It could be. Barr was a cautious man and would not accuse without some indication of guilt.
Not even youths known for their pranks.
Despite being unsure what her husband was feeling toward her, Abigail found the evening meal surprisingly pleasant. It was more relaxing than any meal she had eaten in the presence of others since coming downstairs for the first time after her fever when she was ten. She did not have to worry about revealing her secret anymore.
The release of pressure was most amazing. No one got impatient with her when she missed something they said. Everyone acted like her ability to understand them was some great talent, that she was something special.
Not someone cursed.
Did you hide your deafness among your English family? Earc, ever the curious one, asked.
Of course. Only my mother, stepfather and eventually my younger sister Jolenta knew.
Why of course?
At best my affliction was considered a great misfortune.
And at worst? Earc prompted.
Many priests teach that to be so infirm indicates possession by a demon.
Are English priests so gullible, then? Fionn asked. Or are you expecting us to be by believing you?
I assure you, it is the truth. She only wished it was not. The abbess says they cry demon when they cannot explain why a fever leaves one person deaf or blind but another untouched by any such difficulty.
Your abbess sounds like a wise woman, Guaire said.
I never met her. We only corresponded through letters, but I counted her friend. She was the only person besides my sister Emily who found value in me after discovering my affliction.
Talorc took hold of her face and turned her head so their eyes met. Stop calling your deafness an affliction.
The rest of the room ceased to exist for her. It is
An infirmity, though not much of one in your case. You have learned to compensate for it in amazing ways.
I have no choice. I did not want to live the rest of my days in a nunnerys locked cell. She shivered at the thought that still plagued her dreams some nights.
You had a choice, but you did not give up. He shook his head, looking puzzled, but she did not know what by. The only true misfortune is the idiocy your parents showed upon learning of your changed circumstances.
Emily protected me from my mothers wrath. As much as she had been able to anyway.
There should have been no wrath. You did not make yourself deaf.
She always blamed me. I was supposed to make a good match and forward her social ambition.
Marriage to a laird should please any mother.
Sybil was just glad to get rid of me, but my younger sister Jolenta was jealous.
It matters not. You are now mine to protect.
Abigail stared at him, not sure how to take that. Just yesterday, he had said there was no place for her in the clan. Now he acted as if he had no intention of banishing her. She wanted to know his plans but was not about to ask about them in front of his soldiers.
Someone must have said something because Talorc frowned and looked over his shoulder. He spoke, his face averted so she could not read his lips. Osgard got up and stormed from the great hall.
He does that a lot, she said quietly.
Talorc returned his attention to her. What?
Osgard is of an age to be revered, but he acts the child, storming off. She bit her lip, hoping she had not gone too far in criticizing the old man.
He paid a great price when my fathers second wife betrayed our clan to her English lover.
She gently pulled her face from his hold and turned to Guaire, refusing to hear again how she was held responsible for the heinous actions of a dead woman. When is the next trade gathering? she asked the seneschal in what she hoped was not an obvious bid to change the subject.
In the early fall.
Will we attend?
The Sinclair always sends a delegation.
He does not go? Abigail asked, disappointed. I would have liked to go.
Guaire looked past her to Talorc and then had to bite back a smile. I believe your husband would like your attention.
She turned to Talorc, determined not to answer if he made another comment about the infamous Tamara or the betrayal of the
English. From the fierceness of the frown on his face, that was exactly what he was thinking about.
She stifled a sigh. Yes?
Would you like to attend the gathering? he asked, each word bitten off.
Shock had her eyes widening, but she was no fool, no matter what Sybil said. Very much so.
Then we will attend.
Will I see Emily there? Excitement coursed through her.
Talorcs countenance, which had just begun to lighten, went dark again. I do not know.
She is my sister and I love her.
I know how much.
Please, Talorc . . . She pleaded to him with her eyes not to get into her sins in front of his soldiers.
I will make sure the Balmoral is made aware of our intention to attend.
Pleased at her husbands kindness, tears of frustration still clogged her throat as she forced out a simple Thank you.
No need to thank me. It is my duty to provide for your happiness.
Rather than feeling defeat at his reasoning behind his kindness, Abigail was glad. Few husbands would see it so. You are a good man, Talorc.