A/N: Tiff n Shiff rock!

Chapter 54

Isabella couldn't stop herself from touching her husband. She was just so pleased he was home. She ran her hands up his arm, and across his chest, before gently caressing his face. He was covered in dirt and blood, but he appeared to be in one piece. Well, no serious injuries at least. She wondered if she would be able to talk him into coming upstairs so she could bathe him and clean him up.

Edward was amused by his wife's behaviour as he stood there watching her. It was unlike her to be so openly affectionate. He had to admit that he liked it, but he had other things on his mind, things that needed to be taken care of.

"Whit were ye arguing about when I arrived?" Edward asked, looking between the two of them.

"Nothing," Isabella quickly said, trying to glare Jasper into silence.

"Yer wife wanted tae come into the cell while I talked to a prisoner," Jasper replied, smugly, knowing his laird wouldn't be pleased.

Edward lifted his eyebrow at his wife. He had hoped that she had acted more responsibly while he was gone. It appears she hadn't.

Isabella sighed with frustration and stamped her foot. She felt like hitting Jasper, and the fact that he looked so pleased with himself only infuriated her more. "We thought you were in danger," Isabella said, hoping her husband would see things her way. "I merely wanted to help. I wanted to ensure that everything that could be done, was being done, to find you."

"Oh, aye? Experienced in torture, are ye?" Edward asked.

"No!"

"Then, why the hell wid ye think that being in a cell was a good idea?"

"I telt her the dungeons are nae place for a woman," Jasper added.

Isabella clenched her fists and bit down on the inside of her jaw to stop herself from saying a string of words that weren't suitable for a lady.

Edward chuckled. He hadn't meant to make his wife so upset. He had only been half serious, half teasing, but from the way she was acting it would appear that she and his captain had been butting heads since he had been gone and she had reached her limit. He would let the subject go for now, but he had every intention to bring it up again when they were alone. The dungeons were certainly no place for a lady, especially his wife.

"Who's in the cell?" Edward asked, glancing at the closed door.

"Garrett," Jasper replied.

"Good," Edward replied. That would save him a few problems. "Let the bastard stay here, while we go and hae the morning meal. I want tae hear about everything that happened while I was gone."