A/N: A huge thank you to Tiffany & Sherry.
Again, thank you so, so much for all your support and reviews. I have treasured every single one of them and will get around to replies this week.
I don't think I will have time in the morning to post, so posting tonight instead.
Enjoy x
Chapter 15
Isabella couldn't wait until she reached her room. She didn't like that she had disappointed Edward and made him angry. If the truth be told, she never knew that the woods held such danger. She wasn't used to having to think about her own safety. Back in England, she had grown up in a vast home, with a high walled garden. She had been able to come and go as she pleased, without any risk to her person, and if she did have to venture out of her garden, then there had always been someone to escort her, like her father or one of his men.
She hated that she was giving Edward the impression that she was a mindless woman, unable to take care of herself. If anything, she should be finding a way to repay him rather than cause him a headache. She also didn't understand why he had been so concerned for her. Surely a Laird had more important things to worry about?
Isabella had been so caught up in her own thoughts as she headed up the stairs, that she never saw Alistair until it was too late. She bumped face first into his chest and almost went toppling down the stairs, well she would have if he hadn't been there to grab her.
When Alistair was sure that she was steady on her feet, her let her go. "Lady Swan, you look upset," he said gently cupping her face. "What's the matter wae ye?"
Isabella immediately backed out of his reach. She didn't want him to touch her. "I'm fine," she assured him. "I'm merely tired and wish to retreat to my room."
Alistair moved out of her way and gestured for her to pass him. "Very well, Lady Swan, I shall save ye a place beside me for the evening meal."
That was the last thing she wanted, Isabella thought as she hurried past him, struggling to control her tears. She didn't think she would bother eating this evening.
She managed to make it to her room before she lost all composure, flopping down on her bed and losing all control. It would seem that she would not find happiness in Scotland. The Menzies people would never accept her.
Tiffany was on the way to Lady Swan's room when she heard her crying from the other side of the door. She immediately pushed the door open to see a distraught woman lying on the bed crying. She discarded the clothing she was carrying and went to her side. "My Lady, whatever is the matter?"
"Everything," Isabella whimpered. "I will never fit in here."
Tiffany knew by the way Lady Swan was acting that something had happened, she just hoped that it wasn't as bad as she thought. "Please Lass, tell me what happened," Tiffany begged.
So Isabella did. She told her about the kitchen staff and how they had refused to serve her. About Father Brennan not being at the Kirk and how she had gotten lost in the woods and Edward's fury. Lastly, she told her about Alistair Stewart and his wandering hands.
"Dinne worry Lass, I'll take care of it," Tiffany assured her.
Isabella shook her head. "I don't want to cause any trouble."
"Ye will nae," she said, getting up off the bed. She was going to search for the Laird and tell him everything. "Oh," Tiffany said as she reached the doorway. "I brought you some more clothes. It was the best I could find. We'll have to have some more made for ye, and I've ordered for a chest to be brought to yer room."
"Thank you," Isabella smiled. It would seem she had found a friend, after all.