A/N: Huge thanks to Sherry n Tiffany x
Chapter 31
Having been ordered to rest, Isabella returned to her bedchamber to do just that. She thought it would be best to try and appease her husband, perhaps he would be more accommodating if she did. Resting, however, grew tedious and after a few hours she became hungry. Realising that she had now missed two meals she headed down to the kitchen to see if the cook had anything for her to eat.
"Mistress," Sue smiled, when she saw Isabella walk into the kitchen. "Wit can I dae fur ye?"
"I seemed to have missed the morning and nooning meal," Isabella said, nervously, afraid the cook would think she was daft.
Sue shook her head. "It's no gid to skip meals, ye cud make yerself ill and the Laird widnae be happy if ye did." Isabella nodded in agreement. Edward certainly would be angry with her if she made herself ill or if he found out she was missing meals. She vowed there and then to take better care of herself so as not to displease her husband. "Sit yersel doon Lass and I'll fetch ye something tae eat."
Isabella did as she was bid, smiling at the cook as she did. She seemed a friendly, hearty woman, though Isabella couldn't help but wonder if she was only being kind to her because of her new position.
Sue returned a few minutes later with a warm bowl of soup and a chunk of bread. It was one of the best soups Isabella had ever tasted. It reminded her of home and the kind of things Dee used to make for her. Dee was the cook in her father's house. She was the closest thing Isabella had ever had to a mother since her real mother had died giving birth to her. Though her father wasn't fond of her being so close to Dee, and did his best to keep the two of them apart. Her father was very strict in her upbringing. He never loved nor nurtured her. Isabella believed he blamed her for her mother's death. In a way Isabella guessed she was responsible. Perhaps that was why he had sold her to the Baron.
After her meal, she thanked the cook and headed outside for fresh air. The sky was already beginning to darken and the air was crisp. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing that she had brought a cloak.
"Mistress," Emmett called, when he saw her come outside. He hurried over to her side. "It's too cold tae be oot here without a cloak, et this time a night."
Isabella nodded. "It is very brisk."
"Let me fetch one fur ye," Emmett offered, eager to please his Laird.
"That would be most kind."
When Emmett went inside the castle, Isabella strolled about away from the door, looking around at all the different buildings. The hustle and bustle of the day were starting to wind down, as people prepared to eat their evening meal. She was absentmindedly wandering past an open door to one of the buildings when one hand wrapped around her mouth, gripping her fiercely, while another grabbed her by the waist, dragging her inside.