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“I ken that yer ma misses ye too,” he said.
“She does?”
“Aye, she loved you so much.” Jonan took a deep breath. “Yer da is married. I have a new wife.”
Slowly, Leah nodded. “I ken.”
“Ye do?” It had taken him quite a lot to spit the words out, and she already knew!
“Aye. I heard the maids talking. They said the Laird has a new wife, and yesterday I saw her.”
“Ye did?” Jonan hadn’t bargained on any of this. He had made plans, but Amelia seemed to have a mind of her own—as did his daughter. “Did ye speak to her?”
“Nae, father. Nanny wouldn’t let me. They say she’s Sass-en-ach.”
“Sassenach, aye,” he corrected. Jonan wondered why and how she had heard so much. “I wanted to inform ye meself. I hoped the news would nae upset ye.”
“Will ye still be me da now that ye have a new wife?”
Jonan hadn't expected her question, and the weight of it hit him hard. He gave a quick nod. Did she expect him to abandon her? He looked into her eyes, which were filled with concern. He could feel his heart clench.
Perhaps, if I hadn’t let her see me weak… perhaps if I hadn’t failed the clan...
Jonan knew he had to calm his daughter’s worries. “Leah, a chief’s word…”
“…is his bond,” she completed.
“I give ye my word that naught can change that. Ye are my daughter, little lass.” He placed an affectionate kiss on her forehead. “Aye. I will always be yer da.”
“And the clan chief!” she added with a grin. “I tell all me friends that me da is the strongest laird ever!” Her eyes were filled with pride. “Ye are, are ye nae? Some of the lads and lasses say the clan chief does nae care for the clan, but I ken that ye do, right, Da?”
Jonan said nothing, as shame washed over him, feeling undeserving of her praise.
“Ye must go now, little one. I will visit again soon.”
Her face fell, but she nodded and walked into her chambers.
“I have made quite the mess, by the Gods, have I nae?” he muttered to himself. The clan deserved better than he had given them in recent years. He resolved to address the issue he had caused.
When Jonan returned to his chambers, he quickly washed and made himself presentable for an upcoming meeting with the council — he would inform them of his desire to make amends.
Hedislikedthe frequent meetings he had to hold, but he understood that his people required reassurance. The farmers' inability to work did not bode well. The clan members were not all trained to farm. Although almost everyone had a vegetable garden, only farmers could till the soil. That was hisgreatest challenge butcouldn't find a solution no matter how hard he tried.
Sure enough, he found himself before the council later that day, in the dining hall.
“My people, once upon a time, we were a strong clan afraid of no one. Alas, I lost me wife and a part of me soul.” He looked around the room, staring at each man in the face. “I have a duty, a debt to me people, and for far too long it has gone unpaid. That ends today. My marriage to Lady Amelia is just the first step in the right direction. More work lies ahead, but united we shall prevail!” Jonan stated.
Aodh was the first man to rise to his feet. “Yer marriage to the Sassenach is applauded, milaird. But yet people shall soon begin to starve. The clan is in The Ta’Mas’ debt and—”
“The dowry I received was large enough to settle that score. We no longer owe the Ta’Mas any coin.”
Jonan felt proud to say those words. The look of surprise on Aodh's face delighted him even more. It had been a long time since hecould boastabout his achievements to his people. His men's approval nods made him even happier. He was regaining their trust.
“Ye must understand that progress will come, Aodh,” Callan said with an apparent smirk. “The Laird is on the right path.”
Aodh sat down quietly, having no more words.
“Now, if you will excuse me, ‘tis time for me to dine with me wife.”
