the names and details of her husband’s kin straight. She waved Jenny forward from where she stood back in the shadows. “This is my foster sister, Jenny Pratt. She and I would be happy to show ye where ye can rest and refresh yerselves after yer long journey.”
“That would be most welcome,” Lady Mercy said. As if some unspoken communication passed between her and her husband, Graham stepped away from her side, and Catriona stepped in his place. She looped her arm through Lady Mercy’s and advised soft and low, “Three steps up, lass, and then we’ll be on the level to the doorway. All looks to be well, and even after that.”
Lady Mercy paused, turning her face toward Sorcha, although for the life of her, Sorcha couldn’t figure out how the woman could tell where she stood. “I hope I don’t cause you discomfort, Lady Sorcha. Please rest assured that I can see some shapes and shadows—especially when the light is good. I consider myself well blessed and happily count those blessings every day.”
“I admire ye,” Sorcha hurried to reassure. “I’m not so sure I’d be as brave were I in the same situation.” She led them into the great room, dying to ask the lady if she had always been without her sight or if some sort of accident had befallen her. But she dared not do such. To do so would be rudeness itself.
“I lost my sight after a blow to the head,” Lady Mercy answered as if she had heard Sorcha’s thoughts. “It’s quite the story. I shall regale you with it some time.”
Lady Catriona laughed. “Ye did it again, Mercy. Ye’ve shocked another one.” She gave Sorcha a kindly nod. “She canna read minds, but sometimes it appears that way. Her perceptions are just sharper than most since she canna see.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad she told us,” Jenny said. “I was wondering that verra thing.”
“It’s only natural to wonder,” Mercy said. “And please do call me Mercy. The both of you. Titles are not necessary amongst family.”
“And I am Catriona to ye both, as well,” she said as they stepped into the suite prepared for the two couples. She looked around after leading Mercy to a chair in front of the hearth. “What lovely accommodations ye’ve prepared for us. We shall be more than comfortable here.” Her lighthearted laughter filled the room. “Especially since we left all the bairns at Tor Ruadh for poor Nanny and the maids to chase after.”
Sorcha couldn’t help but ask, for Catriona and Mercy both had put her completely at ease. “How many children do the two of ye have?”
“Alexander and I have two sets of twin boys. The eldest pair are eleven years, and the younger set just turned five.” Catriona’s smile broadened. “And then there’s my precious Maisie Leanna. She’s the baby at just two.”
“My goodness.” The words escaped her before she had a chance to bite them back. “Do twins run on the MacCoinnich side?”
Catriona laughed again. “Nay, lass. Dinna worry. The twins are my fault, not Alexander’s.”
“And how many children do ye have, Mercy?” Jenny asked.
“A fine son of ten and a slightly spoiled daughter of six.” She relaxed deeper into the cushions. “I miss them terribly, but since little Effie Marsala is somewhat of an early riser, it would be a lie if I said I wouldn’t enjoy sleeping a tad bit past dawn.”
The longer they all chatted, the more certain Sorcha became that she had been quite blessed to have these two kind souls as sisters-in-law. Sutherland hadn’t told her she would like them as a caring lie to put her at ease. He had spoken the truth.
“When will ye be joining us at Tor Ruadh?” Catriona asked.
“And Jenny is most welcome to come, too,” Mercy said. “I never had a sister before I married Graham, but after living at the keep with Catriona and Ian’s wife, Gretna, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere without them. I’m sure you feel the same about Jenny.”
Jenny caught her bottom lip between her teeth and remained silent but gave Sorcha a wide-eyed look. Sorcha was impressed. Such silences for Jenny were rare. She mulled over how exactly to explain her wish to stay at Greyloch castle until the matter of Lady Culane was resolved. Would they think her some over-indulged daughter, overrun with selfishness and spite? Surely they wouldn’t. They both seemed so kind and understanding.
There was no delicate way of explaining herself, so she decided