End of days

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"The cure for your jealousy is to spend time with Leah Rose," Hugh suggested. "Become as close a friend to her as Langston was. Displace him in her affections."

Rayford nodded, considering his words. "As for your authority in the castle, Leah Rose does have a right to question it."

Rayford shot an intense, inquiring look at Hugh.

business, so she will have to make these kinds of decisions in your absence. She has known Langston for some time, so she might have a better reading of his character than you do. The question is whether you trust her judgment or not." ""Tis not a matter of trusting Leah Rose's judgment regarding Langston's character. away on the king's

"She will be in command of the castle whenever

There is probable cause to suspect him of attempted murder. The harm he could cause far outweighs the cost of my being wrong about him." "You are the lord here," Belwick said. "Tis your decision to make. Just be sure you are making it for all the right reasons.

"Aye." Rayford nodded. "And next time you need to cool off, instead of decimating your troops, try jumping into the river instead." Rayford laughed, his mood lightening. "I have not done that since I was a boy. A excellent idea, Hugh. I could use a cold swim." "Take your six victims with you. They all deserve a break, after the way you trounced them." "Aye, I will do that." Rayford slapped Hugh lightly on the back before he headed toward the armory.

 Leah Rose wondered about Rayford's wet hair as he joined her at the lords' table for dinner He politely seated her and served some of the roast duck onto her trencher of bread The tension that gripped her made it impossible for her to eat. Rayford, in contrast, devoured his meal with a hearty appetite.

"Are you not hungry?" Rayford asked.

 Leah Rose shook her head and silently offered up a prayer. Dear Lord, help me to be humble and to love Rayford more than myself.

"We need to talk," Rayford said once dinner was finished. "Aye, milord."

"Shall we go to my solar?"

She looked at his sober face, aware he was offering her a choice, not commanding her. Perhaps he felt as keenly as she did the need to make things right between them. "Aye."

He offered her his hand and, when she placed her hand on top of his, led het upstairs. The open window allowed sunlight to fill the chamber and the spring bree lightly swept the room, leaving a fresh scent behind. Rayford ushered Leah Rose to a chair. "Would you care for some wine?" he asked.

"Nay. Thank you." Rayford stood several yards away, feet firmly planted wide apart, hands clasped behind his back. " Leah Rose, I am very sorry for the way I treated you yesterday. My instinctive response was that of a warrior. I set out to conquer you, with no regard for your feelings. Tis not an excuse, but an explanation for my behavior. I will try never to do that to you again."

"Thank you, Rayford," Leah Rose said in relief. She had dreaded this conversation. The fact he realized how much he had hurt her eased her fear. "Your apology means a lot to me.

"I must admit that 'tis very easy for you to make me angry and lose control." Rayford shook his head. "I have never had this problem with anyone else before."

 Leah Rose felt hope rekindle in her heart. His intense feelings toward her, albeit mostly anger, must mean that she was important to him.

Tis natural for married couples to have disagreements, I suppose," Rayford continued. "I do value and trust your opinions, even if I do not always agree with you. I will have to learn how to respond more appropriately when you express your views."

"I did not mean to question your authority, Rayford. I was merely concerned about the welfare of my friend." "I do not wish to discuss Langston again. My decision to keep him in prison is not

up for debate."

Although his words were calmly spoken, they were nonetheless final, and Leah Rose felt some of her hope fade. She had to accept that Rayford would not be swayed on this issue. If she continued to pursue it, she risked further damage to her relationship with her husband. She had Belwick's reassurance that Damien was being treated well in prison. There was nothing more she could do for him but pray. She must put her trust in the Lord and turn Damien over to Him.

"I see." Leah Rose took a slow breath. "Then I will abide by your decision."

Silence lengthened between them. Rayford cleared his throat. "I hope my brutish behavior has not entirely destroyed your faith in me. If you are able to forgive me enough to be able to trust me again, I swear that I will treat you with the respect you deserve."

Did not God require that she forgive those who sinned against her? Would He not forgive her as she forgave others?

She looked up into her husband's eyes. "Rayford, I do forgive you."

"Thank you, Leah Rose." The smile he offered her caused an answering smile to transform her own face. The

Lord had indeed answered her prayers and brought about this reconciliation. "Tis a lovely, warm spring day," Rayford said. "Mayhap you would like to take a ride with me? We cannot venture far from the castle, given the continued threat from

Cardel, but we can still have a pleasant ride." "I would like that, Rayford."

The end of March brought the celebrations of Holy Week. Leah Rose happily T days preparing for all the activities from which she had been excluded for so long. spent

On Palm Sunday, everyone gathered in the great hall before mass to pick up a freshly cut yew or willow branch. The people then followed Father Thomas as he carried the altar Cross and the consecrated Host in a procession through the inner bailey to the chapel. As they walked, the congregation sang hosannas, commemorating Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.