Page 36 of To Wed a Witch
"I am so sorry she had to deal with the heartache so young."
"There was a man she was sweet on, he offered marriage but only if she got rid of me."
"Got rid of ye?But how?"
"I was two summers old, and he wanted her to abandon me in the orphanage run by nuns.He had coin and would have provided well for her."
"What happened?"
"Ada told me, my ma refused him because of me.If he would not accept me, then he was not worthy of her."
Sìne kissed him then.
He continued, "She raised me alone, faced all manner of slurs and did not care.Once I was grown enough to care for myself, she met a good man who asked for her hand.Only then did she agree to seek her own happiness."
"Where is she now?"
"She married him.His name is Lionel Grant, and they live with his clan.The last time I visited, they were happy as clams."
"Does she visit ye at all?"
"Nae, she refuses to step foot on Ferguson land, after what my father did.I dinnae blame her.The place holds bitter memories for her.But someday ye’ll meet the woman who raised me."
"I'd be honored to meet her.If only to thank her for raising a good son."
Bhaltair's eyes warmed at her comment.
"And yer father?What happened to him?How come the lairdship went to yer uncle?"
Bhaltair frowned."My da and his new fancy wife died of fever a few years into their marriage and left no legitimate heir, so my uncle stepped in and made an even bigger mess of things."
"I am sorry ye lost yer father."
"I was too young to remember him, so I dinnae feel the loss as acutely as one should."
"How did ye become laird then?"
"I trained with the king's men for some time.Worked my way as a warrior and hired sword.When my uncle passed, the clansfolk decided I was the rightful chieftain even if I was born on the wrong side of the blanket."
"And just like that, ye became laird?No one opposed it?"
"Truth be told, I dinnae think anyone wanted the position."
"Well, I think ye make a fine laird for this clan."She smiled at him.
Bhaltair returned it, then kissed her lips."Why, thank ye.I think ye make a fine mistress for this clan."
Sìne thought about all he said and realized why he was the way he was and why he had been so kind to her.He had been raised by a strong woman who taught him how to care for others.Someday she hoped she would meet his mother and thank her personally for raising a good man.
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