The Highlander Series(93)
She fairly danced with excitement over the idea of telling Ewan the news.
After washing out her mouth and getting dressed, Mairin headed below stairs where she was met by Gannon. She raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw him because since her poisoning, Ewan had made it a point to have either himself or one of his brothers guarding her every moment of every day. It was a fact she was resigned to and had accepted with good grace.
“Good morning, my lady,” Gannon said cheerfully.
“Good morning, Gannon. Tell me, what have you done to anger your laird?”
Gannon blinked and eyed her with confusion. Then he laughed as he realized she was jesting with him over his duty.
“Nothing, my lady, ’tis the truth I volunteered for the chore of looking after you today. The laird and his brothers have gone out to greet the McDonalds.”
Her eyebrows rose again. Any talk of the McDonalds had been dispensed with after her poisoning. Why, she’d even forgotten the matter of an alliance herself. The McDonalds’ departure was not on pleasant terms, so the idea that they had returned made her very curious.
“Where are they?” she asked.
“Unloading the stores of food from the wagon,” Gannon said with a smile.
Mairin clasped her hands in delight. “So they made good on that ridiculous wager?”
Gannon rolled his eyes. “Of course. ’Tis a peace offering, too. The two clans must soothe over any bad feelings if we are to ally ourselves.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Surely this will carry us to the winter months.”
Gannon nodded. “And beyond, if the hunt continues to be successful.”
And if her dowry would come, the clan would have warm clothing for the winter. The children would have shoes. They would eat instead of worrying about where their next meal would come from.
This was very welcome news.
“Where might I find Ewan?” she asked Gannon.
“I’m to escort you to him when you rise.”
She frowned. “Well then, I’ve risen, so let’s go.”
He chuckled and guided her outside to where the McDonald wagons had been driven into the courtyard. Men were unloading the supplies and taking them to the larder.
Ewan was absorbed in conversation with McDonald, and Mairin frowned as she scanned the people littering the courtyard. Then her gaze fell on Rionna and she brightened.
She started to call out and wave when Ewan caught her eye and motioned her over.
He pulled her to his side when she approached. “Laird McDonald wished to give you his regards. They aren’t staying and have only arrived to deliver the supplies. Since we are in agreement over Alaric’s marriage to Rionna, we’ll meet later in the summer to celebrate the arrangement and announce their betrothal.”
Mairin smiled at the laird, who took her hand and bowed.
“I’m relieved that you are back in full health, my lady. I look forward to the time that our clans are united not only by alliance but by marriage bond.”
“As do I,” she said. “Safe journey to you and I look forward to seeing you when you return.”
When one of the men walked by with the gutted carcass of a stag, Mairin’s stomach revolted. Her cheeks puffed out as she sucked air through her nose to keep from vomiting there in front of Ewan and Laird McDonald. There’d already been far too much drama the last time the laird visited, and she had no desire to start another fracas by losing the contents of her stomach all over his boots.
She hastily made the excuse that she needed to see Gertie so she could supervise the storing of the provisions and bolted before Ewan could remark.
Once inside the keep, she took in long, steadying breaths and then made her way to the kitchens. It wasn’t a complete fabrication. She did want to know Gertie’s plans for the sudden surplus of food, and she also thought it would be a nice surprise to plan a special meal for the occasion.
Predictably, Gertie was grumbling over a large cauldron of stew when Mairin entered the kitchen. Gertie stopped periodically to taste, then she’d groan and add another vegetable.
Gertie looked up and frowned when she saw Mairin. “You’re looking peaked, lass. I saved you a bowl from the morning meal. Are you still feeling poorly every time you eat?”
Touched by her thoughtfulness, Mairin placed a hand on her stomach. “Aye, I’m afraid so. ’Tis the truth, not much seems appetizing to me these days.”
Gertie tsked and shook her head. “When are you going to tell the laird that you’re carrying his child?”
“Soon. I wanted to be sure.”
Gertie rolled her eyes. “Lass, no one retches as much as you have for as long as you have if they’re ill. By now they’d either die or get better.”