A/N: Massive thanks to my girls, Sherry & Tiffany, and to all of you for all the rec's, reviews and follows/favs. You all rock x x x
Chapter 45
The following morning Isabella realised that her husband was right. At the morning meal she noticed that several of the women were watching her, including the servants. She observed it again later that day when she took a stroll around the grounds. So, many faces staring at her, watching her every movement, they all wore the same troubled expression. She presumed they were just as worried about their husbands and sons as she was about Edward, and they were all looking to her for guidance on how to cope with that worry. She knew then, that she had to be strong. She had to put on a brave face and lead. She had to show the clan that there was nothing to worry about, that she had every faith in their Laird, that she knew he would protect them from what was to come.
Sadly, the moment she had been dreading came a lot sooner than she had hoped. She had been sitting on the grass, playing with some of the children from the clan when Edward approached her. He offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet, insisting that she walk with him.
"Ye hae pleased me today," he stated. He had been watching her and had seen a great improvement in her mood. He had already seen the effect it had on the clan. He was certain that they would all be okay when he was gone.
"Thank you," Isabella said, blushing. She wasn't used to receiving such compliments from her husband.
"I need ye tae remain strong while I am gone."
"It's time for you to leave." Isabella mumbled.
"Aye, it is."
Isabella felt a stabbing pain in her chest. She wasn't ready for him to leave, but she knew he had to go. Be strong, she reminded herself. "When do you leave?"
"Within the hour."
Isabella nodded.
"I'm leaving Jasper here tae protect the people and land. He will hae enough men to guard the walls, the rest will be coming wae me. I want ye tae stay within the walls at aw times and don't wander around at night. There will be two guards stationed ootside yer door during the night. Ye will be safe," he said the last sentence as if it was an order.
Isabella grasped his hand and looked up at him with teary eyes. "May I give you something to take with you, as a good luck token?"
Edward wanted to tell his wife that he didn't need her good luck, but then he saw the expression on her face and saw how much it meant to her. He couldn't hurt her feelings like that. "Aye, ye may," he sighed.
Isabella loosened a ribbon from her hair and then took the dirk from her husband's belt. She cut a piece of her hair and then tied it tightly with the ribbon, placing it behind her husband's plaid, right at his heart. "There, now you take a piece of me with you. May it bring you good luck and return you home safely to me."
Edward wasn't an emotional man, but by Christ, she was tugging at his heartstrings. He thought he may even be falling in love with her. He placed his dirk back in his belt and then gently placed a kiss on her head. "Stay safe, wife. I will see ye when I return."
