Donahue nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes."I shall see to it straight away."
"I trust your judgment, Donahue.I want yer best men and instruct them to be discreet but vigilant.Lady Bella is not a prisoner, but neither is she to be left vulnerable."
"Understood."Donahue hesitated, then added carefully, "If I may say, laird, 'tis good to see ye taking such care with the mistress.The men have been...concerned."
Boyd's jaw tightened."Concerned?"
"The east wing.'Tis no secret it's unsuitable.Some of the men were worried about her being so far away..."Donahue trailed off.
Boyd felt ashamed."That's being rectified.Today.Is there anything else I should ken?"
"Just that the mistress is very kind.Patient with the wee-ones, helpful around the Keep.I believe she's good for the clan and for ye."
"Thank ye, Donahue.See that the rotation begins as soon as possible."
"Aye, I’ll see to it now."
Boyd left the practice yard, his emotions in turmoil.Everyone could see what he'd been too blind—or too stubborn—to acknowledge.He'd been treating Bella abominably, and she'd responded with grace and dignity that shamed him.
***
Chapter 12
Boyd found Bella exactlywhere Mrs.Anders had said.She was in the kitchens, her sleeves rolled up, her hands expertly kneading dough.Her dark hair was pulled back in a simple braid, a few tendrils escaping to frame her face.She was laughing at something Cook had said, her eyes bright, her smile genuine.
It was the first time Boyd had seen her smile since their wedding.The first time he'd seen her look anything other than carefully composed and heartbreakingly resigned.And damn him, he wanted her smiles directed only at him.
She was so achingly beautiful that Boyd's chest constricted painfully.
Cook noticed him first."Laird!"
Bella's head snapped up.Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by that neutral expression that made Boyd want to punch someone.Preferably himself.
"Laird," she said quietly, immediately setting down the dough and wiping her hands on her apron."Did ye need something?"
The formal distance in her voice stung worse than any blade.
