Page 30 of Bound By Honor
Coming up behind him, Angus said, “Have you spoken with the chief about your father’s business?”
His cousin turned. “Aye, the matter of a new kirk for the glen has been agreed to.” Duncan gave him a long perusal. “You slept late and judging from the look of you, I’d say you did not sleep alone.”
Angus rubbed the back of his neck, recalling the night before. “Nay.” He did not want to mention Sorcha’s name for fear of bringing reproach upon her. “Did you?” Mayhap one of Sorcha’s friends had visited his cousin’s bed.
“Aye, I went to my bed very late. Before I did, I saw MacEanruig’s daughter ascending the stairs and, seeing the way she looked at you all evening, I had to wonder about her destination.”
Inwardly, Angus chided himself. “Until this morning, I had no idea the woman who snuck into my chamber was the chief’s daughter. I certainly gave her no invitation. In the dark, her voice was different, a low whisper. She made herself out to be a servant offered to me by the chief.”
“A plausible explanation.”
Angus saw the flaw. “Yet no such offer was made to you, the expected guest.”
Duncan placed his hand on Angus’ shoulder. “If there is a plot afoot, we will soon know it. Have you eaten?”
“Nay, and I am fair hungry.”
Duncan tossed him a smirk as they walked to the table where they had dined the night before.
Angus sat and a servant placed cooked eggs and fried trout before him. Trout was a favorite delicacy and he was quick to partake.
On the table were a jug of ale and a crust of bread and butter. Duncan reached to pour himself ale and Angus noted there was no food before him.
“You have eaten already?”
“Aye, while I spoke with MacEanruig.”
“Did the chief man of Glen Coe leave?” Angus could not imagine Dugall MacEanruig was aware of his daughter’s actions or he would have demanded retribution.
“He and his men went riding out soon after our meeting. I have not seen his daughter all morning.”
So, she had said nothing. Mayhap that was best. If Angus were to meet her in the light of day, he was not certain what he would say. He hoped she had no designs on him for he had none on her. Still, he chided himself for not seeing through the ruse.
Later, as they were returning to their ship, a young lad of serious demeanor came running to Angus. “Are you Angus Og Macdonald?”
“Aye,” he said, wondering at the mission of the boy.
Thrusting a folded piece of parchment at him, the lad said, “This is for you.”
Angus accepted the missive and the boy turned and ran back toward the manor. Opening the folded parchment, he read,’Twas I who shared the night with you, son of Angus Mor. And I would do it again should you desire it.– Sorcha
Angus looked up, his brow furrowed.
“What is it?” asked Duncan.
“It seems Sorcha wanted me to know ’twas she who shared my bed.”
Dunseverick Castle, northern coast of Ulster, Ireland, late summer 1291
THUNDER RUMBLED in the distance as Áine stood at the castle window, staring at the rain that had begun to fall. At her neck, she pressed her fingers into the cold metal of the golden ring brooch Niall had given her. She had been so chilled when she returned from her walk she had yet to remove the woolen mantle. The brooch was all she had left of his many gifts, except for the most important one.
Had it only been a sennight since she returned from Tirowen? She had lost track of time.
She remembered that terrible night and shivered. The sounds of war erupting all around her, men shouting, dogs barking, swords clashing and women screaming.
Niall had quickly armed himself and rushed to the door. “Stay inside!”
She had used the precious minutes she had while the battle raged to don her cloak and rouse Nessa and the babe’s nurse.
