Page 72 of The Guardian's Bride

“Have you had reports of English ships in the firth lately?” he asked.

“Now and then,” Patrick replied. “They sail through on their way to Stirling Castle. Brian Lauder said you encountered Malise Comyn on a galley heading that way.”

“Aye, and may we see the last of him,” Aedan replied.

“With luck,” Patrick said. “I heard recently that Peter Abernethy was seen riding for Stirling with several men.”

Michael Balfour nodded. “We heard the same.”

“If Sir Malise and Abernethy meet at Stirling, that is a poor pair. May they keep well away from Fife,” Patrick said.

“They are cousins,” Aedan said. “And Scottish lords who support Edward over Bruce are no friends of ours.”

“Aye,” Patrick agreed. “Hard to forget the murder of your brother at their hands, though it be fifteen years and more.”

“Two were caught and punished, but they were not alone,” Aedan said.

At the other end of the table, Lady Jennet said it was time for Colban to go to bed, but the boy protested, eager to remain with the adults.

“To bed, you lad,” Aedan said. “Lucky you are to be sitting with us so late, but you need your rest. That arm bone needs rest too.”

“Your da is right, sleep will help heal you,” Rowena said. “I can take the lad upstairs. I want to look at his bandaging again.” Colban agreed to that, and she stood and ushered him out of the room, promising to tell him a story if he liked.

“What stories do you know?” Colban asked as they walked away.

“My great-grandfather told wonderful stories. The Queen of Elfland was his good friend,” she added. Aedan smiled to hearher laughter ring out as Colban ran to the stairs, eager for a story. “Hold up, or you will fall again!”

Lady Jennet looked at Aedan. “Queen of the faery ilk?”

“Her great-grandfather was Thomas the Rhymer,” he explained.

“True Thomas! I want to hear her stories too,” Jennet said as the others echoed agreement.

“I must go over to the garrison quarters to talk to my men,” Patrick said, and Michael stood to go with him. Aedan wished them good evening, taking another sip of the watered wine when Marjorie and Jennet asked him to stay.

“Aedan,” Marjorie said. “I am glad you brought Lady Rowena. I quite like her.”

“I do as well,” Lady Jennet said. Both watched him intently, leaning forward.

“She is a fine lady.” To hide his expression, he took another sip.

“You will have the headache if you finish that,” Lady Jennet warned. “It was quite strong, I thought. Sir Patrick brought it from the abbot. A gift to our household.”

“I already have the headache from the stares you two are giving me. What is it?” He both dreaded and welcomed what might come of that question.

“That lass,” Lady Jennet said. “Is she the one you were promised to when you were young?”

“Almost promised,” he corrected, and took a small sip. He could not bring himself to look at their determined faces.

“You should have married her,” Marjorie said. “Is it so, Aunt?”

“It is,” their aunt agreed.

“What is this?” Aedan said. “Matchmaking? She has been here but a day.”

“Marry that lass,” Marjorie said bluntly. “She is—”

“You do not waste time, sister.”