The one his father would look at and shake his head while mumbling under his breath. “There’s no telling what will become of that one. Mayhap we should just oblate him for the priesthood and let them deal with his sullenness.”
“Och now, Duncan, keep your voice down before he hears you. Ewan is a good lad and he’ll be a fine man.”
“He’s weak, Aisleen. Do you not see how he bows down before his brothers. Even Braden who is younger. It’s embarrassing. He might as well have been born a daughter. At least then I could understand why he wants to stay hidden in his room. He’s no match for the others.”
His father’s condemnation had always burned deep in his soul. He’d never been afraid of his brothers. He’d just never seen the use in fighting with them over every little thing. There was only so much fighting a man could do.
Unlike his brothers, he’d always valued solitude and quietness.
Mayhap he should have been a monk after all.
But as he watched the lady practice her song, he realized that the priesthood for him would have been a tragic mistake. There was no way he’d be able to keep those vows.
Nora leaned back in his arms, startling him instantly.
“How old were you when you learned to play?” she asked.
“I was ten and two.”
She rested her head against his shoulder and tilted her head so that she could look up at him. “What made you decide to learn?”
He shrugged.
She rolled her eyes at him. “I wish you would answer a question once in awhile, Ewan. What are you afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid.”
“Then why won’t you tell me?”
He sighed as he remembered his childhood. The place he’d been relegated to in his family. He seldom ever ventured that far into the past. There was truly nothing much there worth remembering.
But for some reason, he found himself answering her question. “The lute belonged to my brother, Kieran. He’d bought it so that he could write a poem for the lass who held his heart that particular month. He’d attempted to play it, then found himself in love with another lass and left the lute in his room to gather dust. I snuck it out one day while he was off frolicking and taught myself to play it.”
“Really?”
He nodded.
“Why? And don’t you dare shrug again.”
His lips twitched at her tone. “I don’t know. It just seemed wasteful to have it there with no one to care for it.”
“Do you like music?”
“It’s all right. I’d rather make my own though than listen to someone else.”
“Oh, I’m sorry if my singing bothered you.”
“Nay, Nora. I like the sound of your voice.” Ewan cringed inwardly as those words left his lips. It was a confession he’d rather not have made to her. No doubt, she would now make even more free with her talking.
Nora knew she should move away from him and yet she couldn’t bring herself to do it. This was so peaceful being in the circle of his arms. If she were at home, or around any other person, she wouldn’t dare do such a thing.
Still, it felt so right to be where she was. Looking up at him and the way the sunlight glinted against his dark hair. No man could ever be more handsome.
“Even when I talk too much?” she couldn’t resist adding.
He glanced at her, then glanced away. “We should probably start back on our journey. I’d like to be at the castle before dark.”
Reluctantly, Nora got up.
