Willow hugged Snow tightly. “It’s time to plan your wedding.”
Tarass had traveled all night to get home, not that he was looking forward to returning home. And then again he was. He shook his head at his mixed thoughts and sank back in the chair before the fire in his solar.
He had found himself restless when at home, an unusual occurrence and the reason he had left a few days after Snow had gone to her sister. He told himself it had nothing to do with Snow, and yet there was an ache in him when he thought about her, which was endless and refused to go away. It had been the driving force that had returned him home. He wanted to see her, needed to see her so that he could put this nonsense to rest, clear her out of his mind once and for all.
A knock sounded at the door and it opened before he could tell the person to go away. He wanted to be alone.
Rannock entered and came to stand in front of him. “Nettle has a request that cannot wait.”
“If I say it can wait, it will wait,” Tarass snapped, tired and irritable.
“Not this request?” Rannock persisted.
Tarass’s scowl deepened as he unfurled out of his slouch, his shoulders going back, his chest out, his chin up as he sat straight and in a commanding manner. “Tell me what is so important that it cannot wait.”
Rannock waved toward the door and Nettle suddenly appeared in front of Tarass.
Nettle bobbed her head respectfully. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lord, but I haven’t much time. Snow asked if you would release me to serve her in her new home.”
“What new home?” Tarass demanded a sense of urgency rushing over him.
Nettle smiled. “The new home she leaves for today with the man she weds at noon.”
Chapter 14
“It’s Slatter.”
Snow smiled as her brother-in-law took her arm. “You needn’t escort me. I can maneuver the Great Hall well now.”
“I know. It is but an excuse for me to have a few moments alone with you.” He kept his voice low as they walked slowly through the hall. “This decision is yours, Snow, but I wanted to make it clear that if at the last minute you change your mind, I will gladly see Lord Polwarth escorted out of the keep and sent on his way.”
“Do you not like him?” Snow asked anxiously. “And, please, your honest opinion, Slatter.”
“My honest opinion would be, I don’t know. He seems a pleasant man and while I know him only by name, I’ve heard no bad words said about him.”
“Still, you seem hesitant.”
“One truly never knows someone until they’ve spent time with them. A pleasant manner could hide a devious man. So, if you are unsure, speak up and reject this marriage. Then you will come live with Willow and me and our many future bairns and be well-loved.”
“You are a good man, Slatter,” Snow said.
“Shhh, you’ll ruin my reputation,” he warned with a laugh.
Snow laughed along with him, though her heart felt heavy, so heavy she feared it would break in two. She had not slept all night, her thoughts on this day, this marriage. Was it the right thing to do? Had she rushed foolishly into it and would she regret it? Should she change her mind?
Lord Polwarth had been nothing but kind to her even letting her know that he would not hold her to her word if she should decide differently, since this was a sudden decision for her. He had visited throughout the week, had sat and talked with her, held her hand or took her arm and had been more than kind and mannerly to her.
Thaw was pleasant to Lord Polwarth except when he placed a hand on her, then he growled and snapped. Lord Polwarth had assured Thaw that he meant her no harm and had assured Snow that the pup would grow accustomed to him.
“What do you whisper to my sister?” Willow asked when they reached her.
“A last minute escape,” Slatter said in a conspiratorial whisper.
“When? How?” Willow asked in hushed excitement. “I knew you’d come to your senses.”
“Slatter teases,” Snow said and could all but picture the disappoint on her sister’s face.
Willow went to punch her husband in the arm for getting her hopes up, but he grabbed it, wrapped her in a hug, and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“I told her if she changes her mind we are here for her,” Slatter whispered near her ear.
Willow hugged her husband. “Bless you.”
“I am sorry for the delay, Lord Polwarth. The cleric should be here soon,” James said as he and Polwarth entered the Great Hall, having finished in the solar.
“There is time enough,” Lord Polwarth said, then laughed, “though, with my fifty years, you never know. Snow, you stun the eye.” He took her hand as soon as he reached her side. “You are beautiful, my dear.” He kissed her hand to the annoyance of Thaw, who growled at him.