5

 

Cailin tossed restlessly in the luxurious bed. Avondale had still not returned from wherever he had gone. Her head pounded. She gritted her teeth and knotted her fists against the anger swirling in her veins.

Finally, she rose and padded barefoot to the wash bowl in the dressing room and brushed her teeth again. She returned to the dark, cavernous bedchamber and threw open a window.

Moonlight had faded into deep shadows when dark clouds rolled in. She thrust her head out the window and let the wind caress her waist-length hair, but the coolness couldn’t blow away her frown. The wind was no substitute for the caresses she yearned for. Nor did her anger fade.

Avondale had come to bed so late last night. And tonight, he was even later.

She rubbed a hand across her eyes. Even had she been sleepy, she would have stayed awake. Tonight she would ask him again. Insist he answer.

She left the window open, hurried across the cold granite, and crawled back into the warm bed to snuggle beneath the sheets. The big clock in the corner ticked second by second, still he did not come. She would creep downstairs and peek into Papa’s study. She slung her legs over the side of the bed.

The door swung open.

Avondale tiptoed into the room, moved silently across the rug into the dressing room, and closed the door behind him. His clothes rustled as he undressed.

She sprang up and her fingers trembled as she lit a candle. She opened the door.

He spun to her, eyes wide, mouth open, his face a mask of startled guilt. “Blow out that candle.” His voice sounded rough.

“But the dark—”

“Snuff out the candle. I like the dark. Blackness is a friend.”

She did as he bade her. “Where—?”

“I thought you’d be sleeping, dear Cailin.”

“I waited for you.”

“You shouldn’t.” He stepped close and pulled her into his arms. With his lips on her hair, he whispered, “I fell in love with you on our wedding night. So, despite what others may tell you, know that I love you, my beautiful, sweet wife. No matter what happens, always remember I love you.”

Anger slipped away as if it had never been.

He wrapped her in his arms and carried her to their bed.

She nestled against him, her ear just above his racing heart.

He loved her. Tonight, that was enough.

She wanted more of that incredible love. Yet, she would question him. When the time was right. She was his wife and had every right to know about his disappearances.