Breckin fell against her, his breath rasping, his body tense, and his smile wide. “Lord, what ye do to me. Ye are the sweetest, most winsome woman I have ever beheld.”
She caressed the long strands of his blond hair and held him close. Eva didn’t want the encounter to end but he fell next to her and set his head in the crook of her neck.
After a long moment, well after their recovery, she gently turned his face to look at her. “You never did tell me what happened.”
“What happened where?”
“At the MacLaren holding. Did you war with them? Did you seek vengeance? I fear many were killed.” Her heart tensed because as much as she understood why her warrior husband wanted retribution, sometimes there was more benefit to diplomacy.
Breckin leaned upward. “Laird MacLaren had nothing to do withwhat happened. Apparently, Danella wanted William Stewart and she was willing to kill Marian to have him. She convinced her brother to go along with her plan. When she thought I’d show my wrath against her father’s people, she came to kill me first.”
“What a woman would do for love.” Eva almost groaned because she might have done the same if she was in a similar situation. “I wish she had not fallen over the ledge. We could have remedied the situation and talked to her, made her understand…”
He shook his head. “Nay, it was too late for understanding. She’d already murdered my sister and put her clan in jeopardy. When she tried to do away with us, she probably knew she was in danger of losing her life. Justice prevailed.”
“Aye, justice that took from many those who were loved. It is so sad, Breckin.”
“Aye. My sister trusted Danella and that her friend murdered her… I cannot even think about it. Marian’s final moments must’ve been torturous for her.”
Eva smoothed a hand over his shoulder and scooted down to lie closer. “We shall keep Marian in our hearts and be contented that surely God welcomed her in Heaven. She does not despair in Purgatory, or worse, in Hell. But so, I presume you did not go on a murderous rampage then?”
Breckin scoffed, then sobered. “Lord, I wanted to. It took great will to withhold my sword but some died by my ally’s hand and that of my men’s. That could not be helped.”
“Then we should go to Mass this morning to give thanks to God for intervening and pray for the lost men. Surely God played a hand in the MacLaren’s protection.” Eva scooted from the bed and went about starting her morning ritual of cleaning herself, tidying the chamber, and pulling out clean garments for them both. “Are you going to leave our bed this day?”
He flashed a grin. “I would rather not, och, I suppose I should seeto my duties.” Breckin stood, and quickly dressed then waited for her as she pulled a heavy tartan around her shoulders.
“I wonder where the lads got to,” Breckin said when they entered the kitchen area.
“’Tis quiet. They probably left the house. Come or we shall be late for Mass.” Eva smiled when he took her hand and held it on the walk to the bridge.
Aymer called out to them as they approached. “Good day, Laird and Milady.”
Breckin nodded to him. “Have ye seen my brothers?”
“Indeed. They rousted early this day and went to the training field afore the sun rose.”
“Did they? Tell Gideon to keep them there. I will join them later,” Breckin said.
“Tell ’em yourself, Laird. He is standing yonder.” Aymer tilted his head in the direction where Gideon stood awaiting him.
Eva walked ahead of Breckin and on the other side of the bridge, she stopped.
Greetings for the day came from the women they passed and she returned the courtesy even though she was surprised by their kindness. When they reached Gideon, she moved to stand next to Breckin. The commander’s wife was not fond of her and Eva did not wish for awkwardness so she kept quiet.
“Milady Buchanan,” Deena said and leaned to the side to see her. “I want to thank ye for your aid of our lad Hamish. I understand ye saved him from that wretched boar in the woods near my ma’s home.”
Eva shook her head. “No thanks are necessary. In truth, he saved me just as much as I aided him. He’s a smart boy. If he hadn’t had the slingshot and some rocks, I think we’d still be up that tree.” She smiled at Deena, and was surprised to see her smiling back. Her heart rose. Usually the woman was staid and taciturn.
Then she surprised Eva even further. “Will ye and our laird join us for supper on the morrow? I am making a large meal and wish to thank ye properly.”
Eva blinked. “I…yes, if Breckin…” She turned to her husband, hoping he agreed with her.
“We would be honored to join you,” Breckin said and nodded to Gideon. Then he eased her away by wrapping his arm around her back and guiding her onward. As they walked, he murmured, “Seems to me that you have won another heart. Deena is not one to make friends, but I think you have won her over.”
“Aye,” she agreed, and leaned her head against him as they walked.
Across the bridge, near the church, groups of people waited to enter. Most smiled at them as they passed by. Eva entered the church and meandered to the front, near the altar. She crossed herself and genuflected towards the altar, then slid into the pew, making room for Breckin to sit next to her. Many followed, entering and filling the church. Father Murphy arrived at the side entrance and began to sing a hymn. Everyone rose and took up the hymn as he proceeded to stand in front of the altar. As usual, Eva joined in the singing, and she smiled up at Breckin as she did. He began to sing as well.
