A/N: I may not have time to post in the morning, so you get to have it today :)
Chapter 14
"How did you know to look for me?" Isabella asked, as she slowly followed Jasper through the trail.
"When I arrived back at the castle I heard wan o woman telling another about a villager that had passed away. She hid said that Faither Brennan hid been comforting the grieving widow all morning. So, I figured that the Kirk would be empty and you wid need my help tae return home, but when I arrived at the Kirk ye had already left. I figured that ye had attempted to find yer own way back and gotten lost, wandering in the woods as I cudnae find ye anywhere in the castle. I raised an alert, informing the Laird that ye were missing a gathered a few men to go and search for ye."
"I'm sorry that I caused you so much inconvenience," Isabella said, feeling genuinely guilty. "I waited for the Father, but when he didn't show I felt I had no other option than to return to the castle. I didn't intend to get lost. I didn't remember there being so many twists and turns," she sighed.
Jasper felt sorry for the lady, especially because he knew that a furious Laird awaited her back at the castle. "It isn't easy navigating through the woods, particularly when ye are nae used to dein it," he said, hoping to ease her concern.
Isabella nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere. She was worried about the impression she was giving Edward. This was the second time that he or one of his men had come to her aid. She had been trying her best not to appear weak, but it would seem that was exactly the impression she was giving him.
When they arrived back at the castle, Edward was standing, waiting to greet them. Isabella could tell by the expression on his face that he wasn't pleased, but she was unsure what she had done to cause him such displeasure.
"You found her," Edward said, eyeing Isabella, searching her for any signs that she'd been harmed in any way.
"Aye," Jasper replied, before slinking into the background. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of his Laird's wrath again. Edward was already angry with him for taking Isabella to the church and leaving her. He blamed him for Isabella getting lost. Jasper knew he was right, after all, he had been charged with keeping an eye on her.
"Are ye hurt?" Edward asked, curtly.
"No, my Laird," Isabella replied, staring down at her feet. She couldn't stand to gaze into his irritated eyes any longer.
"What the hell were ye hinking!?" Edward yelled, grabbing a hold of her shoulders and shaking her until she looked at him. "A wumin should nae be walking about in the woods herself, especially when she disnae ken the way."
"I-ah, I was just trying to get back to the castle," Isabella mumbled.
"Don't ye ken that there are bears and wolves in the forest? You could hae been eaten or worse." Edward's thoughts drifted towards Alistair's actions last night. If any man hid seen her go into the woods by herself, anything could hae happened tae her. It didnae bear think about.
"I'm sorry," Isabella apologised, stepping back, out of his grasp. "I didn't mean to cause you so much worry. I will endeavour to do better next time." She bowed to him and then turned to leave, hurrying away. She wanted to reach her room before she lost control of her emotions.