“I heard that, True.”
“I certainly hope so, Malcolm.” The notion that he had no idea what it meant tickled her.
She worked up a good head of steam on the way to the ladies’ solar. Malcolm was so overbearing and controlling it drove her crazy. The way he manhandled her and kissed her senseless made her even angrier. He didn’t fight fair.
“Good morning, Elaine, Lydia,” Alethia greeted them, and Hunter signed as they entered the solar. She took her customary place on the seat opposite Elaine. Hunter fetched the book she’d made for him and settled himself against her knees. She had illustrated animals and the signs that went with each. Elaine had given her the vellum, ink and quills. She also taught her how to trim the ends of the long goose feathers when needed.
Alethia tried to work on the gown she’d cut from the bolt of the muted plaid the weaver had given her. Agitated and distracted, she tossed it down and rose to pace around the room.
Lydia set her sewing aside. “What ails you, child?”
“Your son. No offense, Lydia, but his head is as thick as these castle walls.”
Elaine giggled, and some of the tension left Alethia’s shoulders. She shot her friend a quick grin.
“Aye, he gets that from his father.” Lydia sighed. “Pray, tell us. What has my thickheaded son done now?”
“Do you know about what happened with Hugh?” She settled on the edge of one of the window seats.
“My husband told me. It must have been terrible for you. Had we known what sort of character he possessed, we would have sent him on his way much sooner.”
“I asked Malcolm for a dagger or a bow and arrows. I know I’m safe here, but because of what happened, I don’t feel safe. Anywhere. Do you know what I mean?”
“Of course we do,” Elaine said. “My brother will get them for you.”
“No. That’s the problem. He won’t. He said I have no need to arm myself because I’m under his protection.” She shot up and paced again. “He can’t be with me twenty-four/seven. I need to feel safe when he’s not around.”
“Twenty-four and seven?” Lydia asked. Mother and daughter shared a puzzled look.
“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,” she clarified. “Can you see why I’m upset?”
“Is this what you have in mind?” Elaine raised the hem of her gown to reveal a sheathed dagger strapped to her calf.
“Yes!”
Lydia raised her gown to reveal a jewel-handled dagger. “’Twas a gift from my husband upon Malcolm’s birth.”
“Why won’t Malcolm let me have one?” She turned to Lydia. “He even implied my being armed would be a danger to everyone else. He was rude to the weaver’s oldest son, and he had the gall to…” She’d been about to say he’d kissed her breathless, but thought better of it. Lydia was his mother, after all.
“What else did he do?” Lydia asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Oh, he just ticked me off.” She sat down with a huff.
“Ticked you off? We dinna know what that means. Your speech is passing strange.” Elaine laughed.
“He vexed me.”
“I see no reason why you canna have a dirk and a bow if you wish. We’ll go to the village to see the smith and the cooper,” Elaine said. “Our cooper is a fair hand at making a good bow.”
“Malcolm has forbidden me to go beyond the curtain wall.” Both women looked stunned by her words.
Lydia’s brow furrowed. “Mayhap he fears some harm might befall you. My husband told me how you came to us. They don’t know whether it was your father’s enemies or his allies who sent you away. Though he might go about it the wrong way, I’m sure Malcolm only wishes to keep you safe.”
“Wouldn’t I be safer if I had a weapon or two?”
“Of course. We often visit the village. ’Tis nothing out of the ordinary and only natural we should bring you with us.” Lydia nodded firmly. “Leave Malcolm to me.”
“Where is Lady Rosemary?” Alethia noticed her absence for the first time.
“She and my Uncle Robert left for home this morn. They’ve much to do before their journey to London.”
“Oh. They don’t live here?”
“This is only one of several MacKintosh holdings,” Lydia replied.
“Oh. I had no idea.” Alethia tucked her sewing back into her basket and retrieved the plants she’d dropped on the floor. “I really need to find Beth. I have the medicine to make for the weaver’s son.”
“Go. Hunter can stay here with us.” Elaine smiled fondly at him and rubbed the stubble on his head.