Chapter 29 – Making Peace with the Past
Elizabeth walked to Colum's offices. She knocked lightly on the door.
"Enter." Came the somewhat exhausted sounding voice.
Lizzy pushed open the door and then stepped in. She curtsied a little to her uncle through marriage. In her arms she held a tray of food. She had been told he had not come out to eat in nearly a day and she was starting to worry. If anyone could speak to him, it was her. He liked her nature and would seek her out for council as well as for her hands that could ease pain. Though a Fraser, not a MacKenzie, he well knew, he kept her secrets and would keep her safe. His nephew caused some degree of annoyance at times, but the foreign wife he had brought had a level head on her shoulders, more so than most Scots. He had wished to have Jamie possibly be laird, but few would support him with his foreign wife and half breed children, but Jamie seemed not to mind. He wanted to return to his own lands when he could, though for now, Leoch was the only place safe for them.
He was at his desk, looking over missives that had arrived. He looked up at her and smiled.
"Lizzy. Whit a pleasant distraction." He sat back watching her as she came forward.
She set the tray down and looked at him. "Letitia is worried." she said. "You have not eaten today."
He sighed and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "Aye, that's true. Sae muckle that needs tae be dane afore Dougal goes tae collect th' rents."
She lifted a plate and set it before him. "Go on then. You need your strength."
He looked at her. "Sae dae ye." He said nodding to the ever growing expanse of her womb.
She smiled and sat down, patting the swell. "I wish to ask you something, but I will wait until you have finished your meal."
He sighed and ate as she sipped a glass of Rhenish. He finished sooner than he had expected. He was far hungrier that her had first thought. He then sat back with his own glass and looked at her as she looked into the fire, watching the flames dance.
She was beautiful, skin a flawless olive that had tanned more in the Scottish sun. Her skin normally had the look of fresh thick honey. Augustus had told him her mother had been of Spanish blood from Navarro. He could see it now, her skin looked bronze. Her reddish brown hair was not braided and actually hung about her shoulders like a young unmarried woman. He looked at her profile, watching her as she watched the flames. Her hand caressed her belly as if to soothe herself as much as the bairn within.
He watched her, waiting for her to speak, but she said nothing, watching the flames before her. Something was in her head and he rose to his feet.
He hobbled to her and touched her shoulder gently, startling her back to reality.
"Oh! Forgive me uncle. I was miles away."
"Ah ken." He said. "Ah hae bin peepin' ye fur sometime." He smiled and touched her cheek gently. "Noo whit kin this laird dae fur ye?"
"I have some unfinished business that I must attend to. I request the help of Ned Gowen."
"Ye twa cannae travel alone."
"Jamie is on a hunt with Dougal and many of the men." She said. She looked out the window as a soft bit of snow passed the window. "I will need a cart since I am too far gone with child to ride."
"Ah wull send twa men wi' ye. Ned kin hurl in th' cart wi' ye." He said. He took a breath. "Wull yer affairs wi' th' duke be ower then?" He knew they Duke had returned to England when his bride seemed lost. He had returned to Scotland only a week ago and was in residence at Myrtlewood House, a large estate only ten miles from Leoch and he was renting it from Colum MacKenzie. That was how Lizzy had found out about his return, she was speaking to Colum when a messenger had arrived with the first three month's rent.
"Yes." She said. "I am sure with the amount of money I will be giving him, he will be very pleased."
"'n' th' cost wull be hurled fae yer heid. Bit whit o' Jamie's?"
"I mean to ask favor on that account."
He nodded. "Be wary. Ah hae heard he insae particular tae wummin. Ah wonder whit yer mairriage wid hae bin lik' tae him."
"Quiet. I think once I gave him an heir he would have allowed me to be my own person. He allowed me much time for my own affairs when I was engaged to him."
"Bit bein' merrit changes a jimmy. A wifie is then his tae protect, tae hae obey him, 'n' tae gie him bairns."
She nodded. "I will leave as soon as I can find Ned."
He nodded. "Th' nights graw cauld 'n' earlie. If he allows it, bade th' nicht 'n' return th' morns mornin'. Ah wull mak' yer excuses tae Jamie whin he returns."
She nodded and rose awkwardly to her feet. She took his hand to steady herself and he smiled at her. His hand went to her cheek and then he stepped closer and kissed her brow. Even with his crippled legs he was taller by a couple inches. Perhaps because she too was a cripple, he felt some sort of kinship to her. She also was wise for her years. He had watched her deal with the princes well enough showing the power a highborn woman could have. Rarely would she need to play that game now, but again she would been all her craft about her.
He nodded. "Safe travels. Return as soon as yer able. Ah wull hae need o' ye." She nodded to him and moved to take the tray, but he stopped her. "Lea it. Yin o' th' servants kin dae it."
She dipped her head and was off out the door.
ZzZ
It took less than an hour to find Ned Gowen and the two burly MacKenzie men-at-arms that Colum was sending as guards. One was Rupert. Lizzy quite liked him. He was a distant cousin to her husband and he had a rather nice nature. He had been fond of her for sometime, showing her things, and standing up for her on occasion.
Ned sat beside her and directed the two horses pulling the small cart. Lizzy had her lock box in the back, hidden well under some blankets she had to make herself more comfortable if needed. The snow because a little harder as they came up on a higher land. She took three blankets. She wrapped on about herself, gave one to Ned, who smiled in appreciation, and used the third to go over their legs.
He watched her as she sat, the ride was bumpy, but not bad with the pillow she was sitting on and leaning back against, at Ned's insistence. He seemed determined to make sure the baby stayed within her as they traveled.
They arrived at the estate of the Duke nearing sundown. Though it was still mid afternoon. The days were very short in the highlands during winter. The snow had stopped dropping in the small flakes, but it was cooler.
Ned jumped down, quite nimbly for someone of his age. He reached up, with Rupert, to ease, Lizzy down. Lizzy wrapped her cloak about her and then nodded for Rupert to see to the two chests. The men followed her to the door.
A butler met them. "Hello, madam." He said, clearly from England. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but I am sure the Duke would see me." She paused. "Tell him, Elizabeth Hohenzollern is here to see him."
"I will see. Come out of the weather anyway."
She nodded a thank you and he took them to a lovely sitting room that overlooked the property. Her highlander guards stood away. She settled near the fire in a chair. Ned stood near her, holding the papers in his hand.
There was a stirring near the door.
The duke had not changed much. He stood in his foppish clothing with a long wig on his head. He came to the room in an apparent hurry. Lizzy levered herself up and then curtsied to him smiling at him.
"God in heaven!" He gasped. He came to her. "Elizabeth! It is true!" He took her arms and straightened her, looking at her up and down. "Four years! You have not aged a day."
The highlanders shifted, but Lizzy lifted a hand to keep them at bay.
The Duke looked at her face.
"You left me a girl and returned a woman. A woman with her belly under her chin." He said softly. "What the bloody hell happened? I was worried."
She bit her cheek to keep from saying that he was not. He was worried about his money more likely. Instead she smiled and stepped back a pace from him.
"It is good to see you again Clarence." She said softly.
"You speak English now!" He said surprised. "Where on earth have you been?"
"It is quite a tale I am afraid." She said demurely.
He sighed and looked about. "You and your friends are welcome for supper. I must hear about your adventures." She dipped her head. "I must change. I still have the road." She then nodded. "Rupert and Alexander MacKenzie and Edward Gowen, lawyer." She said introducing the men with her.
"I will see the servants find you all rooms." He bent forward and kissed his former fiancée's cheek. He snapped his fingers and servants came and escorted them to a wing up the stairs.
Lizzy naturally had the best room of the bunch, but it felt so empty without her husband. Some maids came and helped her dress in a court dress she had brought.
The stomacher covered part of her belly, but the sack dress hung down in back. She then walked to dinner, her belly nearly hidden under the yards of fabric. Ned joined her. The two highlanders had charmed the servants and were eating in the kitchens.
Lizzy walked into the small dining room on the arm of Ned who was in his best as well.
The Duke nodded to them to sit and they did so. He sat down also, pouring wine for them.
"Elizabeth, where on earth have you been this whole time? The Watch and Captain Randall could not find you."
She smiled a little. "I had a price on my head. I would have rather find out if that was a death order or coin to find me."
"Find you naturally. Who one earth would harm such a rose?"
She smiled a little as soup was served.
"I have been living with the MacKenzie. My husband is nephew to the laird."
He looked up. "Your husband?" He looked at her. "You got yourself married then? Just as well with your belly so."
"This is my second child, your Grace." She said evenly.
He shook his head. "It is a wonder you still live."
"Are you planning on standing on your rights and marrying me then?"
He eyed her. "I have to admit I have never wanted to marry you as I do now." He smiled a little. "But no." He cocked his head. "Why have you come then?"
Lizzy nodded to Ned as she began to eat the delicious soup before her.
Ned coughed a little. "Her grace th' duchess o' Cleves, wishes tae mak' reparations fur ony problems ye hae hud ." He lifted the paper. "Her grace is settling th' amount o' 250,000 poonds oan ye."
The Duke sat back. "I recall your dowry was a million pounds."
She smiled at him. "You did not marry me so you do not have any rights to it at all." She set teeth together. She was smiling at him, but her eyes narrowed and he realized the girl had come to know how to wield her influence. The fact she had her dowry also said she had spoken with her family and thus had strong allies if she needed them.
The Duke looked at the girl and realized she was correct. Also she had learned to stand up for herself as she sat regarding him.
"Then why are you making me this gift?" He asked.
"I have two conditions."
He nodded. "Of course you do." He said sighing.
"The first. The price on my head brought by you will be lifted immediately. There is no reason to be hunted when I am safe, well, married, and happy."
He nodded. "Fair enough. And the second."
She lifted a hand. "The second. You will make every effort you can get remove the price on the head of my husband."
"Your husband? Why on earth is he an outlaw?"
"For murder. A crime, however, he did not commit." She said. "His name is James Fraser." She said with the highland twill to the name. "I am sure Captain Randall would tell you about it since he was the one who put the price on him when he escaped Wentworth prison four years ago."
He regarded her. "I suppose I could see what I can do for that. That is a matter of the crown not a personal bounty for information. I am sure you know the difference."
"Of course. I am not a simpleton, though you seemed to think that of me before."
He looked at her. The defiance she had gained was very interesting.
He nodded as the main dish came. The girl was swirling her wine regarding him.
"I will do all you ask." He said. "I am fairly sure it will not harm me too badly."
She nodded. "If anything you will be richer."
He smiled and lifted his glass.
There was a loud noise and Lizzy turned as the windows creaked and the trees outside sighed as a large gust of wind blew through the estate announcing the arrival of the storm. With it came the pelting sound of something between rain and snow.
The duke looked at her. "It would seem that you will need to stay until the storm passes, my lady."
"It will be my honor." She said lifting her glass as well.
Ned took a breath.
ZzZ
Ned had seen the coin given to the duke before the four retired to bed. Lizzy remained awake and there was a soft knock. The door opened to reveal Ned holding a candle.
"Urr ye weel lass?"
"Yes." she nodded. She rubbed her belly.
He smiled. "We shuid be able tae lea by mornin'."
She nodded.
They both retired shortly after.
ZzZ
The next morning Lizzy woke and went down to the dining room for breakfast. The storm had raged all night and into the early hours. A light skiff of snow was on the earth. Lizzy had looked out and saw men coming. They wore different tartans than the MacKenzie. She wondered why they were.
The Duke was on his way out as she came in. "Good morning my dear. Please take your leisure. I have some guests who need attending."
She nodded and sat down to enjoy tea and other delightful confections his cook had made.
After an hour or so she stood up and walked down the hall. The door to the sitting room was closed. She walked to it and then gasped hearing her husband's voice.
"Whaur is she?"
"Who?"
"Mah guidwife, th' Lady Elizabeth Fraser." Jamie's voice was angry and demanding. "Whit hae ye dane wi' her? haudin' her hostage?"
Lizzy opened the door and walked in. "Jamie? What on earth..." She stood in a simple morning dress as she stood hands on hips as she looked at Jamie and Murtagh. "What the bloody hell are you doing?" She demanded.
The duke took a breath and nodded a thank you to her which she dipped her head a little before looking back at her husband.
"Lizzy!" Jamie gasped seeing her. He went to her. "Urr ye a' richt?"
"Yes, of course. We were waiting for the storm to lift." She said. "The duke has been gracious with his home."
He took a breath and looked back at the duke as he embraced his wife. "Forgive me sur. Efter events in oor bygane, ye wull ken that a'm a bawherr protective o' mah guidwife."
"I would be as well. No harm done." The duke smiled a little.
Lizzy stepped around her husband. "He meant no offense."
"None taken my dear." The Duke said. He turned to look at Jamie. "However, the lifting the price on his head will take a bit of work and burning bridges." He smiled. "Your wife has already asked this of me, but I require more in return." He cocked his head at Jamie and stepped to him as Murtagh stood with Lizzy. "It could be done." He smiled pulling Jamie to one side. "However, Jamie, favors must be returned in kind." He said looking at the younger man. "If I scrub your back, I'd expect you to see mine equally spotless."
Lizzy frowned and made ready to say something, but Murtagh lifted a hand to her.
Jamie was looking out the window. He looked back and then nodded once.
The duke leaned close. "I've been challenged to a duel."
Jamie turned to him. "By th' MacDonald's ye mean."
"Ah, you saw them leave the house, yes? Andrew MacDonald. Some nonsense about an unpaid debt." The Duke said looking at Jamie. He looked at Lizzy who had sat down and was looking at the floor, her face tight lipped. Jamie folded his arms. "I've never been able to turn my back on a game of maw." He said. "Pity, I'm not better at it. Anyway, this is an affair of honor." The duke smiled a little. "Shots will be exchanged, but I understand no one will be hurt."
"Hummm." Murtagh grunted. "If th' MacDonald's ur heavy goin, thir's aye a chance that blood wull be spilled ." He looked pointedly at Jamie.
A maid brought in wine. Lizzy took a glass and sat back, eyes narrowed as she watched.
"Yes, I know MacDonalds and MacKenzies are sworn enemies, but this is not a clan matter." The Duke said lifting his hands. "I myself will be in the line of fire. All that I require from Jamie is that he appears as my second." He took a breath and stepped to Jamie. "Alas, my servants are chosen for their beauty not their belligerence." He put his hands on Jamie's arms. "You, of course, contain within you..." He lifted a hand to Jamie's face to cup it lightly. "...a sublime combination of the two." He said. Jamie was watching him, not moving.
Lizzy was smirking into her wine glass as Murtagh looked down cheeks flaring a little.
The Duke nodded to Lizzy. "The duel is at sunset. I assume you will remain my guest until then."
"Yes. Since my husband has decided to be at your side."
He bowed and left the room.
Jamie looked at his wife who smiled at him a little as she sat there watching. "Whit urr ye aboot, wifie?"
"If I would have known I could have had all my debt to the man cleared by letting him have you, I might have let him." She swallowed and had another smile. "How in the world does he know of you?"
"Ah wis sixteen whin ah foremaist met him. He wis fond o' me then."
"Some said tae fond." Murtagh said.
"Nothing happened." Jamie said. "Though ah think he wid hae liked mair."
"Clearly." Lizzy said.
"What?" Jamie looked at her.
"Would have saved me a great deal of money." She teased. "I also know from experience you have quite lovely back side."
He rolled his eyes. "Amurnay offering up mah hindquarters tae th' jimmy, juist bein' a seicont."
"This is boggin' Jamie ." Murtagh said softly. "This is a Macdonald maiter. Yi''ll need tae bade oot o' it."
"Ah mibbie shuid hae, bit then mah guidwife shuid nae hae come 'ere by herself."
"I had an escort." She said levering herself up to look at him. "I am not happy you will be a second..."
"Ock, a seicont is a glorified bystander." He said coming to her side. "Ye pure dae nae need tae concern yersel' wi' it."
"Why did he choose you?" she asked. "Why could he have not given the task to one of his servants?"
"Fur picking a seicont o' wee birth wid hae offendit th' MacDonalds."
"Oh, but a stable boy is fine." Lizzy said walking to the window.
He looked at the back of her head. "A'm na stable laddie. A'm th' laird o' Lallybroch." He said coming to her. He turned her to him. "'n' th' duke o' cleves thro' ye." That surprised her. He never spoke of that part of his titles.
She sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." She said.
He nodded. "Aye. Th' duke insae th' sort tae simply dae a favor ye ken." He sighed. "A'm juist happy that is a' he wants fae me."
She nodded.
ZzZ
Lizzy found the duke an hour later. "You bastard. You had to get your claws into me somehow."
"Oh says the harpy herself." He said looking at her. "I thought it very reasonable. Plus then your husband does not have to know much of his money you have given to me."
She caught her breath.
"Ah so he doesn't know how rich you have made him."
"No." she said shoulders slumping a little.
He touched her cheek lightly. "Don't worry. I won't let him get hurt."
"I will be there to make sure both of you keep your heads."
He nodded.
ZzZ
The MacDonalds returned and the group walked out to the green before the house. Lizzy was standing with with the Duke as Jamie walked behind them. She looked like his daughter and she was sure the MacDonalds wondered whose child she carried. She clearly was too young for the duke and they knew well he was not currently married. Perhaps his daughter who was widowed recently or perhaps she had been sent to her father for safe keeping while her husband was away for the army. Either way she was pretty and dressed richer than any Scot other than the Duke of Argyll's wife. They also took note that she was not unarmed. She had a dirk at her waist, belted high over the swell of her belly.
In the green Jamie and the youngest of the MacDonalds stood back to back.
Mr. Green, the grounds keeper stood looking at them as the Duke and Andrew MacDonald were handed small pistols which they held. "Gentlemen, upon my count, five paces, if ye please."
"One, Two, Three, Four, Five. Halt." Both of the younger men held swords and walked away from each other not facing each other. "Mark yer places." The pair pressed their swords into the soft earth. The snow had mostly melted, but the ground was still wet. Lizzy stood hands on her belly. She noticed the other two MacDonald boys looking at her.
Jamie then moved toward the duke as the other lad moved to his father.
"Combatants, take yer positions." Mr. Green said.
Andrew and the duke moved to the swords and faced each other.
Mr. Green turned to Lizzy. "Would ye happen to have a handkerchief lass?" He asked.
She nodded. "Yes of course." She pulled one from between her breasts.
He smiled at that and then lifted the delicate cloth in the air. "Combatants, ye will fire upon the dropping of the handkerchief." Mr. Green said clearly. "Are ye ready?"
The two nodded.
"Aim yer weapons." Mr. Green looked between them and then let the cloth drop. Two shots rang out and the horses nearby startled. However, both combatants still stood unharmed.
Jamie, Lizzy, and the MacDonald boys all looked on. Mr. Green lifted the handkerchief and then carefully folded it as he looked at the two watching each other. He handed it back to the lady who smiled kindly at him. He dipped his head in thanks.
"Does the Duke of Sandringham offer his apology for non-payment of debt?" Mr. Green asked.
"I do." The duke said sincerely.
"And does Andrew MacDonald accept said apology?" Mr. Green asked.
"Ah do." The elder Scot said.
"Jesus Christ." Came a whisper from one of the MacDonald boys.
"Then this affair is concluded." Mr. Green said.
The duke spread his arms. "Let's drink to friendship." He said. "Honor observed and restored."
The elder Scot nodded and walked forward as Jamie and the youngest boy retrieved their swords.
"Honor is a brassic substitute fur coin." One young MacDonald said.
"Aye" Said another.
"Ah, fur yin, refuse tae dram wi' mollies."
"Aff wi' ye, gang 'n' tae th'gither lik' th' mawkit dugs ye ur." Said the first.
Lizzy flushed and Jamie saw her looking down. "Sir." He said to Andrew MacDonald. "Order yer wee jimmies tae haud thair tongues. Thare ur lassies the noo."
Andrew nodded and looked behind him. "Let it gang , lads. Mynd yer manners." He said. He looked then to Lizzy. "Apologies Madam."
She nodded and took the glass that the duke offered her eyes still downcast with the coloring still visible on her cheeks. She sipped the brandy as did Andrew MacDonald. The duke drank as well, watching and listening.
"Bit faither, th' jimmy rents a stoatin hoose, bit cannae pay an honest debt?" The third lad asked. He looked at Jamie. "Tell me, is th' duke's pie-eater bahookie as comforting as a woman's cunny."
"Aye, is yers stretched lik' some crone's sagging teat." The second asked looking Jamie up and down.
"Ah said enough ye whelps ." Andrew MacDonald growled turning to his boys after looking at the lady.
Lizzy growled and turned hand on her dirk as Jamie quickly stepped before her. "Elizabeth. No il isn't d'une valeur avec ces enfants idiot." He said in French to her.
She nodded after a moment taking a breath.
"Ye three gang oan hame if ye cannae behave." The elder MacDonald barked at the three.
Jamie smiled and said something in Gaelic. Lizzy didn't know what he said, but by his smirk and the other three stiffening, it was an insult.
"Now, now Jamie, let's not be reduced to name calling." The duke said directing him away as Lizzy then followed.
"Aye, intae th' woods ye gang ." The youngest boy called. "Fin' a caber tae bend ilk ither ower."
Jamie looked over as he walked. "Is it true MacDonald's learn aboot loue by rutting wi' thair mither ?" Jamie asked.
He and the duke giggled as Lizzy gasped. "Jamie..." She growled in warning.
He smiled at her. "Och come noo, thay stairted it." He said pointing.
The youngest of the MacDonald then growled and drew his sword. He ran toward them. "Buggering Sodomite!"
"Alexander!" Andrew called too late.
The Duke cried out and moved away. Jamie turned and saw the danger. He shoved Lizzy toward the duke and then drew his own dirk as he whirled to face the angry younger man.
Alexander had the advantage for the moment and slashed Jamie's side causing him to drop to a knee in pain with a growl. He dodged the strikes and then grabbed the lad's sword hand and sliced the younger man's leg just above the knee.
Alexander fell with a cry.
Lizzy stood, her own dirk in her hand as she watched Andrew MacDonald go to his younger son protectively.
The other two boys charged Jamie. Jamie drew his sword as well crossing them against the onslaught of the second lad. Jamie knocked him away and the eldest crossed swords with him. The second looked and saw the duke.
Lizzy shook her head at him and as he came forward, she blocked his slash as the duke ducked behind the tree. She parried the blow and then stood watching the man.
"You are quite good with a blade, my dear." The duke said as the man tried again and she moved out of his way.
"My father taught me well." She said out of breath a little already.
"I know your father was one of the best sword's men."
She nodded and the man charge, dropping the blade and she moved to the side and caught him with a wicked hook under his chin, dropping him like a stone. She smiled and saw Jamie still battling the other. "That I learned from my husband."
Jamie delivered a blow and then he too fell down, clutching his pained side.
The duke moved to Jamie. "So sorry, I'm so desperately sorry."
Jamie's hand was covered in blood. The duke touched it softly causing Jamie to hiss.
"Nothing to be alarmed about, merely a scratch." He took a breath. "I must be on my way." He said. "A duel is one thing, but a common brawl is quite another." He looked back at Lizzy. "I will bring your message to those who must hear it." He said looking at her. "Thank you." He scurried off.
Lizzy walked to Andrew MacDonald and looked at him.
"Ye wull tell th' mackenzie this wis oor fault lassie. Na yin needs tae suffer fur o' Alexander's foolery."
She nodded. "I will tell them." She looked at the wound. "I think this leg will be useless." She looked at him. "You promise there will be no retaliation?"
"If thare is, thay wull answer tae me fur it." He looked at her, tears in his eyes. "Th' Mackenzie wull nae seek justice fur his nephew?"
"I will see to it." She said patting his arm.
He nodded. "Ta, lass." He swallowed reaching to pick his son up off the ground. "A'm sorry fur whit it's worth tae ye, lass."
She dipped her head. "I know."
She then moved to Jamie who looked at her as she sheathed her weapon. "Bloody fool." She hissed.
ZzZ
She managed to get him into the cart and they were headed home to Leoch. Jamie lost consciousness for a time, but Lizzy watched over him, pressing clothes to try to stop the bleeding.
Once at Leoch, Rupert helped her bring him to their room. He was more awake. She called for a needle, thread, and hot water.
He sat on the edge of the desk she had gained from Colum. She had him strip to the waist and looked at the wound. She cleaned the blood away and set about stitching. She had said nothing to him since they had arrived.
"'Its, bit yin mair scar, mah loue." He looked at her. "Nothing worth brooding ower ."
She continued to look at the wound.
"Th' duke said he wid huv a go tae git th' cost aff mah heid. That's cause fur a bawherr o' celebrating isnae it?" He asked. He gasped as she put the needle in. "Noo mibbie it's better tae hauld yer horses 'til closer tae oor goin awa." He said wincing as she made another stitch.
She said nothing, but wiped her hands and wiped more blood away.
Jamie grunted a little in pain watching her. "Yer nae normally a closed mouthed wifie, Lizzy. Ah expected noisier displeasure."
She narrowed her eyes and pulled the needle harder and his eyes widened and he gasped.
"Bit wheesht anger kin be gey effective." He said.
She finished and looked at her handiwork. She then bound it with fresh cloth and nodded satisfied with her work on him.
He reached for her. "Lizzy..." He said softly.
She shook her head and then washed her hands in the water bowl. She wiped them clean and then moved to the bed. Again Ellen was sound asleep and had been since before they got there. Mrs. Fitz had been watching her and had made a quick exit after Lizzy had spoke to her for the items.
Lizzy then got ready for bed and crawled in not looking at her husband.
He came to the other side of the bed, looking at her as he hissed, pulling off the rest of his clothing. He crawled in and she rolled over.
He touched her pillow and found it wet. She was weeping. He could see the heave in her shoulders, but she was doing so silently. He had no idea women could be silent crying. He laid a hand on her shoulder and she shrugged, knocking it off, clearly upset with him and so much so, she would not let him comfort her.
Sighing he relaxed, trying to get comfortable with his side aching.
After a time he looked over at her. She was also asleep, but looked miserable.
He shook his head and went to sleep.
He would deal with her in the morning.
