Page 57 of Bride Takes a Charmer
“And to you, Niahm. My, but that bairn is beginning to show itself. Do you need assistance?” She held out her arm for her friend to take. The girth of her waist had doubled in size in the last month alone.
“Indeed, I am much slower these days. I meant to visit ye but the day passed before I could get out and about.” Niahm leaned against her. “Walen is pleased that Laird Shaw has returned. I think he might have been worried whilst the laird was away.”
“Well, he has returned and all is well. Perhaps Walen is worried about something else…” Sorsha almost giggled at herthought. Likely the man worried about his wife because Niahm shouldn’t be as large as she was. “When are you due to have the bairn again? What has the midwife said?”
Niahm shook her head. “She suspects I should bear the bairn before Yule.”
“You have a few months to go then. Perhaps you should get off your feet more often?”
“I wish but mayhap ye are right. I shall try. Enjoy your supper. I am going to sit with Walen so he does not stare at me all evening.” Niahm released her and somewhat waddled toward her husband.
Sorsha continued past the long trestle table until she reached the chair next to Shaw’s.
“There ye are, Sorsha. We awaited ye before we supped,” Maven said.
“Good eve, Mamo. How are you this night? I have not seen you all day.” Sorsha began piling her trencher with slices of pork covered in a thick sauce and sprinkled with parsley and spoonfuls of cooked vegetables. She eyed the plums that were coated with a sugary substance. When she was a young lass, her father often brought home sugar from his travels. She was surprised Edra cooked with it because it was a valuable commodity and rarely on hand.
“I was weary this day. These old bones are not meant for cold weather. The seasonal change is upon us, I vow, for soon it shall be cold.” Mamo pulled her shawl tightly around her shoulders.
“At least it is raining and not snowing.” Sorsha picked up a fat plum and took a bite. Her eyes nearly rolled at the delectable sweetness of the sugar.
Shaw leaned toward her and spoke low. “I thought we could do with a bit of a feast on my return. I take it ye find the plums delicious?”
Sorsha quickly swallowed and nodded. “I have not had sugared plums since I lived at home with my parents.” Sadness overcame her with the thought that she wouldn’t see them again—they were forever gone.
Voices of varied levels filled the room. As she glanced at the Mackintosh clansmen and women, a peacefulness came over her. She was home and welcomed by his clan. She’d never been so at Tor, except, of course, for Aela’s tender treatment. That reminded her that she needed to ask Shaw to help her bring Aela to the Mackintosh holding.
“Lady Sorsha,” Corliss called from across the table.
She hadn’t noticed Shaw’s sister there but offered a greeting. “Lady Corliss, I am gladdened that you have joined us this eve.”
“We would not miss a feast. I wondered… Where did you get that armband?”
Sorsha peered at her arm and smiled. “Shaw gifted it to me on the day of our wedding. It was a kind gesture and reminds me of that pleasing day. I thought to wear it to—”
“’Tis crudely made, is it not?” Corliss pursed her lips together and called to Shaw, “Who made that for you, Shaw? Obviously, they were not skilled.”
Shaw’s brows drew together when he peered at his sister. “I had Ma’s old brooch melted down to have it made for Sorsha. The ring of the band symbolizes my unending commitment to her. Why do ye ask?”
“Ma’s brooch? I disbelieve ye melted down the brooch. Ma was supposed to give it to me. How could ye?” Corliss folded her arms on the tabletop and glared.
Mamo scoffed. “Och, ye be bent for no reason, lass. Ye know your ma never intended to gift it to ye. The only reason your ma kept it was because of its value in gold. Ye always confessed that ye did not like the brooch. I say good on ye, Shaw, for using itto please Lady Sorsha. That was a fair idea, melting it down to make a cuff for her.”
“Ye should have told me that ye wanted it,” Shaw said to Corliss.
“Ye never asked and why should I have to ask for a possession of Ma’s?” Corliss leaned toward Idris but he spoke low in her ear.
Sorsha was dismayed that she had upset Corliss once again. And just when they were on more friendly terms. She would have to apologize to her privately with the hope that Corliss wouldn’t hold it against her.
Idris finished his quiet discussion with Corliss and she nodded. “It matters not…about the brooch, that is. Ma gifted me with other trinkets to remember her by. Lady Sorsha, the cuff does appear beautiful with that gown though.”
Sorsha almost choked on the sip of wine she’d taken at what seemed to be a compliment coming from the horrid woman. She nodded but said nothing.
Supper was coming to an end, thankfully. The conversation with Corliss was awkward and she wanted to escape Shaw’s sister’s watchful eye. Shaw finished his meal and rose. Walen took notice and shouted for all to be quiet. The hall silenced immediately.
“Clan of Mackintosh, in two days hence I will be leaving the fief for a visitation to our crofters and farmers.” Shaw took her hand and bade her to rise. “I was given the hand of this bonny woman by the king himself as my bride. My wife, Sorsha, and I will journey to our clan’s outlying areas to also give the news that the king has permitted us to keep our tax in the coming year.”
A shout of cheer arose.