A/N: Thanks for the reviews :*
Big thanks to Sherry n Tiffany x x
Chapter 23
Edward didn't take Isabella again that night. He knew she would be sore and it was unfair for him to put his desires before her welfare. When he got up early the next morning, she was still fast asleep, so he let her rest. The past few days had been very trying on Isabella. She had run from one marriage straight into another. Granted he was a better man, and he would look after her, not abuse her like the English Baron would have likely done, but she didn't know that yet. He would have to prove that to her over time.
He went through to the great hall for his morning meal, where he was greeted by followers wishing him their congratulations. He was happy to see that so many of them seemed to have accepted his marriage already.
When he was finished, he headed down to the stables for his mount. He ordered Jasper to keep an eye on Isabella while he headed out with Emmett to scout the English.
Isabella didn't wake up until midday. She felt completely refreshed by the time she opened her eyes, though she did feel embarrassed to have slept so long. Edward must think she is lazy. She hurried out of bed, wincing in pain the moment she stood up, she was tender. She was also mortified when she saw that the bed sheets were covered in blood. She began to weep, pulling at the covers, desperate to hide them before Edward noticed.
Tiffany entered the room at that moment. She saw her mistress's distress and hurried to her side. "Whatever is the matter?"
Isabella shook her head. "There is blood on the sheets."
Tiffany clasped her hands. "There is supposed to be blood on the sheets, Lass, it's natural for yer first time. Here," she said, freeing the covers from her mistress's hand. "Let me take care of that. Ye go and have a seat. I've ordered a bath to be brought up for ye, I thought ye might be tender this morning and it will help ease yer muscles."
Isabella did as she was bid, though she felt even more emotional at Tiffany's kindness. She did her best not to let her emotions get the better of her. It didn't bode well to let the staff see their new mistress crying. They would think she was weak and easy to manipulate.
"Where's my husband?" She enquired as Tiffany helped her into the tub.
"I saw him ride out this morning," Tiffany stated. "But I didnae ken where he went or when he'll be back."
He left the castle, without saying goodbye to her? A husband was supposed to say goodbye to his wife.
Isabella asked to be left alone after that. She was feeling far too sensitive to be around any of the staff. She had to pull herself together, before she faced them again.