Curious, she searched the rest of the drawers. No Gillette razors, no aerosol cans, no toothbrush, no—great, not one thing modernly familiar. She went back to the drawer that had a hairbrush and comb. Then she looked through another, hoping to find something to secure her hair, like an alligator clip or a ponytail holder. Instead, she settled for a thin strip of leather she took from a pile in one of the drawers. Then she grabbed the plaid from the chair in the alcove.

When she stepped back into the chamber, Gavin’s look stopped her. “Have I done something wrong?” she asked.

“Nay,” he said quickly. “I only wish…” He paused and smiled. “I only wish Greylen were here to see you. He’d be pleased you wear his plaid, and you look fetching in Isabelle’s dress.”

“A romantic as well as a torturer,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “How refreshing.”

Gavin grinned, seeming to like her again. He ushered her out of the chamber and down the stairs. They entered the great hall where Lady Madelyn and Isabelle were sitting before the fire.

“Gwendolyn, are you feeling better?” Isabelle asked. Lady Madelyn remained quiet, though looked to her with concern.

“I am, thank you,” she answered. “Gavin’s going to show me the holding today. It seems I’ll be staying awhile.”

“May I come, Gavin?”

“Not today, Isabelle.”

Gavin’s tone was so tender that Gwen gave him a look of disgust. “Excuse me, how come you never speak to me like that? I only get ordered and bossed around.” They all laughed at her remark, but Gwen’s observation was dead-on. Gavin was soft for Isabelle.

“Come, lady, we ride.” He offered his hand.

“Ride what?” Gwen asked, pulling her hand back.

“Horses, lady. What else?”

“I don’t ride horses,” Gwen said.

“No matter. You’ll ride with me.”

“I’ve never been on a horse in my life. And I’m not getting on any of the ones I saw earlier. They’re enormous.”

“You’ve ridden on a horse before, you just can’t remember.”

“How would you know?”

“I was there, my lady. Greylen carried you upon one from the shore, and his beast is larger than those in the courtyard.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me,” Gwen muttered to herself.

Anna entered the room carrying a leather bag. “’Tis filled,” she said, handing it to Gavin. “Make sure she eats well.” Anna ended her instructions, frowning as if not pleased with Gwen’s current weight.

Gavin retrieved the bag and took her arm. As he opened the door, Gwen closed her eyes. Then she took a deep breath.

“’Twill be all right,” Gavin assured. He continued to hold her arm as they walked through the courtyard. She shook the entire time.

“Everyone’s staring at me,” Gwen whispered, moving closer.