Page 122 of Moon Craving

laird, and I respect both your decisions and your commitment to your clan."

The words were a major concession from the old warrior, and Talorc treated them

with the respect they deserved, pounding his right fist over his heart with a nod.

Though it was late afternoon when they arrived at the Sinclair holding, Abigail

declined Guaire's suggestion she take a nap before the evening meal. "I would rather get

acquainted with the motte and lower bailey if you don't mind escorting me."

"I would be delighted."

Abigail smiled. "You are very kind. You do know I'm English, don't you?"

"You used to be English. Now you are married to our laird. That makes you a

Sinclair."

"That is similar to something Talorc said on the journey here."

Guaire nodded. "'Tis truth we're speaking."

"I hope the other clanspeople are of the same mind." Though she took leave to

doubt it.

However, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that most of the Sinclairs were

actually quite amicable when Guaire introduced her. She'd met a group of women who

spun the wool harvested from the sheep the clan tended. They dyed and made it into the

Sinclair plaid as well as other plaids of similar colors for trade with clans at the

twice-yearly gatherings.

The only building larger than the spinning cottage in the lower bailey was the

smithy. Abigail was delighted to learn that Magnus, the blacksmith, was married to a

woman originally from the clan Abigail's sister had married into. She was even happier

when Magnus called his wife from their cottage behind the smithy to meet the new laird's

wife.

A lovely woman, with a sweet smile, Susannah welcomed Abigail to the clan. "I'm

sure you'll find many friends among our clan just as I did when I came."

"Thank you."

They got to talking about their family members on Balmoral Island and Abigail said,

"I brought gifts for Emily, but I do not know when I will be able to take them to her. Are

there messengers that go between the two clans very often?"