Page 36 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

“Nobody knows,” Maggie said, still red-faced. “I am not ready to discuss it. I don’t even know how he feels about me.”

“Can I help? We can arrange a marriage for you.”

“No, no, please don’t.” Maggie blushed again. “I need a little time.”

Heather squeezed her hand. “You know we are here for you. Whatever you need.”

Maggie smiled at her with appreciation. “Aye, I know. It means a lot to me. But, let’s get this little bairn out of you first.” She stroked Heather’s stomach again. “Have you decided on names?”

“No, we are still thinking. It’s such an important decision that we want to take our time.”

Hiram finished with his serving duties and came and sat down by them. “Enjoying the sun ladies? Make the most of it. I can see storm clouds on the horizon.”

Maggie pulled a face. “Oh, away with you. Don’t say it. Stop with the storm clouds. We have had enough of the wet stuff.”

Heather nodded. “We were saying how much lighter the mood is now and you have gone and spoiled it Hiram.”

“Because Mother has gone? I agree. I never realized just how oppressive she was until she was not here. With Connor gone too, the castle feels more welcoming.”

Maggie shivered.

“What is it?” Hiram frowned.

“Someone’s just walked over my grave.”

“Even the mention of his name impacts people. Even now.” Heather felt a sense of sadness.

Maggie shuddered. “He was so cruel. He used to hit me when I was a wee child. Told me if I showed anyone the bruises, he would say I was making it up. Of course that’s crazy, but I knew that Mother believed every word he said.”

“You should have told me Maggie.” Hiram felt her pain. “I could have done something.”

“What? You were as much a victim as me. In a different way, maybe. But, you got blamed for everything else.”

“I’m sorry.” Hiram closed his eyes against the anger that rumbled within him. There was no point letting the emotion get the better of him. Connor was dead and buried, he couldn’t hurt them anymore, not really. But the past had a way of filtering back into the present. “We should have faced this years ago. Stood up to them all. Made Father aware of it.”

“I think we all have some healing to do. Talking about it takes away the power from him. It clears the air. I think we all must agree now that as a family unit, we stick together and that your mother understands that we are strong and resilient. Maybe when she comes back, she will change her ways,” Heather stated firmly. “We are aware of what happened with Connor and you both suffered more than me, but his actions have left physical and emotional scars. However, he is dead. If we talk about it, we heal.”

“Do you think Mother can change?” Maggie asked Hiram.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t say as I miss her either. I hope she is having fun with her sister. I just hope she stays, and we can have the baby without her influencing him or her,” Hiram said.

“Oh, especially if you had a boy,” Maggie commented. “You know she would want you to name the baby Connor. The question is who would she be thinking of? Her brother, or her son? I think that there might be more to the brother story myself. Don’t you?”

Hiram frowned. “I don’t know. I only remember a bit about her brother. He died when young I think. But I spent much of my time avoiding mother and Connor.”

“We will probably never really know the truth, but I am sure there was something strange there,” Maggie mused.

Hiram nodded, contemplating his own situation. “I am still shocked that she agreed with my marriage to Heather. She pushed us to get married so quickly. I know she said it was to help people forget about my father’s death. But, I don’t get it.” Hiram said to his sister.

Maggie thought for a few moments. “Well, let’s think about it logically. You and Heather met and your father had stated he wanted the two of you married. Not that what father wanted ever really influenced mother unless he really put his foot down, but I do wonder if she had other plans for Connor. She would have wanted better for him.” Maggie blushed, placing her hand on Heather’s. “I just mean, she might have wanted someone with more money or more land or a title for him. You know how she was about money and title.”

Hiram shook his head. “Or perhaps, deep down, she knew Connor wouldn’t treat any woman right, and she avoided it that way. I want to believe that she was aware of his sickness. If he married, he would be expected to act like a husband. That was never going to happen.”

“I don’t know, but I am tired of thinking about Connor,” Heather said and stretched. “I am just going to stroll through the maze. Get some exercise.”

Hiram looked at her. “Don’t overdo it. You are not eating enough, and you are so tired.”

“I know, I am trying to eat more. I think the baby is consuming it all.” She laughed. “Must be a boy.” Heather grinned. “I am tired though. The baby is pushing on my bladder and making me go to the bathroom all the time.”