table, and she sat down. “Lora, how are you?”
“I love it here,” she gushed. “’Tis so much better than at my house. Emmalin said I could stay and help her with the wee ones. I just keep thinking of Coira.”
“Mayhap we could return for her,” she said.
“Don’t you have several siblings?” Dyna asked.
“Aye,” Lora answered. “But they’re all mean except for Coira. She’s only three and so sweet. But the others are all cruel to her. Do you think we can go back for her? Father even said once that he wished he didn’t have her because she was too much work without Mama around.”
“We can talk about in a few days,” Alick said. “The English are heading home. Let them go first.”
Wee John heard the name and sprang into action. “Engwish,” he said, swinging his sword and running over to his bowl to spit.
Derric made his way over to them, clasping Alick’s shoulder. “Congratulations on finding your mother and your wife. I wanted to tell you that before I leave. I’m back to see what I can do for the Bruce, although I may not leave until the morrow.”
“Derric, we need to talk,” Dyna said, lifting to her feet. She pointed to the door and he shrugged his shoulders and followed her.
“Branwen, you look tired. I hope your husband will leave you alone this night and allow you the sleep you’ve missed being in the dungeon,” Kyla admonished. As she said it, she gave Alick a glare over her shoulder that made Branwen giggle.
“He’s verra considerate of me.”
Kyla said, “Again, welcome to our clan. We shall have a celebration again when we head back to Clan Grant.”
Branwen glanced at her husband. They’d spoken of their future plans, briefly, but they hadn’t made any decisions. “He hasn’t said where we’ll live yet. It won’t be Thane land, so I’ll leave it to him.”
Kyla gave her son a puzzled look. “You should come home to Clan Grant.”
“But Alasdair and Els are both here with their wives,” Alick said. “I thought we might stay here for a wee bit.”
“A wee bit, aye, but then your brothers and sister would like to meet your new wife. And all your aunts, uncles, and cousins.”
“We have much to consider, Mama. We haven’t made any decisions yet.” Alick didn’t say anything further, instead making his way off to visit with his cousins. He glanced at her and said, “I’ll be right back.”
As long as they were safe inside a keep, and she had others to chat with, she didn’t care where he went now that he was her husband.
Her mind turned to Jep. Where would he live? She’d promised to speak with him, but it hadn’t happened yet. She grabbed Alick’s arm before he left. “I’m going to the stables to speak with Jep.”
He nodded, then leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m glad to hear it. If you need me, send a stable lad to get me.”
She headed out the door, grabbing a shawl to wrap around her shoulders. Although she was still unsure of what to say to him, she’d decided it wasn’t her place to say anything about his relationship with her mother. In truth, she was pleased her mother had been loved by a better, kinder man than Arnald Denton.
When she reached the stables, she found Jep outside, staring up at the stars. “Something wrong, Jep?”
He spun around, clearly surprised by her visit. “Nay.” He glanced at the ground for a moment before he lifted his head and said, “Asking for guidance. I don’t know how to make this right with you.”
“You haven’t treated me badly. You’ve always let me know how much you care for me, and that’s something I needed after I lost Mama.” She stopped, gathering herself to stem the tears threatening to spill over her cheeks. “I’m glad Mama had you in her life. I don’t wish to say another word about Arnald Denton. He does not deserve it. I’m pleased that I finally know the truth, and I would like verra much for you to continue to be part of my life.”
His relief was visible in his face. “I would like that, also. But my guess is you will be going to Grant land and my job is here on MacLintock land.”
She gave him a sly smile. “I asked Jamie Grant if he could use another helper in their stables and he said he’d be glad to have you. If you’d like to follow us to Grant