Page 22 of A Merry MacNaughton
“True, true. So ye dinna dream of children, two daughters?”
He stopped. “What do ye ken of my children?”
“Nothing except they’ll be girls.”
“Who told ye this blather?” His jaw twitched, uncomfortable with the mystic talk.
“It’s in the stars, fate has decided. But fate will also give ye fine grandsons to carry on yer name and continue governing the clan.”
Calum ignored her, collecting his horses and paying the stableman. When he returned, the woman was petting Black Angus, whose tail thumped with pleasure. No stranger had ever befriended his hound. He gave the dog a sharp command and brought him to heel.
As he mounted, the woman spoke again. “No matter what happens in the years to come, there will be more good fortune than no’ for ye and yer family. The good years will far outweigh the bad.”
He stared at her for a long moment, the turmoil in his gut subsiding. Aye, all would be well. He felt it in his bones. Reaching into his saddlebag, he pulled out a silver coin and tossed it to her. “I thank ye.”
She caught it in one gnarled hand. “Dinna forget the mistletoe in yer sporran when ye’re First-foot across her threshold, Calum MacNaughton.”
He stiffened, astounded the old woman had known his plan and that he carried the plant in his pocket.And my name.But when he looked over his shoulder, she had vanished.
Chapter Nine
A Knight in the Night
Peigi blew thetendrils of hair from her forehead and leaned on the broom. The entire house was clean and the grates cleared of old ashes. She’d organized all available help and split them between her and Mairi. It was one of the traditions to begin the year with a clean house. She went to her room and enjoyed the Hogmanay gift from Mairi and her family. A hot bath in her room. The cook’s boys had dragged the buckets of water up the stairs, her father procured a magical bit of lavender soap, and Mairi herself waited to help her dress and comb her hair.
“I dinna ken why ye’re going to all this trouble for me, but it is heavenly.” Peigi dipped down under the soapy water and sighed. Hot water, a fire, and privacy. A gift good for the soul.
“Weel, dinna get used to it.” She tipped Peigi’s head back and rinsed her hair with warm water. “Such a pretty lass needs to feel pretty on occasion. What better than yer mother’s favorite holiday?”
A comfortable silence ensued, each in their own thoughts, remembering happier times. “So, ye’re certain ye dinna want to marry the MacNaughton’s son?”
She shook her head. “I only pray that the peace will remain. It would improve our situations without me having to—”
“Live with that sallow-skinned Sassenach?”
“The earl would be in England most of the time. It would be better than waking up one morning and seeing a look of regret on Calum’s face. I couldna bear it.” Nor could she discuss this tonight. It was Hogmanay. Guests would soon arrive, and though there would not be gifts this year, the company was all that mattered.
Mairi held up a large, thin, cotton bathing towel and wrapped her charge in it. She vigorously scrubbed Peigi dry, making already pink skin glow. “How do ye ken he doesna love ye?”
“We’d only met. He canna have those kinds of feelings after only a few days.”
The cook snorted. “Ye fell in love withhimin that short of a time.”
Peigi opened her mouth to deny the accusation and then closed it. The truth smacked her in the face. She did love the man. With all her heart. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked furiously.
“Och, lass. I’m verra sorry. Dinna cry, my sweet.” Mairi made soothing noises and helped her out of the wooden tub. “Good things are coming. I feel it in my bones.”
Peigi raised her arms and sighed as the clean linen of her shift slipped over her head and down her body. The past week had been interminable. She’d had restless nights, dreaming of Calum and his touch, his smile, and long days trying to keep herself busy so she would be too tired to dream. It hadn’t helped. Nothing seemed to get her mind off that heart-melting smile, those blue eyes that turned indigo when he kissed her, the waves of raven hair, the hardened body her hands longed to explore.
The hall and parlor had been decorated with pine and holly, and the heather ale brewed. Her father mysteriously found some baking supplies, so fresh bread, biscuits, and several pies lay ready on the table next to crocks of creamy butter and thick heather honey. She was sure they had come from the MacNaughton cook and kitchen.Thank ye, Enid, for that parting gift.
“Sit down by the fire and let me brush yer hair dry. We only have a couple hours before Jamie arrives for First-footing.” Mairi worked in long strokes until the tresses shone. “This clan need a celebration after this past year. The whisky will be flowing tonight.”
Another unexplained gift. The whisky. But she’d let that sleeping dog lie, too. The Craiggs would have a grand party, and with any luck, work for the next year.
Malachi had insisted she choose something from her mother’s wardrobe. After putting on her shift and stays, Peigi donned the petticoat next. On top of that was a silk dress of pale rose with at least a dozen tiny bows scattered about the hem and low neckline.
“I feel so silly,” she said, blushing and twirling in the elegant gown. What would Calum think of her in this? If she’d only been just a wee more selfish, she might have been married today. She spun in another circle. It would have made a lovely wedding gown.
