Page 37 of Promises to Keep

Our flat-cart full of boxes was tipped over in the dirt.

Magnus said, “Presents for ye and the family, but I think we can take a few of these light things, and we can let Lochinvar push the cart tae the castle, as I am verra auld and require the respect for an auld man. He ought tae be the one tae push it all.”

Magnus picked up a light box, passed me a bag, and directed Lochinvar, “The castle is through that way, ye can follow the path and get there soon enough, and I ken how much is in the boxes, danea stop tae eat and drink — all the cookies ought tae be there as they are for the bairns that daena call me auld.”

I followed Magnus, and Sean followed us but then looked back. “Och, I canna stand tae watch, the poor lad has tae push all of it?”

Magnus chuckled. “Och nae, Sean, ye are soft.”

“There is a present for me on the cart, twill take him forever tae get it tae the castle! I am nae soft, I am impatient!”

Sean returned and peeked in one of the boxes. “Tae make yer load lighter, Young Lochinvar, I will hae my horse carry this one, with the whisky in it. Tis meant for me anyway.”

He strapped the box to the back of the horse and then walked, leading the horse beside Magnus and me.

Lochie was way behind, pushing the flat-cart down a difficult path.

CHAPTER 23 - KAITLYN

We came to the castle and Lizbeth raced across the courtyard, “Madame Kaitlyn!” We rocked back and forth in a big warm hug. “Are ye well? Are the bairns well?”

“I am well, the bairns are very well. They send their love, but they are at home with Beaty and — Beaty is pregnant!”

Lizbeth clapped her hands. “Och, I wondered when she would hae a bairn. I am verra pleased for her!”

“Me too.”

We hugged again, she said, “I must show ye the bairns, Jamie is near grown!”

I laughed. “How old is he, all of ten?”

She laughed with me. “Och, he will be draggin’ a sword around soon enough, if Liam has anything tae do with it. But he is verra good in his studies, a boy of wit, I tell ye. I am verra proud of his lessons.”

We stood talking for a moment more then entered the main house to see the nieces and nephews.

Magnus remained with Sean and Liam near the front gate, he didn’t relent and help, he just watched, bemused, as Lochinvar gave up trying to push the cart and began lugging boxes one by one to the castle.

The day had been high when we arrived, but then it was late afternoon by the time we were settled.

Magnus met us in the Great Hall, scowling as he took his seat. “Ye ken I hae been tae see the Earl, och nae, he is verra auld, and twas as if I came in and he was still talking from havin’ seen me just months ago. He told me again all about his lands tae the east, the crops in the fields, he talked at length on the cold spell.”

Sean said, “Tis all he talks about these days. His son, John, is mindful that his father is agin’ and has had an eye on the seat for the past year. He is findin’ it difficult tae be patient.”

Magnus’s eyes went back and forth, scannin’ the room, then he leaned forward and asked, “Will he be a good guardian of the castle, ye think?”

“Aye, I think so.”

“But are ye are worried on yer own line?”

“Nae, I hae three sons now, I hae lived here m’full life, my mother is the sister of the Earl, I am sure that even though John has three sons, we are secure here. This is our home.” Sean’s words sounded confident, but he did look worried.

Magnus said, “Tis too bad, since ye live here year round that the castle canna come down Lady Mairead’s side of the family.”

Lizbeth and Sean laughed.

Lizbeth said, “As if there hadeverbeen a chance, she is a sister, a woman! There was nae way she was goin’ tae be able tae pass the castle down. Imagine!”

I said, “Haven’t you had a queen before?” I looked around. “I mean, right? That means the peerage allows for it?”

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