Page 74 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
Rut let out a small gasp. “Forgive me. Of course I knew that.” She stared at Meg for a long time, then said, “You listen to me, young lady.”
Meg wished to yell for her sister to come help her. What was she to do now when the woman was about to holler at her for being a terrible wife to Lennox? Her hands kneaded in her lap, twisting the fabric in and out.Sixty, seventy… Lordy, the woman had her counting by tens.
“Lennox has been a patient man. He has waited for you to come into his life for a verra long time. Countless women have thrown themselves at his feet and he’s ignored all of them. Then you step into his life, and he falls in love with you so hard and so fast.”
“Forgive me…” Her tears were coming, and she wasn’t going to be able to stop them.
“Just a moment. I’m not finished. You may have your say soon enough.” Rut straightened the folds in her skirt. “My son adores you, and I can see why. You have more backbone, more compassion, more wit, more intelligence than any other woman he’s met, and I’ll not allow you to walk away. You’re a beautiful girl who has a strong moral character, one who battles for those who are weaker.” Rut paused to pull a linen square from the fold of her skirt to dab her eyes. “Now, I know you were taken ill, you were forced to travel across half of Scotland, and you even hadto battle fools to find Lia, so I understand you needed a rest. You are tough and sweet, yet kind. One who will always stand up for her beliefs and not allow a man to put her asunder.
“One who has the strength of character to run his castle well, to stand by his side, to carry his sons and daughters in her womb and raise them properly. You are everything he’s ever wanted in a wife. He just didn’t know it until he met you.”
Rut stood and looked down at Meg. “Now, when are you going to come home to him? He’s heartsick without you by his side.”
Meg’s tears erupted and she stood, threw her arms around Rut, and hugged her. “Soon, verra soon. Will you promise to help me, my lady?”
“Rut. Call me Rut. Eva and I will both help you. And your sister.” She waved her hand over toward the kitchen door where Tamsin stood with a wide smile on her face. “Surely she will come to visit. You may share holidays. She will not be far.”
Meg wiped her tears and said, “I love Lennox. I’ve been exhausted.”
“I can attest to that, my lady. My sister has been exhausted, sleeping half the days away. I’m Tamsin.”
“Good day to you, Tamsin. I met you, but you were unconscious at the time. What a beautiful lass you are.”
Meg said, “I’d like to send a message home with you to Lennox, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. I’ll head back first thing on the morrow. Take your time.” Then she cupped Meg’s cheeks in her hands and kissed her forehead. “Lass, I’ve been waiting for you as long as Lennox has. Fear not, you will fit in well with our clan and our wee family. Welcome to Clan MacVey.”
Tamsin said, “Come, Rut. I’ll show you to your chamber.”
Meg went to find her writing utensils.
It was time to go home to her husband.
She entered her chamber, searching for what she needed to pen a short note to Lennox. Her heart ached for him in a way she didn’t understand. A knock sounded at the door.
“Enter, if you please.”
Turning around, she was surprised to find Lia there.
“Greetings, my lady. I’m so happy to see you are completely healed now.”
“I am? I guess I am, Lia. I still feel tired.”
“You are going to send a note to someone?”
“Aye, to Lennox.” She sat down, her implements now set on the table.
“I’m glad. You know you and Lennox have two hearts, but you are meant to be one on the same journey. The two of you are one of the reasons I came to the Isle of Mull.”
“But I thought you were Magni’s sister?”
“I told Magni to say that because it is an acceptable explanation to all, but I know you can understand my existence. My purpose is to guide you in the right direction, which was to the bairns and then to Lennox. So, I am here to give you that final push.”
“You came for me? Truly? As a faery?”
“You were part of my instructions. Some people are dealt more than they deserve in this life, so we are sent to change things. To redirect destiny. We cannot do it for you, only guide you. My goal was to help many—you and Lennox, and your sister and Thane, his siblings, their parents, and Magni. Such a group who are all in the same area. So unusual for us to see.”
Meg was so overcome with emotion that she couldn’t speak.
