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Chapter

Twenty-Eight

“ T hank you for the gowns, my lady,” Avelina said as her mother-in-law came into the chamber.

When she’d woken up to find Niall gone, Avelina began to dress herself. Missing Mary, not only for the aid she provided but for her companionship as well, she’d been about to slip on the one gown that did not tie in the back when a knock at the door interrupted her.

A serving maid entered, her arms laden with new gowns.

They’d chosen one, and Avelina dressed wondering where Niall had gone. To speak with his father? He’d mentioned doing so last eve.

Heat crept up her shoulders to her cheeks thinking of their wedding night.

How many times they made love. What her husband had done to her.

How could Avelina not know ‘twas possible?

She would speak with Mary on the matter, the only married woman she knew who could have and should have mentioned such things.

Another knock sounded, and this time, ‘twas Niall’s mother.

“You are most welcome,” Mairi said, closing the bedchamber door behind her. Sitting in a high-backed wooden chair, she watched as the maid placed braids on each side of Avelina’s hair, pulling them back and tying the pieces together.

“I am sorry for the welcome you received,” his mother said. “‘Twas quite a surprise to learn Niall had married.”

“And married to a MacKinlay,” Avelina added.

“Aye.”

The maid did not flinch. Likely by now, word had spread, and all of Castle Duncraig knew of Niall’s new bride.

“I do not harbor as much hate and resentment as my husband. Or as you must for our clan,” the lady ventured.

On this, Avelina was torn. “I’ve hated for so long,” she said. “And did not expect to feel anything but for the rest of my days. Until I met your son.”

“He is an extraordinary man.”

“Indeed, he is,” Avelina agreed.

The maid finished. Avelina’s mother-in-law nodded to her as if in dismissal. With a quick bob, she did then leave.

“And I imagine you are an extraordinary woman to have captured his attention. Niall has not shown any proclivity to marry until now.”

“I cannae tell you I’ve wanted to marry either, despite my brother’s urging.”

“Until Niall?”

“Aye.”

“My son, for many reasons, has never been a spontaneous one. He carefully plans, to a fault, and so you can understand our surprise in this.”

Avelina sat on the edge of the bed.

“The healer,” she said. “He leaves nothing to chance because of it. Because of his guilt.”

His mother’s facial expression showed her surprise. “He told you of it?”

“Aye.”

She blinked. “Niall never speaks of the matter.”

“He was but a boy, my lady.” Avelina found herself defending him, forgetting for a moment this was the one woman she’d never have to do such a thing with. She was his mother. And suddenly, Avelina was filled with a warmth for her, a gratitude. . . no matter she was supposed to be the enemy.

This woman was no more an enemy to her than Niall.

“If you will, please call me Mairi,” she said.

“And me, Lina.” Avelina smiled. Her mother-in-law did the same.

The door opened.

Avelina’s heart raced with every step Niall took toward her. But as she saw his expression, her smile faded.

“Niall?”

He strode to his mother, kissed her on the forehead, and joined Avelina on the edge of the bed. Taking one of her hands in his, Niall raised it, kissed it, and folded it into both of his own on his lap.

How had she lived without this man until now?

“We are leaving,” he announced. “For Glenhaven.”

So, the talk with his father had not gone well.

“When?” his mother asked.

“At once.”

Avelina’s shoulders sank.

“Surely you will break your fast first?”

Niall shook his head. “Cook has prepared warm bread for us to take on the road. Our mounts,” he said to Avelina, “are being prepared. Once we gather our belongings, we will be off.”

“Tell me,” Mairi said. “What did he say?”

Niall’s jaw clenched. “That he will think on the matter.”

“The matter being me?” Avelina offered. “If he will accept me into your family?”

The look Niall gave her was one of sorrow and of pity. And though Avelina should be angry, for it was his father she needed to forgive for his role in the battle, it was neither anger or hate that consumed her.

But sorrow. For Niall.

“When my brother refused to attend the wedding ceremony,” Avelina said, “I wanted to rail at him for his stubbornness. But I realized that, even though I had—” Avelina nearly said, ‘had fallen in love with you,’ to Niall.

Where had that come from? “Even though affection had grown between Niall and me, that did not mean the same had happened for my brother. But perhaps, I hoped, it would in time. Once he realizes the alternative is losing a sister…and someday, nieces or nephews.”

“Kieran accepted us easily enough.” Niall looked toward his mother. “As have you, Mother.”

Mairi sighed. “Some have more capacity than others for forgiveness,” she said. “Based on their own experiences. Your father,” she looked at Avelina, “your brother. I believe will come to our side eventually.”

“I believe the same,” Avelina said, though her words were more confident than she truly felt.

“And if he does not?” Niall asked his mother. “I will not serve as Duncraig’s second if Father does not accept Avelina fully into our clan.”

The words she least wanted to hear. And yet, she and Niall had spoken of the possibility. He’d asked her once if she could truly leave her home and make one here with Clan Duncraig. She’d been less certain then than she was now, that aye, she could do so for him. For Niall.

But now, ‘twas Niall’s turn to answer the question.

“Would you have married me knowing it might lead to this?”

Was it a fair question to ask? Especially in front of his mother? Avelina was not sure, but neither could she stop herself from voicing the question aloud.

Niall looked between her and his mother. At first, Avelina thought he would not answer the question.

But he did. “I cannae know what I’d have done but can say only it matters not. We are married, and I will protect you from anyone who wishes you harm. Today and always.”

It was not the answer she’d hoped for, but Avelina was grateful for the last portion of his words. As he and his mother spoke of their leave-taking and of his father, Avelina remained quiet. Thinking of her question. And of his answer.

I cannae know what I’d have done.

And that’s when she realized, Avelina had fallen in love with her husband. And wished for him to have done the same. To have said, “Aye. For love, I’d have done anything.” But of course, he did not say those words. Niall had affection for her, not love. He’s said as much many times.

But something had shifted between them. Her previous words now rang hollow.

“Come, lady wife.” Niall stood and urged her to do the same. “I will take you to our new home.”

Words that could have, should have, been joyful. And yet, they were anything but.