effect or something…
“Braxton is going to talk to Aedan about it and see if he can garner the truth. Should Aedan even be considering it, it could put all our lives at risk. The Scots aren’t known to back down and Clan O’Cain would certainly enjoy another battle.”
A cold knot formed in her gut that Aedan, his clansmen, Gwen’s love, Braxton, could be injured or killed. “I’m sure there’s no truth in it. I mean, why would he? It doesn’t make any sense when Jinny is now living happily at the convent, or so I was told. Have you heard from her? What do you think she’d say?”
“Honor is at stake and to war we will go, even if it’s a war we cannot possibly win.” Gwen sighed. “Jinny would think the same as me. Although angry and upset over her failed marriage, and the disgraceful treatment she endured, she’s happy now. She’s never been like me and Aedan, she never wanted to marry or have children. The quiet solitude of church life suits her, and she’d not condone this battle.”
“But if it does happen, is the clan prepared? How large is Aedan’s army? Surely, you’re not without hope?” Abby put down her breakfast, her stomach turning in knots as she tried to remember what happened in this battle. What had happened to the family, this home and lands?
“We are prepared, but the fight will be long and hard.”
If this was a Facebook post, Abby would press the dislike button. Abby read the worry on Gwen’s face and it made her pause. Aedan was about to marry, was right at this moment looking for a wife to secure his future. To go to war seemed an illogical thing to do.
And if he died, what would happen to the family? The thought left her cold, and she pulled her shawl about her arms. She looked up at the dais and noted Black Ben and Aedan deep in discussion and something told her that in only a matter of days, a declaration would be made and the future course of this family would be set.
Just as history dictated.
Abby bade a quick good-bye to Gwen who was heading out to the day’s events, then followed Aedan who’d walked toward the anteroom. She found him seated behind his desk, reading a letter. She shut and bolted the door, in case he kissed her again and she forgot she was trying to act a lady.
“Good morning,” she said.
He smiled and beckoned her over. She went, willingly, almost too willingly, to be back in his arms. As his arms enfolded her waist, pulling her onto his lap, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to do. There was no other place on earth she’d rather be.
“’Tis now a very good morn.” He kissed her quickly, pushing a lock of hair from her face and placing it behind her ear. “I missed ye last night.”
She smiled. “I didn’t think your sister would ever leave.”
“Why did you not join me in my room? My bed felt barren without ye in it.”
He nuzzled her neck and she chuckled. “I pulled the tapestry back, but when I saw all the spider webs I thought better of it. You’ll have to have the corridor cleaned out or your bed will remain empty. Unless you join me, of course.”
Abby shifted on his lap and felt a telling hardness against her hip. “Why are you in here this morning? I thought you’d be joining the games. Isn’t it sword fighting today? And the ladies turn to show our archery skills?”
“Aye, it is. I had some correspondence I wished to look over ’tis all.” He leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes and sighing.
He looked worried and she wondered if his concern stemmed from the rumors circulating the clan. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
His hand idly rubbed her back, massaging it. “Just some trifling concerns, nothing for ye to worry over.”
“You mean the rumors that are circulating about you going to war against the O’Cains?”
He sat bolt upright and she almost slipped from his lap. “Where did ye hear that?”
“Last night, your sister was discussing it with Braxton who’d heard it from someone else. I questioned her about it at breakfast.”
He stared at her a moment before rubbing his jaw. “If Braxton knows, then most of the clan does, not to mention our guests.” He swore.
Abby clasped his hand and caught his attention. “Why is it you’ve never asked me