“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it. Excuse me now, I’m going to the trees,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster.

When she returned, Gavin had laid a blanket on the ground. The items Anna packed were spread out on top. “I’m starved,” she confessed. “You annoyed me so much at breakfast, I forgot to eat.” She sat across from him and they ate from an assortment of cheese, fruit, and dark bread. The cup she drank from was made of baked clay, glazed, and etched with an intricate pattern. She took a large swallow, choking as it went down. Gavin laughed and pounded her back.

“What is this? Beer?”

“’Tis ale. I’d not thought to warn you.”

Gavin offered to fetch water, and she was just about to say yes when she thought better of it. She chugged the rest of her ale instead, and his too.

As they rode back, Gavin pointed to various areas explaining the purpose of each. There were pastures for sheep, cattle, and horses. All separate and each had men watching over them.

When they reached the stables again, Gwen followed him inside. They were glorious. They really did value their beasts. There were stalls on both sides and clean hay piled high in the back. The floors were immaculate, and the wooden gates weren’t rough but sanded to a smooth finish. After Gavin finished tending to his horse, he began leading her back to the castle.

“Is that a chapel?” Gwen asked, pointing to the building across from them.

“Aye, would you like to go inside?”

“Do you think anyone’s there?”

“Nay, Father Michael came back early this morn. I’m sure he’s asleep.”

At her nod, Gavin led her to the door and walked in first. A moment later, he came back. “’Tis vacant. I’ll wait for you outside,” he offered before closing the door behind her.

Gwen stood in the doorway, looking at the most charming chapel she’d ever seen. To her left was a table with candles. And in front of her was a floral runner that led to the pulpit. The altar stood one step off the rest of the floor and was covered with large pots filled with plants and flowers. Beautiful polished pews were on either side of the room, and she counted each of the ten rows. Its smallness only added to its appeal.

Gwen had always hated churches, but not because she didn’t believe. It was the families that made her uncomfortable. They seemed so together, whether in pain or joy, and she envied them. Secretly, she hoped one day she’d find happiness. To join a church with a family of her own and share that togetherness she always yearned for.