Page 83 of The Falcon Laird

“Lady Christian,” John said. “Is Gavin here?”

“He was with Master Tam and the mason, I think. Perhaps they went to look at the south tower.”

Michaelmas plucked the strings loudly, then winced. John looked over at her.

“It was a fine practice,” Christian said.

“Aye,” Will said. “Like cats.”

“Hush, lad,” John said from the corner of his mouth. Fergus laughed.

“I could do better,” Michaelmas said, “if my smallest fingers were not crooked.” She held them up. Both fingers were delicately curved inward.

“She has crooked wee fingers?” John asked. “Such a thing runs in my family.”

“And she’ll have crooked nails from harping and carping,” Will said, clawing his hands and grimacing. Michaelmas stuck out her tongue.

“Do not tease the lass,” Fergus said. “Go play, now. Robbie and Patrick are in the kitchens.” Will nodded and turned to go. “Be sensible, all of you.”

“Those boys will get into mischief,” Michaelmas said sagely. “They do not listen.”

“Then go after them and make certain they listen,” Christian said. Michaelmas ran out of the room.

“She loves to be their conscience, but they do not like it,” John said. “But one day they will fall over each other just for one word from her. She will be a beauty, that one.” He glanced at Christian. “You do not ken her parentage, then?”

Christian shook her head. “You know the story. But it does not matter. She is my daughter. The angels gave her to me. Even her name says so.”

“Aye,” John said, looking thoughtful. “She’s an angel’s gift for certain.”

A deep voice called outside the room. Fergus turned. “Your husband is looking for you, my lady.”

“So much rain,”Gavin said, shaking his head in dismay. “The workmen can scarcely proceed for all the mud.” He peered at Christian and Fergus. “I thought you said Galloway winters are mild.”

“It is just rain and wind. It will end soon. Though there may be some flooding,” Fergus said.

“Wonderful,” Gavin drawled. He leaned against the trestle table. “The mason wanted to begin repairs to the southeastern tower but will have to wait. Master Tam wants to send someone to Ayr to purchase further supplies and order the chains for the portcullis. The weather has all on hold.”

“Would you send John?” Christian asked. She sat beside Fergus in front of the new, and warm, hearth in the great hall.

Gavin smiled. She looked gentle and lovely in the dim honey-colored light. He yearned to be alone with her again, but practical concerns simply required all his attention. “He will stay here. A messenger came a while ago from Hastings. I sent John to speak with him and see the man is fed. The messenger insists Hastings wants him back even in this foul gale.”

“Terrible man. What was the message?” Fergus asked.

“Hastings expects me to join him and other commanders at Ayr Castle in two days’ time. I must leave tomorrow. Hastings added that Lady Christian must be kept under watch. I agree, but I will not leave her here. You will come with me, my lady. John will stay here in charge of the castle and the repairs.”

“But I do not want to go,” she said.

“Hastings’s men have orders to capture you, and that may not change. Best you stay with me.”

“I will not go where English garrison a Scottish castle.”

“Then I will leave you in a monastery, safe at prayer and good behavior, while I meet with him and the other commanders. That should take most of a day. We can go into Ayr to order the iron chains for Master Tam, and home again.”

“I can meet you there,” Fergus offered. “I have some business at Crossraguel Abbey near there. I can purchase chains and such in Ayr and keep your lady company until you are done with Hastings.”

“That would be a help,” Gavin said.

Christian nodded reluctantly. “There are other things we could use from the market. I will go, then.”