Dugald crossed his arms over his chest. "I will think on it."
"Do you love your new wife?" she blurted, hoping to somehow convince him.
He glanced away, as if a bit uncomfortable discussing feelings. "Indeed."
"Well then, you understand how Darack and I feel about each other."
"We will see." Her brother then turned to leave the garden.
"Dugald!"
"There is naught more you need to say, sister," he said obscurely and strode away.
Blast him! What was he about? She followed him from the garden, but when she reached the courtyard, he was already talking to some of the men.
Surely he would approve of Darack as a husband for her, wouldn't he? Her stomach knotted with worry.
***
Hours later, after a nap where she did little but toss and turn, Mairiana descended the steps to the great hall. Because of being awake the night before, Darack had convinced her to try to sleep.
Now, he strode toward her. "How do you feel?"
A thrill shot through her upon seeing him. "Better now."
"You still look tired." Darack frowned but kissed her cheek. "Would you like to help me give the brooch to my mother before thecèilidhstarts?"
"Aye. I can't wait." Though she wished she could spend several hours alone with him instead, that would have to wait.
"Come. I've asked her to meet us in her sitting room."
Once the three of them were seated, Nora said, "Do not worry over Father Bhradain. I've explained your healing had naught to do with heathen practices, Darack. I told him Ewan led a prayer beforehand."
"I'm relieved," Mairiana said. "I did not want him to be angry with us."
"Not to worry, lass. I'm sure he will be only too happy to perform your and Darack's wedding ceremony soon." She grinned.
Mairiana chuckled, for she could hardly wait for said wedding ceremony, and could not believe it when Darack's face reddened.
"'Tis not what we're here to discuss, Ma."
"What is it, then, dearest?"
"We have something to give you."
Nora's eyes widened as she glanced back and forth between them. "What?"
He reached into his sporran and, with the brooch hidden in his hand, he brought it out. "Hold out your hand." When she did, he placed it in her palm.
She gasped. "My brooch!"
"Aye." Darack smiled.
His mother leapt up and embraced him. "How on earth did you find it? I thought it was gone forever. Wait a minute…" She stepped back, her expression turning troubled. "That's why you were at the Lindsay's castle! You risked your life for this brooch? Are you mad?"
"I have no regrets." Darack grinned at Mairiana, then moved closer to her on the settle and took her hand.
His mother blew out a calming breath and reclaimed her seat. "All right." Tears welling in her eyes, she studied the brooch for a long moment, then lifted her gaze to Mairiana and Darack. "Everything worked out in a grand way, and I'm thankful for that. But please, son, promise me you will never risk your life for a material possession again. If I had lost you…" Tears dripped from her eyes.
