. She mentioned the wrath of God on Judgment Day. Gabriel wasn't impressed with her speech about fire and brimstone. He yawned in the middle of it.

"Husband, it's my duty to help you lead a good, honest life."

"Why?"

"So you'll get to heaven, of course."

He laughed. She gave up. She fell asleep worrying about her husband's soul.

Chapter 10

The first thing Joha

Dumfries knew he'd gotten into mischief. He tried to crawl under one of the chairs when she shouted his name and started toward him. The chair went crashing to the ground; Dumfries started howling, and Megan came ru

The dog sounded like a demon let out of hell. The frightening sound he made was loud enough to shake the rafters. The noise terrified Megan. Even though the hound wasn't paying her any attention, she was still extremely cautious when she bent to pick up the tapestry.

Keith and Calum both heard the commotion and came ru

Joha

"Good God, Megan, what have you done to your lady's tapestry?" Keith demanded when he finally figured out what she was holding in her hands. He scowled at the Maclaurin woman and shook his head.

Joha

Calum started laughing. Joha

"Gabriel, don't you dare strike your dog."

She shouted her command so she'd be heard over Calum's laughter. Gabriel looked like he wanted to shout at her.

"I have no intention of striking him. Get out of my way, woman, and quit wringing your hands. I'm not going to hurt him. Dumfries, quit that damned howling."

Joha

Gabriel wouldn't let her comfort the dog. He stood up, grabbed her by the shoulders, and demanded she kiss him good-bye.

"In front of your men?" she whispered.

He nodded. She started to blush. His mouth captured hers in a long, lingering kiss. She sighed then. She was a bit rattled when he pulled away.

"You look tired, wife. You should rest."

Gabriel made the remark on his way to the doors. She chased after him.

"You ca

"I'm always serious, m'lady."

"But I only just got out of bed. Surely you don't expect me to take a nap now."

"I do expect you to rest," he called over his shoulder. "And change your plaid, Joha

"It's Friday, m'lady." Calum added the reminder.

She let out a loud, unladylike sigh. Megan waited until the men had left, then hurried over to her mistress. "Do go inside and sit down, Lady Joha

Joha

The Maclaurin woman studied her closely before shaking her head. " 'Tis the truth you look fit to me."

"Are you going to sit down and rest?" Joha

"I've got work to do," Megan answered. "I don't have time to sit."

"Neither do I," Joha

Megan had never seen her mistress sound so commanding. "But, m'lady, your husband has ordered you to rest."

Joha

"Please fetch my bow and arrows from my chamber," Joha