“Would ye mind if I joined ye? I would like to see the garden, too.”
Father Keenan flushed a little. “I suppose ye could join us. Certainly, I’d love to show ye my garden.”
“That is a splendid idea, and it would give us a chance to get to know one another a bit, as well,” said Father Mungo.
They chatted as they walked. Mairead immediately liked both priests but while Father Keenan seemed introverted and scholarly, Father Mungo was outgoing and affable. She was secretly glad he would be the one staying. Although most of the tender vegetation in the chapel garden had succumbed to the cold December weather, Father Keenan showed both of them where he dried and stored his harvest. They talked for quite a long time, longer than Mairead had intended.
“Pardon me, Fathers, the time has gotten away from me and the afternoon grows late. I must get back to the keep now, but please join us at the laird’s table tonight.” They agreed, and she hurried to the keep through the deepening afternoon gloom.
Elspet approached her as soon as she entered the hall. “My lady, the watch has spotted the laird’s party approaching.”
The day had been damp and cold with ever thickening clouds and snow flurries suggesting a storm was on the way. “Thank ye, Elspet. It has been a raw day to be traveling. Would ye make sure some mulled wine and a hot bath are sent up before the laird arrives?”
“Of course, my lady.”
The last servant was leaving their chamber when Tadhg entered. He grinned and pulled Mairead into his arms. “I didn’t think there could be a more welcome sight after a long day of travel than a warm drink and a hot bath, but my sweet little wife, ye are.”
“Well, husband, I will still be here after that bath grows cold, so I suggest ye take advantage of it first.” Mairead laughed as she unfastened his plaid and began undressing him.
He captured her lips in a kiss, but allowed her to remove his clothes while he kissed her. Finally she broke the kiss when she pulled his tunic over his head. Reluctantly he climbed into the bath but groaned as the warmth penetrated his cold limbs.
She began to bath him, kneading the muscles in his back, shoulders, and arms. He closed his eyes as he moaned with pleasure. Grinning at his response, she became bolder. Moving in front of him, she ran her soapy hands over his chest in a small circular pattern, allowing her hands to slip lower and lower over his belly to his groin. Before they reached their goal, he grabbed her hands. “I think ye need to join me in this bath.”
Bracing herself to keep him from pulling her in, she laughed. “Nay, there isn’t room and I am fully dressed!”
He chuckled and released her. “Then finish this damn bath without unmanning me.”
She finished bathing him quickly and had barely toweled him off before he had her clothes off and tossed her on the bed. They had only been apart for one night, but she had missed him terribly and now yearned for his touch. She needed his love and his strength. He buried himself in her, driving fast and hard, and she responded by meeting every thrust with abandon and pushing him for more. Together they reached the height of ecstasy, afterward they lay spent in each other’s arms.
He pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, breathing her scent in deeply. “I missed ye, my love.”
She smiled coyly. “I could tell.” At her cheeky remark he nipped her neck. With a squeal and a giggle, she added, “I missed ye, too.”
He lay back on the pillows, linking his hands together behind his head. “What has happened while I was gone? How did Oren take your suggestion about letting Caitlin work with Ide in the kitchens?”
“I didn’t actually make the suggestion.”
“Really?” He arched an eyebrow at her. “I had hoped it would work out. I can speak to him if ye wish.” He sounded a bit disappointed.
She grinned. “I didn’t have to make the suggestion. I just helped Oren think of it himself.”
“Ye are jesting. Shea has always looked down her nose at the idea of Caitlin working in the kitchens.”
“I suspect Oren knows his daughter has been unhappy and just needed the opportunity to act.”
“Well done, Mairead.” Mairead blushed at his praise.
“Is there any other news?”
She stretched and rose from the bed. “Aye, but I will tell ye as we dress. Supper will be served soon.”
He reached for her hand, pulling her back onto the bed. “I think we should forego supper in the great hall. I want to spend the evening alone with my charming, clever wife.”
“As much as I would like to stay here with ye, we can’t.”
“I’m the laird, we can if I say we can.”