They heard nothing for a moment and Ailith was ready to run in case they came in, but there were no other sounds. Her mother held her hand up to tell her to wait. Perhaps her mother had a slightly better view of the two men than Ailith did.
Ailith’s belly was doing the oddest flips as she listened to the two men argue about her life.
Her father spoke next. “You are correct on two points. She is a wise woman, and she is old enough to make her own decisions. I am a bit overprotective, so I’ll let up and allow her the chance to decide if and when she can help you. But I will be watching.”
“I accept that. I hope you’ll accept that once this is over and I have Heilyn back, then I’ll ask your permission to court your daughter.”
Her mother pushed her from her spot, and she nearly tripped, but she made her way to their table before the two men came inside looking for them. Ailith blushed, and fortunately, Dyna covered for her. “Alasdair and Edan, your choice. A lamb meat pie or a beef?”
The two answered and she snuck a look at her mother, who was grinning from ear to ear. The two men took the two open seats, fortunately not together. Maitland and Roger got them both talking while Dyna kneed her under the table.
She mouthed a quick, “My thanks,” to Dyna.
When she dared, she gazed at Edan, who was in a conversation with Maitland. His gaze shifted to hers, then back quickly to Maitland, but the look of appreciation he cast her way nearly undid her. Fortunately, the serving lasses brought a platter full of meat pies and bread, so the moment passed.
Ailith was smitten.
***
Once they finished their midday meal, the group headed toward Kilchoman. Ailith couldn’t help but wonder what they would be seeing ahead. They had a good group, and she had to admit that she was glad to have her father and Maitland along. She always felt safer when her sire was beside her.
She thought of her conversation with Dyna and was pleased that what she had suggested had not proven true yet. Edan’s touch had not caused any problems at all. Perhaps it had been something else. She made a mental note to mention it to Dyna when she had the chance.
Edan pulled his horse abreast of Ailith. Good timing in her mind since her father and Maitland were busy conversing about who the best swordsman was at Duart Castle.
Edan tipped his head toward her father. “Sword skills are important to the men in your clan. True for many clans.”
“Aye, the lists are the busiest place during the daytime hours. Then they argue about all that happened after the evening meal.” She had to smile, memories of the days her father boasted to be the best coming back to her.
“I vow to improve my skills with Maitland’s and Morgan’s assistance. But tell me, what do you value most? Sword skills? Horse skills? Archery?”
“I’m not like many lasses in my clan. The Ramsay lasses are always competing in archery. Some Grant women do too, but for me, I’m more interested in what my aunts do. I love learning about healing.”
“Truly? Which aunts are those?”
“My great-Aunt Brenna married Quade Ramsay long ago. That’s what started the alliance. My great-Aunt Jennie married Aedan Cameron, chieftain of Clan Cameron. Both were taught by their mother and grandfather to be healers. I’m so impressed by their calm natures, how they study what they see and reason their way through everything.”
“Ah, so Ailith is more impressed by the quiet skills of her aunts. You wish to challenge your mind. That does not surprise me at all.”
“Nay?”
“You are a wise lass for one so young. Healing takes patience and wisdom. You have both already. I think you’ll become a fine healer.”
“My thanks to you,” she said, blushing.
“Please do not blush. You are an impressive person and getting to know you has been a pleasure.”
Not knowing what to say to that, she stared straight ahead, the sky filling with ravens. How she wished she would have the chance to get to know Edan MacRuari after this was over. She’d heard him speak to her father about his interest in her, but how could it possibly work when they lived so far apart? Would he take his daughter and return to hisclachanand never see her again?
Her heart would feel hollow if he did. She’d never met a man who made her feel so special. “Are you afraid of the faery hill?”
He let out a deep sigh. “Not afraid of the hill. I have more of a fear that we won’t find it.”
“I think we will. Mayhap not this day but the morrow. We’re getting clues as we go.”
“I pray you are right. May I ask you a personal question?”
“Aye, I’ll answer if I can.”
