Page 67 of Promises to Keep

Lizbeth pushed a mug of ale closer to Lochie.

I said, “So here’s the thing, you remember last night when the Earl said, ‘Magnus are you brawling again’?”

“Aye.”

“See, Magnus has been the man whoeveryonedisrespects and that the Earl blames foreverything. When I met him, Magnus was very concerned about his reputation, but through the years he has gained the respect of the men his age. Sean has become the head of this house and he is Magnus’s brother. He is going to take ye under his protection, and Liam will as well. You can’t brawl with the men anymore Lochie. It looks bad on Magnus. You are a guest of Sean and Lizbeth, a family member of Magnus. You have to behave like it.”

Lizbeth said, “Aye, and tomorrow you will work alongside Craigh. Ye listen tae him on everything. Ye do as he asks. He will guide ye.”

“I daena want tae live here, Kaitlyn, will ye tell Magnus he ought tae take me with him? I can be a help, I promise.”

I patted the back of his hand. “Magnus and I have to go to Paris and deal with something. While we are gone we need to leave you here with Sean.”

“How long? How long are ye goin’ tae leave me here?”

“I don’t know—”

He folded his hands pleadingly. Then he shoved his chair back and dropped to his knees. “Please Madame Kaitlyn, would ye talk tae Magnus, I ken ye can persuade him.”

I nodded, “I will talk to Magnus.”

Magnus walked up just then with Sean and Liam. “What’s this, Lochie is on his knees in front of m’wife?”

I said, “He was asking me for something, we’ll talk of it later.”

“Tis a secret? I heard women keep secrets and a few hours later I am a witness to it!”

I laughed and smacked his shoulder. “Magnus, that’s not what it is, it’s just a private conversation for you and me to have later.”

Magnus nodded, “I suspect I ken what it is.” He addressed Lochie, “Where will ye sleep taenight?”

Lochie pouted.

Magnus said, “Boy, I am about tae knock the expression off yer face. I will ask ye again, where will ye sleep taenight?”

“Sire, I am nae going tae sleep. I will take the guard duty on the walls and then I will go tae work with Craigh at dawn.”

“Good, it sounds a productive day, except ye ought tae go down tae the church tae pray at sunrise, then ye go work for Craigh. Hae ye had a meal?”

“Nae.”

“Fill yer plate, then head off tae the walls so I might speak tae Kaitlyn.”

Lochie stood and stalked off.

Magnus chuckled, shaking his head. “Och he is a pile of trouble.”

Lizbeth said, “He is a verra good boy, Magnus, ye are confused on it. He has been fighting for yer honor against all those men.” She gestured to the end of the table.

Sean snarled, “I will handle the men, Magnus, daena ye worry on it.”

“Thank ye brother.”

* * *

That night in our room. Magnus asked, “So allow me tae guess, Young Lochinvar was beggin’ ye tae hae mercy on him?”

“Yes, he feels wronged that we are leaving him here. He doesn’t want to stay.”

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