Page 46 of The Winter Laird

“Shall I go look for her?” Reilly asked, draining his ale.

Nioclas shot him a glare. “Not without escort.”

“You’re more clever than I gave you credit for,” Reilly replied, standing. “Trusting me could really ruin your day.”

* * *

They heardthe shouting before they even entered the kitchen. Reilly held up a hand, then whispered to Nioclas, “Watch your lady-wife and see how she handles herself. She’s had to release workers before. However, you can bet all your gold the person she’s chosen to replace him will serve you well.”

Donovan, Aidan, and Nioclas all watched from the side door of the kitchen. Brianagh and the cook were facing off. Her hands were placidly folded in front of her and she seemed resolved. The cook, however, was slamming things around as he cleaned up from the evening meal’s preparations.

“A few rocks won’t kill anybody!”

“I can appreciate how difficult your duty is here,” Brianagh said calmly, resting her hip on the work table. “Truly, Fergus, your skills with the livestock are impressive. I’ve seen the way you cut the meat. You’re so quick, and you do know the choice bits so well.”

“Aye,” Fergus replied sourly. “But then, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with it.”

“What we really need,” Brianagh said thoughtfully, “is a butcher. Someone who can humanely—that is, nicely—kill the animals and remove the parts we don’t eat. Then, the butcher would take those parts, like the fur”—Nioclas saw her shudder—“and give it to the right person so we can make coverlets out of them. That sort of thing.”

Fergus looked intrigued.

“The problem is, I’m not sure what all those parts can be used for,” Brianagh explained, sounding apologetic. She let out a little gasp. “But, Fergus—you do! You could be our castle butcher! Oh, please say you’ll do it!”

He looked a bit taken aback. “But who will cook the laird’s meals?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll find someone. But I know that Laird MacWilliam has said that no one else is allowed to put a knife to any beast unless you’re right there. He doesn’t want it to be spoiled.” She gave a conspiring nod to Fergus, whose chest puffed with pride.

“I said nothing of the sort,” Nioclas grumbled.

Aidan hushed him with a wave of his hand.

“Well, my lady, since you’ve asked, of course I can help. As you said, I’m mighty fine with a knife and a beast!” Fergus stated proudly.

“Wonderful! Thank you, Fergus. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? You’ve certainly earned it, doing the work of two people. Enjoy your wife, and do tell her I say hello. I met her days ago when she was hanging the washing. The woman is amazing at getting linens clean.”

“I’ll tell her you said so,” Fergus replied, a bit of awe in his voice.

Brianagh smiled. “Such a lovely woman. Go on, enjoy her company. Have a nice night, Fergus!”

“You too, my lady!” He bowed and scraped his way out of the kitchen. She turned and yelped at the sight of the four men standing at the side door.

“Holy cow, you scared the daylights out of me!” she exclaimed, placing a hand on her heart. Then her eyes landed on Reilly and her face lit up. “Ry!” She catapulted herself at him, and he caught her up easily, giving her a tight hug. “How are you? How did you get back?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. How areyou? I see you haven’t cleaved this bastard’s head in two yet. That’s promising.” He held her out, inspecting her.

“I don’t think we should speak in English,” she whispered.

“It’s all right. These fools don’t speak it. We’re fine.” He grinned when he caught sight of the fury in Nioclas’s eyes. Reilly pulled Brianagh under his arm. “How’s married life?”

She drew her brows together. “Well…”

“Ah,” he said knowingly. “Still holding out on him. That’s good. Make him earn it.”

“Reilly!” she exclaimed.

“Just so you know, I told him what you didn’t.”

“Can we discuss this later?” she asked, uncomfortable with the stares she was receiving from the other three still standing in the doorway.

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