"I dinnae want excuses!"Boyd roared.Then he stopped, forced himself to take a breath, and lowered his voice.This wasn't her fault."No.No, forgive me, Mrs.Anders.Ye did try to tell me.I was too stubborn to listen."
Mrs.Anders nodded, her expression sympathetic."No one has lived in the east wing for fifteen years, laird.The chimneys are blocked and the chambers are far too cold for anyone to live comfortably, let alone the mistress."
"So she's had no fire at all?For three days?"
"I'm afraid not."Mrs.Anders wrung her hands."I tried to bring her extra blankets and furs, offered to move a brazier in, but Lady Bella insisted she did not need them.Said what she had was sufficient."
Of course she did.Because Bella's pride wouldn't let her admit to discomfort.Wouldn't let her complain or demand better treatment.
"Why haven't I dealt with this before?"
"Ye've been away fighting for the king, laird.Then when ye're home, ye dinnae go to that section of the Keep."
Boyd ran a hand through his hair, frustration and guilt warring in his chest."How has my wife managed?Has she said anything?"
"Not a word of complaint."Mrs.Anders's voice was gentle."To be honest, laird, yer wife is too busy to complain.She's not one to be idle or speak out of turn.She simply asks what needs to be done and gets on with it.Although now that ye mention it, she does seem to shiver at times with the cold, but she will not accept any warm garments.She says 'tis best to keep the body moving to heat the blood."
The image of Bella shivering alone in that frozen chamber while he slept in his comfortable bed with a roaring fire made Boyd feel physically ill.
"That ends now," he said firmly."I want my wife moved to the chamber beside mine.Immediately."
Mrs.Anders's eyes widened then she smiled."Aye, it shall be done!"
"Good.Have fires lit in both the bedchamber and the adjoining solar.I want thick carpets laid, warm tapestries hung, and enough furs and blankets on that bed to outfit an army.Understood?"
"Aye.What of her belongings?"
"Move everything."Boyd paused, his throat tight."And Mrs.Anders?I want ye to send for the cloth merchant and the tanner.Buy warm fabrics in colors that will suit my wife.Whatever ladies need for proper gowns.I also want the tanner to make her some sturdy shoes.Then I want ye to find a seamstress.Several.I want Bella properly clothed as soon as possible."
"How much can I spend on materials?"Mrs.Anders asked.
"As much as ye need.I dinnae care if it costs me every coin in my coffers, my wife will not freeze.She will not go without.She will be dressed as befits her status.Is that clear?"
Mrs.Anders's grinned."Very clear, laird.I'll see to it personally."
"Good."Boyd turned, then paused."Where is Lady Bella now?"
"In the kitchens.She's helping Cook prepare the evening meal."
"Of course she is," Boyd muttered.Because Bella did not sit idle even when she was cold and miserable and alone.She found ways to be useful.To contribute.
The guilt twisted deeper.
"Thank ye, Mrs.Anders.Begin preparations for the move immediately."
Boyd strode toward the barracks, his mind already turning to the next problem.Bella needed protection.Proper protection.Not just during the day, but always.
He found his head guardsman, Donahue, in the practice yard overseeing the morning drills.
"Donahue, a word."
The man immediately broke away from the training, wiping sweat from his brow."Aye, laird?"
"I need a guard rotation for my wife."
Donahue's eyebrows rose."A guard rotation?Is there a specific threat—"
"The threat is that my wife has been unprotected for three days," Boyd replied bluntly."She's being moved to the chamber beside mine, but I want at least two guards with her at all times."
