“Nay, True. You dinna need to speak of it. I ken what troubles you.” Mairen put her work in her lap and turned her attention to True. “Liam told me what occurred in the great hall at Rait.”
“I killed your brother.”
“You saved your husband’s life, Liam’s and mine.” Mairen took her hand in both of hers. “My father and brother were two of a kind. John and I were ne’er close. What they intended shames me deeply. Do you no’ ken I worry about how you must look upon me?”
“Oh, Mairen.” Relief poured through her. “No one holds you responsible for your father’s actions, or your brother’s. Please, let’s put this behind us.”
“Aye, let’s. We have much to look forward to. Laird William returns soon, and there is the birth of your bairn to anticipate. We are kin.”
“Does everyone on the island know I am with child?” She glanced from Elaine to Lydia.
“Of course, dear.” Lydia beamed.
A single tone sounded from the village horn. “Oh, brother. I’m really beginning to dislike that sound.” Alethia folded the tiny sleep-sack she was making and rose to leave.
“Now you ken why I remain here when I hear it.” Lydia smiled as she continued to work. “Word always reaches me soon enough.”
“Elaine, Mairen, will you join me?” she asked. “I might be needed.”
“I’ll stay with Lydia.” Mairen smiled.
Malcolm scanned the bailey for True. It seemed so long ago he’d insisted she stay inside the keep whenever the village horn sounded. She never had, of course, and he’d grown accustomed to having her by his side at the ferry landing. The shift in his thinking made him smile. She’d proven herself indispensable to the welfare of their clan. Robley had been correct—his people loved her.
True and his sister emerged from the keep at the same time, their arms linked, as they oft were, and their heads bent close to share their most intimate secrets or something they found amusing. The day would come, and soon, that Elaine would be given in marriage. ’Twould be a difficult time for his wife. He stepped into their path. “True, Elaine.” He nodded to his sister. “Come, let us walk to the ferry together.”
Taking True’s hand, he tucked it into the crook of his elbow and studied her carefully. The worry she’d carried since they’d returned from Castle Rait had eased. She glowed with health, and he’d noticed a decline in the morning sickness. “How do you fare this morn, mo céile?”
“I’m great.” She smiled. “I spoke with Mairen about her brother earlier, Malcolm, and everything is good between us.”
Her voice faltered, and it became clear why her worry had eased. Bad dreams about taking the life of Mairen’s brother troubled her oft in the past se’nnight. He’d soothed and comforted her every time until she fell back to sleep. Though she never said, he’d suspected part of her worry centered around Mairen. The issue had been resolved, and he hoped the dreams would cease to plague her. Such dreams could not be good for their bairn.
“Who do you think has arrived?” True tugged at his sleeve.
“’Tis most likely news from my father’s party.” He squeezed her hand. “He will return home shortly.”
“Aye, True,” Elaine added. “My father always sends word when he’s been away for a time. He enjoys a bit of fanfare upon his return.” Elaine exchanged a grin with her brother.
“Just so long as it’s not another clan with an invitation to reconcile,” she muttered.
Chuckling, he reassured her with a brief hug. They reached the landing as the ferry pulled to the shore. Another man wearing the garb of the king’s messenger waited to disembark.
“I am Malcolm, son of William, the earl of Fife. Welcome,” Malcolm greeted their guest.
The messenger bowed slightly once his feet were firmly planted on the beach. “My lord, I am Brian of York, King Henry’s messenger. I bring you word from your father.” Brian took a scroll of parchment from his satchel and handed it to him. “He bid me tell you he arrives one day hence,” Brian said. “He plans to be here in time for the evening meal.”
“Och, he’ll expect a feast.” Elaine clapped her hands together. “Come, True. We’ll tell Mother and Molly. There will be music and dancing, of course.”
“Do you need me?” she asked Malcolm.
“Nay, lass. Go with Elaine. I’ll see our guest settled.” Watching his wife walk back toward the keep, Malcolm vowed to tell his father of his wedded state immediately upon his arrival. And then he’d have to explain Mairen’s presence—and the battle at Rait. “Does our king travel here with my father?”