He dropped her hand abruptly and cursed inwardly.His plan to force her to live in squalor seemed ridiculous now.He now believed Bella would most likely welcome it and where was the punishment in that?No, he had no choice now but to install her in his estate and make her mistress of his Keep.Then he would make her life miserable.
Boyd was silent so long and scowling so hard that Bella felt the need to speak.
"I have enough serviceable garments," Bella said, her voice carrying both embarrassment and pride."And what I dinnae have, I can sew and make do."
Boyd's gaze dropped to her dress.She had changed to the serviceable grey gown of the lay sisters covered by a plain woolen cloak.Her shoes were worn but sturdy, practical for travel but hardly befitting her station.
Even dressed so plainly, she was beautiful.The thought sharpened his temper.
"What about yer wedding dress?"he growled.
Bella's eyes flashed with that fire he remembered.There was the Bella he'd known, the one who wouldn't back down."'Twas borrowed from one of the sisters," she snapped."I wasn't about to deprive her of it permanently.Besides, I dinnae need such finery!"
"I'll not have ye traipsing about in beggar's clothes.When we arrive home, I'll have our tailor fit ye for garments worthy of court."
"There's no need—"
"There is, Bella!"His voice was sharp."I'll not have people thinking I cannot provide for my own damned wife."
Bella's eyes widened at the intensity in his tone but she remained silent.Choose your battles.
Boyd then snatched her bag and strode toward the horses.
"What about yer mother's jewels?"
"They were sold long ago."Bella followed him, her own temper rising."I assume my brother arranged delivery of my dowry?"
"Aye, the king is seeing to the details."
He strapped her meagre bags to his destrier, then lifted her onto the dappled grey mare beside his horse.His hands spanned her waist easily, and for just a moment their faces were level.
Bella's lips parted involuntarily.
Boyd's gaze dropped to her mouth, his pupils dilating.His jaw clenched as if fighting some internal battle.Then he set her firmly in the saddle and stepped back.
"I bought this mare specially for ye," he muttered, adjusting the stirrups with more force than necessary."She has a gentle temperament."
Boyd's expression shuttered at his own words.
The admission slipped out unbidden, and Bella's heart did a traitorous little flip.He'd chosen a gentle horse for her.
"She's beautiful.What's her name?"Bella asked, as she patted her horse.
"Just dinnae fall off!"he snapped.
Bella ignored Boyd's harsh words."I shall call ye Brèagha," she whispered to her mare with a smile.
Boyd scowled then mounted his destrier with fluid grace, his jaw clenched.Without another word, he rode to the front of the group, putting distance between them.
His men exchanged glances but knew better than to comment.They formed a guard around Bella's mare, placing her safely in the middle of their formation.
As they set off down the road, Bella cast one last look back at St.Agnes Abbey.Abbess Bethóc stood in the courtyard, watching them leave, one hand raised in blessing.Her words of wisdom echoing in the wind...The strength of the willow that bends in the storm then rises again.
Bella turned forward, her eyes finding Boyd's broad back at the head of the group.He sat his destrier like he'd been born to it: powerful, commanding, dangerous.
Everything about him should repel her.Yet when he'd lifted her onto the mare, when his hands had gripped her waist and his eyes had dropped to her lips, she'd felt that same attraction that had drawn them together all those years ago.
She still wanted him, and that terrified her more than anything else.
