“Lady Gwendolyn, you are home. Let us take care of you now.” Anna hushed, pulling her into her arms.

When Gwen wiped her eyes, Anna finished dressing her wounds. She used a thick paste from a small clay pot and spread it with a flat wooden stick. Gwen picked up the pot and smelled the substance. It was the same she’d used last night for Greylen. “Anna, what kind of ointment is this?”

“’Tis a mixture of herbs we grow in the garden.”

“Really?” Gwen asked in surprise. “You don’t believe in doctors or pharmacies?” Anna looked puzzled again. Gwen felt uneasy.

Anna helped her into a crushed velvet dress lined with soft linen. “Whose are these?” Gwen asked after Anna placed slippers on her feet that fit perfectly.

“Isabelle’s,” Anna answered. “You’ll have your own in no time. Now, let’s get you downstairs so you can break your fast.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Whatever do you mean?” Anna asked, looking to the now empty table that once held the clothing she’d brought in.

“Underwear, Anna?” How could she not think of it? She’d thought of everything else.

“I was leery of the bloomers. They might bother the bruise over your hips.”

“Bloomers? What about my thong?”

Anna placed her hands on her hips. “If you mean that piece of string we found in your trews,” Anna chastised, “’twas destroyed. Greylen was none too gentle when he undressed you.”

“Humph,” Gwen squeaked, sorry at once that she’d missed it.

Gavin bowed to her as they stepped from the chamber. “Oh please, Gavin, enough already.”

He didn’t reply, which was good. Gwen was too busy looking around. She could see the openness of the foyer below and walked to the banister before peering over. A beautiful rug was in front of the stairway and the wide steps led up to a spacious landing adorned with a large window. From the landing, the banister curved to either side and more steps led up to a walkway perfectly symmetrical on both sides. Large double doors were set into the sidewalls, three on either side.

At the bottom of the stairway she passed two massive doors. And the archway to her right opened to a room like she’d never seen before.

The ceiling was at least thirty feet high, and gorgeous tapestries hung everywhere. A large fireplace with ample seating was in front of her. And to her right was a dining area with a long mahogany table and buffet. Candelabras had been placed at various points across each and there were small bowls with fresh flowers in between. To her left was another sitting area. Large sofas with ornate pillows and various-size tables were everywhere. And there was a piano that looked new, but antique at the same time.

But what struck her most was that despite the wealth the room represented, it held a quality of warmth. She envied this family for knowing such a luxury. Warmth, not wealth.

“Gwendolyn, please join us,” Lady Madelyn called from the table. She sat facing the openness of the room and Isabelle sat across from her. Gavin pulled out the chair next to Isabelle. “Lady,” he offered, motioning to the chair.