Page 49 of The Winter Laird
“Do you ever stop?” he interrupted her. At her confusion, he clarified. “Ever since your arrival, you haven’t stopped working. You are the Lady MacWilliam. In times of peace, you aren’t required to do anything.”
She shook her head, grateful he let the subject of the future drop. “I have to do something. Since you’ve given me the protection of your name and promised to get me back home, the least I can do is earn some of that.”
“All I ask is that you act like my wife,” he muttered.
“I’m trying. I’ve never been a wife, so I’m not really sure what I’m doing.”
“Tell me what you did before you came to Ireland.” Nioclas placed his large hand over her twisting ones to still them. “O’Malley told me you had your own trade.”
She felt a flash of irritation toward Reilly. If he intended to bring her to medieval Ireland, the least he could have done was prepare her better. Although, in fairness, she did rebuff any attempted lessons at Irish history he tried to teach her. She was much more interested in the island’s love stories than it’s medieval history. Especially the love story of William Butler Yeats and Maud Gonne; she felt she could’ve found Yeats someone much more suited to him who would actually accept a proposal.
Hindsight was 20/20, she supposed. Although she wasn’t really sure if “hind” was the right term, being as she was presently lingering in the past.
Before giving herself a headache, she said, “My trade is in love. I match people together so they can enter happy marriages.”Mostly, she amended silently. There were quite a few clients who wanted one-nighters, but she always dropped them when she proved it to be true. She was in the business of happily-ever-after, not happily-right-now.
Nioclas didn’t stifle his skepticism. “Lairds decide who is best suited, based on alliances.”
“In Ireland, right now, they do,” she agreed.
“But not in America.” At her surprise, Nioclas said, “O’Malley gave me some information. I’d like the rest from you.”
“Maybe later,” she placated as she slipped by him. “As your wife, it’s important that I ensure our new cook is settled in her kitchen.”
“And who, may I ask, is the new MacWilliam cook?” Nioclas asked pointedly.
She blushed. “I’ve already told you. And in my defense, I tried to find you for a long time before I finally made that decision.”
“Answer the question, Brianagh.”
“Keela, from the village,” she finally said.
Nioclas’s face didn’t change. “You are obviously very new to clan ways. She is a poor choice. As cook, Keela must live here, yet she cares for her aging mother. Who will take care of—”
“Aiofe?” Brianagh interrupted. “I’ve set that up as well. No need to worry. As we speak, I have two men from the castle helping her gather her belongings. She’s moving into the castle with her daughter, who will make an excellent cook.”
“I will not have an old woman sleeping on my floor!” Nioclas exclaimed.
Brianagh threw him a look as though he was the one who was daft. “Of course you won’t. Aiofe and Keela will be sharing a chamber nearest the exit to the kitchens.”
“I don’t have a bed for her,” he pointed out—rather triumphantly, if Brianagh heard it right.
“That’s why I sent the men,” Bri replied smugly. “So they could gather her belongings. That includes the bed.”
Nioclas looked taken aback for a moment. “Oh. That was well done of you.”
“I thought so. Now, truly, I have to see if Keela is set in the kitchen. Donovan’s cook arrived yesterday and I must ensure they get along right from the start. How long are the Maguires staying?”
“As long as he pleases. There is no limit to our hospitality with the Maguires,” Nioclas replied, looking somewhat bewildered.
“Excellent. I do enjoy Erin’s company, and I’m sure their cook will have much to add to Keela’s already superb knowledge of food preparation. I’ll see you at dinner, perhaps?” With a wave, she was out the door.
Nioclas stood in the middle of the empty solar, feeling a bit winded, and suddenly noticed the small throw pillows.
He shook his head. O’Malley was right. His wife was a force of nature, indeed.
* * *
“Isshe in love with the man?”
