Free Marriage By Arrangement by Anne Greene Page A

daylight. Are you still feeling ill?”
    “Ill?” Avondale’s face puckered into a puzzled expression. “I’m quite refreshed.” He opened his arms, and smiled. “Come in to bed, dear Cailin.”
    She hesitated. Did he have no memory of last night? Had the laudanum his valet administered after Avondale entered the castle following his wild midnight ride erased the terror from her husband’s mind? What awful nightmare haunted him? Who was Billy the Butcher? If she questioned Avondale, would she cause him to slip into another spell? She must be cautious with what she said.
    “I sent word to Stirling to invite your royal mother to visit us again.”
    “Smashing. But whatever for?” He patted the silk sheets lying smoothly next to him. “Come to me.”
    “I…I thought she might like to be among the first to know that we are expecting a baby.” She could not bring herself to tell him the real reason she’d summoned his mother.
    His eyes widened and sparkled. A huge boyish grin transformed his handsome face. His broad, bare shoulders straightened. “Fine! Fine!” He caressed her arm. “And how are you feeling?”
    “Physically, I’ve never felt better. No morning sickness.”
    “And emotionally?” His proud grin had turned tender.
    Tentatively she touched his lips. “I have ups and downs.” She was so worried about him.
    He smiled and stroked his bare chest. “That’s very normal, I think. Though I’m not so sure I believe in prayer, this is definitely an answer.” His warm hand cupped hers. “Having a son will take a heavy burden from my shoulders.” A frown puckered his fine forehead. “You must take care of yourself. I think no horse riding until the baby arrives.” With his free hand, he stroked her hair. “Now come, my sweet little kitten. I’m glad the royal mother is visiting, but you’re the one I really want to see.”
    The familiar warm, loving feeling gathered inside her heart.
    Perhaps the scene last night had been caused by taut nerves.
    Avondale had returned over soon from the boar hunt in order to be in time for the masquerade Mums and Megan had planned for Fiona.
    Papa had been grumpy as well, when the men had reappeared empty-handed.
    Yet Avondale had seemed on edge during dinner. Had something else happened to her husband between dinner and when she found him so agitated in the bedchamber? Were affairs of his estates causing him concern? Was Bloody Billy a hired assassin?
    Father, whatever Avondale’s problem, please do not let him become so unsettled again. Help me make him happy. Help me share his burdens. Help me to be a good wife. Give me wisdom.
    She slid into bed next to her husband.
     
     
     
     

10
     
    Cailin and Avondale spent a happy hour reading the Bible together and discussing the various passages before going to bed.
    Once the single candle he permitted was doused, he held her in his strong arms. His full, warm lips pressed sweet love onto her neck and lips. “I fear so for the child, my bride. I would not put his life into any danger. Having a son is not to be taken lightly.” He stroked her hair and cradled her against his muscle-ridged chest.
    She heard the rock-solid beat of his heart. “But I’m a strong, healthy woman. We should have no fear—”
    “You look as delicate as a fine china cup.” Avondale’s eyes, shining in the moonlight, held shadows that darkened them to onyx. “You are my treasure, and I will not risk putting you or our child in the slightest danger.”
    For the next several nights she contented herself with enjoying his presence and explaining the meaning of various passages in Scripture. One passage in Colossians seemed to particularly attract his attention.
    Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In Whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
    Yet, each morning his side of the bed was empty.
    After taking breakfast with the family,