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the warrior would care about appearance, he was quite handsome, and a scar from stitches wouldn’t be as terrible as a burn scar.
    Once she was assured that nothing more could be done for the wounded man, Gabrielle finally consented to trust his care to the two priests.
    The sun was setting when Gabrielle finally left Liam’s side.

    G ABRIELLE’S ARRIVAL AT THE FRONT GATES OF ARBANEAbbey was met with great jubilation.
    The abbot had given orders to summon him the minute she appeared, and he now hurriedly rushed forward, tying his cincture around his rotund stomach and breathlessly calling out for food and drink.
    With a grand bow, he stammered, “Such an honor. It is such an honor to offer you our humble hospitality, milady. Yes, we’re truly, truly honored.”
    He clasped her hand and squeezed. He didn’t let go until she forcefully pulled her hand back.
    She introduced her guards to the abbot and said, “We thank you for opening your rooms to us, and I thank you for allowing my wedding to take place here.”
    “We are thrilled to have the honor. Everyone has been making preparations for the holy sacrament for some time, and now, to think it’s only a week away. This union will surely secure a peaceful and lasting bond between our two noble countries.” Snapping his fingers, he motioned for a servant to hurry and make preparations. “You must be hungry and thirsty. Come inside. We have refreshments for you and your soldiers. I understand they do not leave your side when you are away from home. Is that not true?”
    “It is true, but I am happy for their company.”
    A pretty young woman rushed forward and thrust a bouquet of flowers in Gabrielle’s face. Gabrielle took them and thanked her, smiling when the woman made a quick and awkward curtsy.
    “These are lovely,” she called out as the woman scurried away.
    “Was your journey pleasant?” the abbot asked.
    Gabrielle didn’t laugh, but she wanted to, wondering what he would think if she blurted the truth about their journey. They had been inside the abbey for hours now, but the abbot couldn’t know that. Gabrielle and her guards had gotten back on their horses and had circled through the forest so they could approach Arbane Abbey by its front gate. Their trip had taken a few minutes at the most, but since they were keeping silent about Liam MacHugh, she could only say, “It was most pleasant, but I would like to change my gown before I have refreshments.”
    The cloak hid the stains from Liam’s blood. Since the weather was still warm, the abbot must have thought she was ill to be wearing such a heavy garment.
    “Yes, of course. Brother Anselm waits inside to show you the way to your rooms. I pray they meet with your satisfaction.”

    “I’m certain I will be most comfortable.”
    “We began to worry when the time passed and you hadn’t arrived. We expected you hours ago.”
    “I’m sorry to have caused you concern. Your countryside is so lovely I lost track of the time.” The abbot seemed satisfied with her answer. He took her arm and started walking.
    “Guests have been arriving and setting up their camps outside of our monastery for days. Most are from England as one would expect, but some came from as far away as France and Spain, all bearing gifts to mark this auspicious occasion. The contingent from your family’s homeland of St. Biel brought the most wonderful gift of all, I believe. It is a lovely sculpture of your patron saint. They have asked us to hold it in our chapel’s sacristy for safekeeping until the wedding, and I’m sure Laird Monroe will want to set it in a sacred place of honor in his own chapel. You’ll see some of the other offerings at the banquet…” Gabrielle smiled and nodded as the abbot continued to chatter on about the gifts and the visitors and the feasts. It was apparent the abbey had never seen such a celebration, and she was happy to indulge his enthusiasm.
    They’d just entered the commons when the