Part 57 (1/2)

”And I mustn't hurt her feelings,” Graham interjected with a nod. ”If it's that important to you, la.s.s, I suppose Gelfrid and I could stay on.”

”Thank you.”

Gelfrid had rushed down the steps. Judith could tell he was relieved. He was trying to glare at her and failing miserably. ”We're bound to argue,” he announced.

Judith nodded. ”Yes,” she answered.

”You won't be pounding on my back every time I get a tickle in my throat.”

”No.”

He grunted. ”So be it. Brod.i.c.k, put my things back. I'm staying on.”

Gelfrid rushed back up the steps. ”Watch what you're doing, boy. I won't have my chest bruised like that.”

Iain tried to pick up Graham's chest for him. The elder pushed his hands away. ”I'm not so old I can't manage,” he declared. In a softer tone of voice, he said, ”Son, your bride's a bit high-strung. She threw herself against that door and pitched such a fit, Gelfrid and I had to give in.”

Iain finally understood exactly what had happened. ”I appreciate your concession in giving in,” he replied in a serious tone. ”Judith's adjustment will take time, and I could certainly use some help with her.”

Graham nodded. ”She's bossy.”

”Aye, she is.”

”Gelfrid and I can work on that flaw.”

”And I as well,” Iain said.

Graham started back up the steps. ”Don't know what you're going to do about her tender feelings, though. I don't suppose any of us can change that flaw.”

Judith stood next to Iain and watched until Graham had disappeared around the corner. She knew her husband was staring at her. She guessed she really should offer him some sort of explanation for her behavior.

She took hold of his hand and turned to look up at him. ”This is their home as much as it is yours,” she said. ”I didn't believe they really wanted to leave and so I...”

”You what?” he asked when she didn't continue.

She let out a sigh and turned her gaze to the floor. ”I made a complete fool of myself in order to get them to stay. It was all I could think of to save their pride.” She let go of his hand and tried to walk away. ”They'll probably be talking about it for weeks.”

He caught her when she reached the middle of the great hall. He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.

”You're far more perceptive than I am,” he told her.

”I am?”

He nodded. ”It never would have occurred to me that Graham and Gelfrid would want to stay.”

”There's plenty of room.”

”Why are you blus.h.i.+ng?”

”Am I?”