“I’m done resting for the day. I’ll be out shortly.”
“Now I know ye are well, pet, I need to get back. The lads went with Hogan’s men to watch the competition, but I left a maid watching Wynne and there’s no telling what that wee lass will get up to.”
They walked out of the tent together, and Mairead hugged her before Annag left, accompanied by her MacBain escort. Mairead said to Pol and Cael, “Elspet was going to prepare something for me to eat. Will ye join me?”
“My lady, are ye sure ye are well enough? The laird said we were to make sure ye rested,” said Cael.
Mairead gave her best imitation of Jock. “Cael, lad, I’m right as nails, and I’m famished.”
“Are ye?” said Pol with a suspicious smirk. “Then I suppose we need to find something for ye to eat.”
“But Pol—”
“Ye heard the lady, Cael, she’s ‘as right as nails.’” Pol offered her his arm, and they crossed the camp to the cooking fires. As they approached, Meriel and Gallia were animatedly discussing their day at the fair. Meriel looked appalled. “The things some lasses will do, ‘tis shocking.”
“What is shocking, Meriel?”
“Oh, my lady, I’m sorry, I didn’t see ye there.”
Gallia said, “My lady, we were walking through the stalls, and we saw a lad tupping a lass behind one of them. Practically right out in the open.”
“Gallia!” said her father.
“Was he hurting her?” asked Mairead in a worried tone.
“I’d say not, judging by the way she kept moaning his name, ‘Rafer, oh Rafer,’” said Meriel.
“We thought for a moment it was Eavan, she had the red hair like Eavan’s,” said Gallia, glancing contritely at her father before adding, “Mama was there, too.”
“But it wasn’t Eavan. A few minutes later the lass came from behind the stall, straightening her clothes as bold as brass,” said Meriel.
“That’s enough out of both of ye,” said Pol. “Lady Matheson doesn’t need to hear this.”
“No, I suppose not, but ye are right, Meriel, ‘tis shocking.” Mairead grinned conspiratorially, and both young women giggled in spite of Pol’s scowl.
~ * ~
The Matheson men who participated in the sword fighting tournament returned in the early evening, tired, bruised, and in some cases bloodied, but with no serious injuries.
“Who was the victor?” Mairead asked.
“It came down to the laird, Rowan, and Darcy Fraser,” Flan announced excitedly.
“Well, what happened?”
“The laird bested Darcy Fraser, but Rowan won over the laird!” Flan shouted with glee.
“Flan, lad, ye aren’t supposed to be happy when your laird loses,” said Tadhg.
“I’m sorry, Laird, but Rowan is my brother.”
“But I’m your brother by marriage and your laird. Where’s your loyalty?” Flan looked embarrassed. “Ah, don’t worry, lad, I’m not serious. Rowan is my brother by marriage too, and ye can be very proud of him. He is an excellent swordsman.”
Mairead gave Tadhg a quick kiss. “Congratulations. Well done. I think this calls for a celebration.” She gave him a saucy grin and teased, “After all, Rowan is my brother too.” The Mathesons laughed and joined in the ribbing.
Taking it with good humor, Tadhg said, “I wonder if Darcy is getting the same taste of humility I am. After all, his sister is to be Rowan’s bride.”
“I suspect so, if she recognizes her good fortune,” said Mairead.
Laughing, Tadhg pulled her close. “Aye, those of us lucky enough to marry MacKenzies are fortunate indeed.” To his clan’s delight, he kissed her soundly. “And how is my wee bride tonight? Ye look much less drawn than ye did this morning. Did ye rest?”
“Aye, I rested and I’m feeling better. However, the smell of ye is enough to make me light- headed again.”
“Lads, I think we have just been told to wash.” Laughing, Tadhg let go of her.
“We have something of a feast prepared so don’t be too long at the loch,” Mairead said.
When the men returned, freshly scrubbed, the celebration began, continuing late into the night. Well before the festivities were over, Mairead’s eyes began to droop.
Tadhg caressed her cheek. “Come, lass, I think ye may have overdone it a bit. Ye have been ill, and I should have taken ye to bed hours ago.” He lifted her and carried her to their tent.
“Ye don’t need to carry me, Tadhg.”
“Don’t argue with me, love, ye started the morning pale and retching.” He laid her gently on their pallet.