“Sorrell.”
She turned to see Willow hurrying toward her.
“Is something wrong? Is Snow all right?” Sorrell asked hurrying to her sister.
“Nothing is wrong. Snow actually expressed interest in making some wreaths for the keep. Something she used to love to do. Would you have time to collect some branches for her?”
“Of course, I’ll go get them now,” Sorrell said.
“Good, she’ll be glad to hear it,” Willow said and hurried off.
“I’ll take you,” John said, walking toward her.
“It’s not necessary. Finish your chores.”
“You’re not going into the woods alone,” he said unable to stop the command in his voice.
“I don’t recall you having the authority to tell me what I can and cannot do,” she said.
“You’re right, I don’t, but since you have a propensity for getting yourself into difficult situations, I think it’s best if I go with you.”
“What trouble can I get into gathering branches?”
He grinned and shook his head. “I don’t know, but with you anything is possible.”
“John, we’ve got a problem.”
John and Sorrell turned to see Melvin walking their way.
“What problem?” John asked.
“The fence broke while I was fixing it and one of the cows got out.”
John scratched his head. “The fence broke while you were fixing it?”
“Fell right apart,” Melvin said, nodding to confirm it twice. “And that cow just ambled on off.”
“And you didn’t go after her?” Sorrell asked.
“I came and got John, since he’s the one who I take orders from, just like you told me,” Melvin said with a smirk.
John’s hand closed around Sorrell’s arm when she went to rush past him, and Melvin wisely took a couple of steps back.
“Show me where the cow ambled off to,” he said to Melvin, then stepped in front of Sorrell. “Wait for me here and I’ll go with you into the woods.” He turned a stern eye on her. “Don’t dare go without me.”
He released her and followed Melvin, calling back, “Heed my words, Sorrell.”
Heed his words? Who did he think he was talking to her as if she should obey him? He wasn’t her husband and even if he was she wouldn’t be obeying him. She wasn’t good at taking orders from anyone. Her father had grown frustrated with her through the years when she had continued to do as she pleased. She had known at times she should have obeyed her da, yet she hadn’t, and she didn’t know why. It was as if she had to find things out for herself, see things for herself, learn for herself.
John wanted to see her kept safe, she understood that, but she had gone into the woods by herself countless times without incident. She wasn’t about to wait for an escort now. It was only a few branches she was going to collect. She would probably be back before he returned.
She took off for the woods, eager to see the chore done.
Chapter 7
“What’s the rush?” Melvin complained.
John was ready to strangle Melvin. He now understood why Sorrell called him a lazy arse. The man barely moved. He’d walk, stop, scratch his straggly beard, then take a few more steps. And John knew why the fence fell apart. Melvin hadn’t paid heed to his instructions and had caused the collapse of a whole side of fencing.
With the cow returned to the pen, if he left Melvin alone to complete the chore, the cow would probably escape once again. He couldn’t have that, and yet, he was worried about Sorrell. He had no doubt that she would pay no attention to what he had told her, and why should she? He had no say over her, from what he saw, no one did. However, his concern had grown when he had seen that figure following her the other day. He hadn’t seen anyone following her since, but that didn’t mean the person who shadowed her wasn’t still around.
She was vulnerable in the woods alone and he didn’t like that thought.
“Hurry and finish this with me and you’re done for the day,” John said.
“No more chores after this?” Melvin asked skeptical, but hopeful.
“Not if you don’t hurry and get this done with me,” John confirmed and was actually surprised at how fast Melvin could move.
He’d get it finished quickly and be off to find Sorrell, since there was not a chance in hell she hadn’t gone into the woods.
Sorrell had a good pile of slim branches and twigs collected. It hadn’t taken long even with the few times she had stopped to enjoy the peacefulness and the rich autumn scent of the forest. The trees that dropped their leaves were nearly bare, providing a winter blanket for the ground. The squirrels were still busy rushing about collecting and storing food, which was a sure sign that it would be a cold winter.
She was glad she had worn her wool cloak, the autumn air growing colder by the day, another sure sign of winter’s early arrival. She rubbed her arms to chase away the chill and was about to gather what she had collected and be on her way, keeping with her plan to return before John found her gone. Melvin would have kept him busy with his slow gait and manner, giving her plenty of time to get done. She stopped just before leaning over to snatch up the pile of branches when she spied a slim branch that had broken off and lay dangling off a larger one. Snow would love it, since it would make a beautiful wreath.