His naked body—oh, God…and she was supposed to sleep?
CHAPTER10
“My men and I will leave you here, Douglas. I miss my own bride too much tae accept your invitation tae stay the night, so I’ll bid you farewell for now.”
“Your bride?” Roger echoed in jest as Gabriel veered his horse around and waved for his twenty warriors to do the same, though Roger knew exactly what his friend meant.
The earl of Argyll made no secret of the great love he held for Magdalene, his beautiful and spirited wife of six years and the mother of his three young daughters. Gabriel answered him with a robust laugh, the midday sunlight glinting off the red tinge in his dark brown hair as he bowed his head gallantly to Julianna, who had reined in her own mount some paces behind Roger’s.
A glossy black mare that King Robert had gifted her yesterday morning shortly before they had left Dumbarton Castle, Roger riding a massive brown warhorse that had been an unexpected gift as well, along with a newly forged sword. After breaking camp several hours ago, the trek to north Lanarkshire too long for one day, only a few leagues more lay in front of them before Julianna would see her new home.
Douglas Castle—though mayhap it was best Gabriel and his men turn toward Argyll, for Roger had no idea what he would find after leaving William in charge.
In spite of the genial tone of their journey, Roger felt his mood darkening already at the thought of his brother, their difficult relationship no secret to Gabriel. He clasped forearms with him, Gabriel grown serious, too, as he leaned toward Roger from his saddle.
“It’s time William finds his own way in the world, he’s been shadowing you for too long. You have an heir now in your infant son,”—Gabriel kept his voice low as he glanced kindly at Julianna—“and more bairns tae follow if God wills it, so lessen any chance for strife and send your brother tae join me in Argyll. I’ll find a place for him among my captains—”
“What? And have you plagued by him? I wouldna wish that on anyone, least of all you.”
“Och, I’ll keep him busy enough. We have battles aplenty in front of us tae push the last of the English from Scotland, aye? Think on it, is all I say.”
With another nod to Julianna, Gabriel roared to his men to ride and they thundered away on their horses, leaving Roger staring after him as Julianna nudged her nickering mount closer.
He couldn’t tell if she had overheard their discourse or not, but he imagined so from the heightened color of her cheeks.
His beautiful bride. It seemed with every hour he felt more drawn to her, the future no longer looking desolate to him as when he had left for Dumbarton two weeks ago.
Grief-stricken. Numb. His lairdship and children woefully ignored—och, all of that had changed now, he could not deny it. He would always love Sylvia, but he reached out now to Julianna, and she willingly grasped his hand…though her fingers were cold.
The morning air was damp with mist, and again Roger felt swamped with gratitude for King Robert’s generosity. Not only horses and a fine new sword, but several gowns for Julianna that his courtiers’ wives had contributed and a burgundy-colored cloak lined with fur that she wore wrapped around her.
Still, though, he could see that she shivered, and he squeezed her hand, knowing she must be anxious.
A new home. A new family and all the responsibilities that would soon be laid upon her as the lady of Douglas Castle.
“Earl MacLachlan didn’t want to accompany us the rest of the way?”
“He’s eager tae be with his wife and daughters—och, you’ll meet Magdalene one day and I’m sure you’ll become fast friends. She’s courageous and stronghearted, like you, but enough. You need a warming fire. We’ve not much further tae go.”
Roger saw her seem to blanch and she sighed shakily, his words not easing her nervousness at all. With one swift movement, he wound his arm around her slender waist and lifted her onto his horse, settling her sideways in front of him.
She had gasped, and looked up at him now, her lips parted in surprise and the hood falling from her dark hair.
Roger’s heart thudded hard and he longed to kiss her…something he couldn’t get out of his mind since he had slept by her side.
A wedding night spent together…and yet apart.
Julianna lying so close to him, curled up on her side and facing the opposite wall…and fully clothed as if her gown was a shield against him.
Now she sat tense in his arms, too, which reminded him again that the only way he would fully win her trust was with understanding and patience—God help him.
Reluctantly, Roger turned his gaze from the soft pink of her lips and focused upon her horse, who snorted and pranced beside his much larger steed. He caught up the loose reins to settle the mare and wound them securely around the pommel of his saddle.
He could swear now he felt Julianna trembling in his arms, and he held her more closely to reassure her as he urged his horse into a steady walk.
“Did you know Gabriel’s wife was once known as Mad Maggie?” he said against Julianna’s ear, hoping to distract her the rest of the way to his castle. “She lived in a convent near Dumbarton for four years and tricked those poor nuns into thinking she was as mad as a loon.”
“She did?” came Julianna’s soft query, her body gradually relaxing against him.
