“Aye, me lady.”
But she could see the tension in his small frame, the way he kept glancing nervously at his father between spoonfuls. It was like watching two strangers sharing a meal, instead of a father and his son.
He’s so uncomfortable around his own faither.
“Elijah,” she said, finally drawing her eyes away from Codie, and turning to her husband, “good mornin’.”
He looked up from his own meal, his dark eyes unreadable. “Iris.”
The single word was neutral, giving away nothing of his mood this morning or thoughts about yesterday’s confrontation, but she could sense the tension in him and the subtle warning to her not to start anything.
She reached for her own bowl of porridge, determined to make the best of an awkward situation. At least they were all together, like a family should be. Maybe if she could keep the conversation light and pleasant, or just focus on Codie and see how she if she could make the laddie feel more at home with her.
As for the Beast of McMurphy, she did not see any sign that he had heard anything she had said to him yesterday.
“I expect ye to come with me to the village today.”
The words came out of nowhere, delivered in Elijah’s usual no nonsense tone just as she took her first bite. The porridge went down wrong, and she began coughing violently.
“Me lady!” Codie looked up in alarm as she struggled to breathe.
“I’m... fine...” she gasped between coughs, taking the cup of water Elijah handed her and drinking a large gulp. “Just... went down the wrong way.”
She took another gulp just to buy herself a moment. When she finally caught her breath, she found Elijah watching her with something that might have been amusement though his expression remained carefully neutral.
“The village?” she asked, her voice still slightly rough.
“Aye. There are matters that require me attention. Disputes that need settlin’, complaints to be heard.” His tone was matter-of-fact, as if he were discussing the weather. “It’s part of yer duties to accompany as me wife and get acquainted with the people and some of these issues. Learn the clan ways and how I handle the villager’s concerns.”
“But I... that is, I wasnae aware...” She fumbled for words, suddenly feeling completely unprepared. “What kind of disputes?”
“Some of them may require a woman’s perspective. Matters of household management, conflicts between the wives of crofters, questions about the distribution of supplies.” He cut a piece of bread with precise movements. “Things that fall under the lady’s purview.”
Iris felt her stomach clench with nerves. She’d been learning about managing the castle household but dealing with village disputes? Making decisions that would affect people’s lives? She wasn’t sure she was ready for that kind of responsibility.
“Perhaps... perhaps we could wait a few more days? Give me time to prepare.”
“Nay.” His gaze sharpened, focusing on her with uncomfortable intensity. “This clan has been waitin’ for their lady for long enough. There’s nay time to give ye. Everyone expects ye to start fulfillin’ yer obligations as lady of this clan.”
There was something in his tone, as if he were daring her to refuse, to prove that she really couldn’t handle the responsibilities he’d given her.
This is about yesterday; he’s testin’ me.
“Be ready in thirty minutes. Dress appropriately; ye’ll be representin’ clan McMurphy.” He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. “Daenae be late.”
And with that, he was gone, striding from the hall with his usual commanding presence.
Iris stared after him, her mind racing. Thirty minutes to prepare for something she’d never done before with a man who seemed determined to find fault with everything she did.
Perfect.
“Lady Iris?” Codie’s small voice drew her attention back to the table. “Are ye all right?”
She looked at him, this sweet, frightened little boy who was watching her with such concern despite his own obvious distress, and she felt her resolve strengthen.
“Aye, Codie. I’m fine.” She reached over and gently touched his hand. “And ye? How are ye feelin’ this mornin’?”
He glanced quickly toward the door where his father had exited then back at her. “I’m sorry about yesterday,” he whispered. “About the mud. I dinnae mean to get ye in trouble.”
