But the stiffening of Nialls posture said hed noticed all right. And taken offense. So, why was she coming down to the great hall alone?
Because I am no child and did not feel like waiting to descend the stairs until someone came along to hold my hand, Abigail said with asperity. Honestly, how could they all not see what a ludicrous directive it was that she needed a babysitter to descend the stairs?
Una and I were on our way to see if our lady had woken when we arrived to find her coming down with you, Guaire said. The look he gave Niall was filled with resigned longing.
From the way the big warrior crossed his arms and frowned, Abigail surmised he was entirely blind to the other mans feelings. Which was probably for the best. If Niall did not return Guaires regard, he would most likely only hurt the seneschals feelings were he to discover them.
Those with afflictions such as blindness and deafness were not the only ones the Church taught their followers to revile as tainted.
Still, she wished there was something she could do to help.
Was the water in the pitcher still warm when you woke? Una asked, interrupting Abigails thoughts.
Yes, it was fine. Very welcome, in fact.
I am glad.
It was your idea, Abigail said as the thought came to her and then wished shed kept her mouth shut.
But Una did not look offended. Aye, the laird would have happily left you smelling of him to let all in the keep know who you belong to.
As if there could be any question.
They shared a moment of female understanding, until Abigail realized Niall and Guaire were still arguing over her being left to come down the stairs alone. Normally, she would have paid attention to their conversation, but shed been so shocked by Unas consideration, she had forgotten to watch the mens lips.
Will you two please stop apportioning blame? If you must assign responsibility, then place it where it belongs. With me. I am no child to hide behind anothers plaid. I walked down the stairs alone. There you have it, my heinous confession. And you may as well get used to it, because Im not going to wait around for someone to escort me when I want to go somewhere.
You would defy your laird? Niall demanded.
Of course she would. I spent only a few hours with her yesterday and already I know our lady well enough to recognize a stubborn nature that rivals that of our laird. You spent days traveling in her company, how could
you not notice the same thing?
I noticed that our lady respects our laird too much to dismiss his instructions out of hand, Niall gritted out.
Abigail, who had had quite enough of being discussed in the third person, glared at them both. Of course I respect my husband, but I am his lady, not his slave or his child. And this was far too dangerous a subject to continue pursuing, because when pushed, she would have to admit that refusing to obey her husband wasnt really all that acceptable. I had hoped to get something to break my fast. Would that be possible?
Niall nodded. Guaire will see to it.
I am the housekeeper now? I may not be an oversized Chrechte, but Im no woman. In case you had forgotten, I am seneschal here, not handmaiden.
Niall looked like he wanted to explode, but he clamped his jaw and turned on his heel instead, leaving without another word. Guaires green gaze filled with pain as the other soldier stomped away.
The older soldier surged to his feet. I suppose you are happy, sewing discord already, he said to Abigail before making his own less-than-happy exit.
That one has a temper, Una observed.
Abigail asked, The older warrior?
Oh, Osgard can be unpleasant right enough. My dam says hes never been the same since losing both his wife and son to the English attack. Una sighed and shook her head.
But I was speaking of Niall. He always holds back with you, Guaire. You are lucky he sees you as such a friend.
What do you mean? Abigail asked, thinking Una had to be exaggerating Nialls angry nature. Her new friend was sweet.
If any other soldier had said something like that to Niall, he would have been knocked flat and had a knife drawn on him for good measure.
Never say so.
Guaire sighed. Its true, but he did not hold back with me because we are great friends. He looked terribly dejected in that moment. Far from it, in fact.
Why then? Abigail asked out of curiosity.
He thinks I am too weak to bother with.
Nonsense. You may not be as big as some of our Chrechte warriors, but you are no weakling, Guaire. You might use your brain to serve our laird, but you have never neglected your soldiers training. I would trust my life with you . . . Una gave the redheaded man a wink. That is, if I wasnt laying some heads open with my own bread board.
Abigail smiled as the other two laughed, though Guaires humor seemed forced.
That morning heralded a new direction for her interaction with the English-hating widow. Una shared with Abigail that her laird had forgiven her initial insult to his lady, after dressing her down but good. However, he had stressed his expectation that she help Abigail find her place in the clan. Una had not acted in the least surprised by this.