Highland Courage(45)

“Admittedly, my wife is not terribly skilled in the kitchen herself, but our Caitlin does try her hand at cooking some. Still, most of her time is spent learning how to weave.”

“Oh, well, with someone as skilled as your wife to teach her, I’m sure she will be a fine weaver someday, too.”

Oren’s brow furrowed at her comment. Mairead had clearly struck a nerve but she feigned innocence. “Is something wrong?”

“Nay, my lady. It’s just that Caitlin—that is, her mother—well, Caitlin doesn’t seem to be able to quite get the knack of working the loom, and she doesn’t spin very well either. Shea thinks she doesn’t try hard enough.”

“I’m sure a mother knows if her daughter is putting in the required effort.”

“Nay, Caitlin is a sweet, hardworking lass.” Oren sounded slightly indignant. “I think she tries her best, but perhaps it is like making crust for tarts? Some people have the knack and others don’t, and it is hard to enjoy doing something when ye find it so frustrating.”

“That is true. I suppose she has no other skill?”

“What gave ye such an idea? Didn’t I just say Caitlin tries to cook?”

“Now a good cook, such as Ide, is like a rare jewel, but ye said your wife doesn’t cook much. Caitlin couldn’t really be expected to be very skilled in the kitchen with no one to teach her. It’s a shame, really. She might have a knack for cooking.”

“Aye, it is a shame.” Oren rubbed his chin and seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. “Her mother wants her to learn to weave, but ye are right about a good cook being indispensable.”

“But I don’t suppose Ide has time to teach her.”

“Of course Ide would teach her if I asked her to. Ide knows what a good lass Caitlin is, and she would be lucky to have her.”

“Well, it seems to me ye have found the solution yourself.”

“Nay, I don’t think Shea would like the idea.”

“Oh, I see. Well, I certainly wouldn’t try to force my will on a man, but I suppose ye know what’s best in your own home.” Mairead smiled sweetly.

“That I do, and I think it would be best for Caitlin to learn cooking skills from Ide,” he said with firm resolve. “Excuse me, my lady, I am going to discuss this with Ide now.”

“I think ye might have a very good idea there.” Mairead had to escape the great hall before she exploded with laughter.





Twelve





Flush with her victory, Mairead smiled as she wrapped her plaid around her head and made her way to the village to discuss the possibility of Meriel learning to weave from Pol’s wife, Mae. As she walked she took stock of “the rest of her life,” which began a little over a month ago. The first few days had been a challenge but so much had changed since then. She believed the clan was finally beginning to accept her. Now Christmas was just over a week away, and the preparations were well started. She was pleased with what she had accomplished. When she arrived at the cottage where Pol’s family lived, Mae welcomed her warmly.

“My lady, please come in and sit by the fire. It is a bitter cold day.”

“Aye, it is, the air smells like snow. I hope I am not interrupting ye. If I am, I would be happy to come back another time.”

“Ye are always welcome here. I love to have an excuse for a wee break in the afternoon.”

“Well, I don’t want to take up too much of your time but I have a question for ye. Would ye consider training Meriel as a weaver?”

Mae couldn’t have looked more shocked if she had been asked to teach the sheep to weave their own wool. “Meriel? David’s daughter, Meriel? Are ye sure?”

Mairead went on undaunted, “I understand her mother was a weaver and ye were friends?”

“Aye, my lady, we were good friends. I still miss her.”

“Meriel remembers being fascinated watching her mother work. She would like to learn.”

“Aye, her mother was an excellent weaver. But, my lady, ye know full well the laird sent Meriel to work in the kitchens.”

“She hates it there.”

“She brought it on herself.”

“I know, but she made a mistake, and she is sorry for it. I’ve discussed this with the laird and he will allow her to work with ye if ye are willing.” Mae looked unconvinced, and Mairead continued to present her case. “Sometimes young women do stupid things. I know I have made my share of mistakes.”

“Oh, I can tell ye were quite the trouble maker,” Mae teased.

Mairead laughed. “None of us is perfect, but some of us have been blessed with loving women to teach us.”