just to say it as it was. “I dinna feel comfortable leaving Da alone until our previous guests finally decide to leave.” She supposed she should’ve left out the word finally, but it was too late now.
“Hmm,” Catriona purred like a cat lapping up cream. “I smell a story begging to be told. Just who are these guests that have overstayed their welcome?”
“Lady Delyth Culane and her son, Garthin Napier,” Jenny said, her ability to remain silent completely gone.
“She’s looking for her fifth husband,” Sorcha supplied. “And I dinna want Da to be her next victim.”
“Fifth?” Mercy sang out. “I thought she was still on her third.”
“Nay,” Catriona said. “I told ye her third had died, and she had married a fourth.”
Mercy shrugged. “I must have forgotten. One needs a ledger to keep track of that woman’s spouses.”
Catriona grinned at Sorcha. “Ye will discover that woman’s none too fond of either of us. I’m surprised she didna leave once she heard we were coming.”
“She’s claimed an infirmity prevents her from traveling.” Sorcha moved to the sideboard in the corner of the room. Mama would be ashamed of her. She should’ve offered the ladies something to drink as soon as they had entered the room. “Forgive my terrible manners. Would ye care for some honeyed wine? ’Tis Cook’s finest mix and quite refreshing.”
“That would be lovely,” Mercy said, waving aside the offer as if drinks were the least of her concern. “You do well to protect your father. I once heard it said that the Lady Culane is known at court as Deadly Delyth.”
“D’ye ken how she killed all her husbands?” Jenny asked with an awestruck look.
“No one knows for certain.” Mercy smiled and nodded as Sorcha pressed a glass into one of her hands. “Some say poison. Others say curses. Some of the husbands died after surviving several odd accidents. It’s as though the mishaps kept happening until she finally succeeded in ridding herself of the men.”
Sorcha nearly dropped the tray. “Mishaps? Sutherland has had several mishaps here that could have been deadly. And they didna start until right after we said our vows.”
“But why would she try to get rid of Sutherland?” Jenny asked. “Ye said she told ye she wanted him. He wouldna do her any good if he was dead.”
“It could be the son has learned the tricks of the mother,” Catriona said. “I know that’s what Alexander thinks since Magnus told him all that has happened.”
Mercy lifted her glass in agreement. “Yes, and Graham, too. Everyone feels its Master Napier setting the snares for Sutherland.” She shifted in her seat, inclining herself toward Sorcha. “I understand why you wish to protect your father, but Tor Ruadh would be so much safer after so many accidents with Sutherland.”
“I fear I am torn,” Sorcha confessed quietly. “I want both my husband and my father safe from that conniving woman and her irritating son.”
“Aye, it’s a hard choice to be sure,” Catriona said. “But know this, whatever ye decide, whatever the two of ye decide, whether to stay here or return home with us, we shall help ye any way ye can.” A wicked grin curled one corner of her mouth. “Who knows? We could even help rid the place of the wicked wench. As I said, she’s met both of us before and doesna like either one of us a bit.”
Someone rapped on the door. They all hushed and looked around like a gaggle of wee lassies caught whispering in the back pew at church.
“Lady Sorcha?” A maidservant called out from the other side. “Mrs. Breckenridge needs a word with ye.”
All of them laughed. “Can we be any sillier?” Mercy whispered with a shake of her head.
“Lady Sorcha?” The maid called out again, sounding more than a little confused.
“Excuse me,” Sorcha said. “I’m sure it’s something about the meal, although I canna imagine what. Mrs. Breckenridge is a true force to be reckoned with.”
“We understand completely,” Catriona said. “Preparations are never done. Just when ye think ye’ve handled everything, something else wiggles loose and needs tending.”
“I’ll come along and see if I can help,” Jenny offered. “I’m sure the ladies wish to have a lie down before supper. Two days on a horse can wear on a soul and an arse.” Jenny gave them a wicked look and rubbed her behind.
“A lie down does sound heavenly,” Mercy laughed. “Thank you both so much for making us feel at home.”
“Aye,” Catriona chimed in as she followed Sorcha and Jenny