Joanna Fulford by His Lady of Castlemora

Author:His Lady of Castlemora
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Afterwards Isabelle had only the haziest recollection of the ride to Dark Mount and then, on arrival, a confused impression of men and horses and shouted orders as the injured were taken indoors. She craned her neck to try to see Ban but caught only a brief glimpse of him as the men bore him away. Then she was conducted to the great hall. Servants bustled around in obedience to Lord Iain’s commands. Isabelle stood to one side, trying not to get in the way. In spite of Nell’s presence, she had never felt more alone in her life.

Then a different woman appeared, a very beautiful woman with tawny hair and deep-blue eyes. She was in the advanced stages of pregnancy. In spite of this and her small stature she had about her an aura of natural authority. Isabelle quailed inwardly, knowing this must be Lady Ashlynn. She looked pale and no wonder. Ban had said they were close. How would she receive the woman for whose sake he had been so critically hurt?

Seeing his wife approach, Lord Iain stepped forwards to meet her. ‘We have a guest, my love. Lady Isabelle of Castlemora.’

Heart hammering, Isabelle curtsied. Ashlynn inclined her head in acknowledgement.

‘You are welcome, Lady Isabelle. You need not be afraid; here you are among friends.’

The tone was unexpectedly kind and it brought a lump into Isabelle’s throat. Somehow she murmured an appropriate response.

‘You’ve had a terrible experience,’ Ashlynn went on. ‘You must be exhausted.’

‘Do not be concerned about me, my lady.’

‘I cannot be anything else since I know what it is to be hunted by those who intend only harm.’

Knowing something of the woman’s history Isabelle recognised the words for truth. She also knew it must have taken enormous courage to face such perils alone. Just thinking about it engendered respect.

‘Had it not been for Lord Ban I would never have escaped at all.’ Her eyes met Ashlynn’s. ‘Is he... Will he be all right?’

‘The healers are with him now.’

‘I see.’

‘When you are rested we will talk again. In the meantime a chamber has been prepared for you. Morag will show you.’

* * *

The chamber was spacious and well appointed and its window afforded a fine view of the glen. However, Isabelle barely took it in. Nell regarded her in concern.

‘You need to rest. You look exhausted.’ She paused. ‘It will not help matters if you fall ill yourself.’

‘I know. It’s just that it seems wrong to sleep while Ban is in danger.’

‘He’s in good hands. The healers at Dark Mount are famed for their skill.’

‘I fear for him all the same. He’s lost so much blood.’

‘He’s a fighter in every way. He’ll not give up the ghost just yet I think.’

‘I pray you’re right.’

‘I’ve seen a good many fighting men in my time. I know a survivor when I see one.’

The words chimed with what Isabelle already knew of Ban’s past. The result was a small flicker of hope.

‘He has survived other wounds,’ she replied.

‘Worse ones, I’ll wager.

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