Page 48
“I love you, Sister,” he said. “There is naught you could do that would sever the bond we share as siblings.”
Avelina’s shoulders dropped in relief. “I began to think otherwise.”
Her brother squeezed her hand again before dropping it. And then pulled her close. His embrace seemed to signal an end, perhaps, of their lives together as they once were. And though it saddened her, Avelina was always meant to marry, just not, as Ewan had said, a Duncraig clansman.
Nay, not clansman. Chief’s son.
“What will you do when you return home?”
“I will continue to make inquiries.”
He offered nothing more.
“Make inquiries,” she repeated, wondering what that meant precisely. “And if you discover who was behind the attempt at renewing the feud?”
His expression remained passive. “He will be dealt with.”
And that was all. Dealt with.
“You do not think my marriage to Niall might begin to heal the wounds of our two clans?”
“I do not.”
His tone allowed for no further discussion. And though Avelina did not agree, she could sense there would be no persuading him this eve.
“You will not eat before you leave?”
“I’ve eaten already and will be on the road while the sun still shines.”
At that, she did smile. “It has not shone for days.” Her brother looked as if he’d reach out and ruffle her hair as he did when they were young. But likely realizing they were well past the age of hair ruffling, instead he inclined his head.
“Good den, sister. I will send Mary to you with your belongings.”
“Only if she is amenable to joining me. If not, please offer her my best wishes and tell her I will come to visit.”
Ewan’s lips pursed at that. “I cannae tell you that your husband is welcome.”
“Ewan,” she said, spying that very husband now. He watched them. Had not taken his eyes from them since she’d begun this discussion with her brother.
“I am sorry, Lina. His clan is responsible for—”
She would not hear it. “I know well what his clan is responsible for. There is little need to repeat it.”
“Then you know why I cannae welcome him into my hall.”
“And when we have children? Will they be welcome into your hall?”
That took him by surprise. “I. . . of course, your children will be welcome.”
“They will be Duncraig clansmen, Ewan.”
He blinked. Clearly, he had not thought the matter through.
“I. . . we shall deal with that matter when ‘tis necessary. I must be on my way,” he said, avoiding a topic that would not resolve itself, no matter how much her brother wished it otherwise.
“Go then,” she said, knowing there was little else to say. Her stubborn brother would not relent, of that she was certain. “Travel safely, Brother. And do send word if you learn anything more. I am curious who is behind this incident.” ‘Twas something she’d just considered. “If not for the cattle, I’d not have met Niall.”
Her brother winced.
