"'Haps you ladies would like to refresh yourselves before supper," Colin said, hoping to draw his mother's attention away. "I'll see if I can find the housekeeper." He glanced across the great hall and spotted the plump, middle-aged woman. "Mistress MacAuley," he called and lifted a hand.
She hastened toward them. "Aye, Master Colin… I mean, m'laird."
To Colin, that form of address was like a kick in the gut. His father was still supposed to be the laird.
When he hesitated a moment too long, his mother spoke up. "Could you please find rooms for the ladies and see that they are well taken care of?"
"Of course. Come, my ladies, I have just the rooms. They were cleaned yesterday after some of the guests left."
Anna, Kristina and Maili followed her up the steps.
His mother gave him an oddly curious look, then walked away. He had not mentioned his association with Lady Kristina, but she must have figured it out. His mother was ever insightful.
Colin turned to Neacal. "Would you like some ale before supper?"
"Aye."
Seeing a kitchen maid nearby, he said, "Could you bring some ale into the library?"
"Aye, m'laird." She curtsied, then rushed away.
Colin headed toward the library. "Where are the MacKenzies and Ralston?"
"Talking to Bryce in the bailey."
After the maid brought a pitcher of ale and poured two tankards, she left.
"I truly appreciate your making the journey here, Neacal. It couldn't have been easy in this weather, especially for the ladies."
"I didn't want them to come, but they insisted. And I hate that the visit is due to such a tragedy."
Colin nodded, still feeling consumed by grief, but at the same time glad to see Kristina, Neacal and the rest of his friends.
Neacal raised his tankard. "To your father—may he rest in peace. And to you as the new chief."
"I thank you." Even though he felt undeserving of such a lofty role, he would keep that to himself for now. Colin clunked his tankard against Neacal's, then drank. After seeing Kristina, he needed whisky, but this ale would have to suffice since he hadn't eaten in several hours.
Colin motioned toward a chair, then took a seat himself. "How fortunate Lady Kristina has regained her sight."
Neacal sat. "Aye, 'tis a miracle. I only found out about it days ago. Anna said Kristina didn't want anyone to know at first, afraid it was temporary."
Colin stared into his ale, feeling more confusion and conflict than he should. "I'm happy for her."
"Truly?" Neacal gave him a skeptical, questioning look.
'Haps Colin sounded less than happy, but 'twas difficult to be enthusiastic when he had never felt such grief and heartbreak. He simply wished he knew what was on her mind. "Why did Kristina come?"
"To pay her respects and tell you she can see again." Stating the obvious, Neacal raised a brow.
"Aye, but are those the only reasons?" Colin dug deeper, for he sensed his friend holding back.
"At Bearach, I suggested she write you a letter, which I would deliver." Neacal shook his head. "She would have none of it. She insisted she must come here and talk to you."
Colin exhaled a tired breath, trying to release some of the tension. "I don't know if she told you but… before I left Bearach, I asked her to marry me. She refused."
Neacal frowned. "She told Anna, who told me. I was deeply disappointed to hear of it. I know you have strong feelings for her."
Damnation! How he wished he could control those strong feelings. "Did she give you any further clues as to what's on her mind?"
