fiery battle, you are my laird, and I respect both your decisions and your commitment to your clan.
The words were a major concession from the old warrior, and Talorc treated them with the respect they deserved, pounding his right fist over his heart with a nod.
Though it was late afternoon when they arrived at the Sinclair holding, Abigail declined Guaires suggestion she take a nap before the evening meal. I would rather get acquainted with the motte and lower bailey if you dont mind escorting me.
I would be delighted.
Abigail smiled. You are very kind. You do know Im English, dont you?
You used to be English. Now you are married to our laird. That makes you a Sinclair.
That is similar to something Talorc said on the journey here.
Guaire nodded. Tis truth were speaking.
I hope the other clanspeople are of the same mind. Though she took leave to doubt it.
However, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that most of the Sinclairs were actually quite amicable when Guaire introduced her. Shed met a group of women who spun the wool harvested from the sheep the clan tended. They dyed and made it into the Sinclair plaid as well as other plaids of similar colors for trade with clans at the twice-yearly gatherings.
The only building larger than the spinning cottage in the lower bailey was the smithy. Abigail was delighted to learn that Magnus, the blacksmith, was married to a woman originally from the clan Abigails sister had married into. She was even happier when Magnus called his wife from their cottage behind the smithy to meet the new lairds wife.
A lovely woman, with a sweet smile, Susannah welcomed Abigail to the clan. Im sure youll find many friends among our clan just as I did when I came.
Thank you.
They got to talking about their family members on Balmoral Island and Abigail said, I brought gifts for Emily, but I do not know when I will be able to take them to her. Are there messengers that go between the two clans very often?
No more often than necessary, Magnus replied laconically.
The lairds have approved our visit to the island after the next full moon so I can visit my family, Susannah said with a smile. My mother is eager to see our children.
Abigail smiled. Thats wonderful.
Your family is now the Sinclair clan, her husband admonished with exaggerated patience.
And Im not going to pretend my mother, my brother and his wife no longer exist just because Ive married one of the reclusive Sinclair clan.
We are recluses? The Balmoral live on an island with no other clans.
And its not an island you mind visiting. You like the hunting there.
Magnus didnt reply, but Abigail wasnt disturbed by the couples banter. She was more adept than most at reading the language of the body, and it was clear the blacksmith and his wife held no real animosity over their discussion.
Susannah rolled her eyes and spoke to Abigail. My point, before my husband interrupted with an old argument, was that we could take your gifts and deliver them to your sister if you like.
That would not be too great a burden? Abigail asked, truly moved at the offer and blinking back moisture. I should love to let my sister know I am well and living in the Highlands now. She could not trust Sybil to send word of Abigails new circumstances to Emily.
I will pass on any messages you like, Susannah generously offered.
Thank you so much. If you do not mind, I will include a letter with her gifts.
You can write? the blacksmith asked curiously.
Yes. Emily taught me.
She is independent, that one. Our laird can read as well, Magnus announced proudly. As can our Guaire. Tis why he was chosen seneschal.
That and the fact he is the only clan member who can read that does not shake the pleats from his plaid when the elite warriors gather together in one place. Susannah smiled with approval at Guaire.
He shrugged, but his expression said the clanswoman had a point.
Your parents must be proud of you for being chosen for such an important role in the clan, Abigail observed as she and Guaire walked away from the smithy.
No doubt they would have been pleased, but my father died during the war with the English barons forces.
And your mother?
She caught a fever the next year and never recovered.
Im sorry.
Thank you. Sadly, the fever was not one we had experienced before the battle with the English. Our healers did not know what to do.
Often there is nothing you can do, Abigail replied, remembering her own fever that left her life without sound.
Abigails further
meetings with the men and women of the Sinclair clan continued to go surprisingly well. That was until they returned up to the motte and reached a small cottage located behind the kitchens. Guaire introduced Abigail to Una, the housekeeper and head cook for the residences of the tower.
The widow, who was only a few years older than Abigail and quite beautiful with her dark red hair and doe-like eyes, gave her new lady a once-over that left no doubt she found her lairds new wife lacking. Youre his forced English bride, then?