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“He butthinkshe deserves it,” Reena said. “He has no right to the land, gossip says the king granted it to Magnus in return for his service and the king will see that it remains his. All will go well here.”
Brigid nodded. “I believe the same. The sadness in my heart grows less heavy each day, and with our move to Dunhurnal land, I now look forward to another day.”
“You will love again,” Reena assured her, but it wounded her heart to think that she might find that love with Magnus.
“I care not about finding another love right now. The pleasures of life are slowly returning to me and I wish to enjoy them.” She laughed. “It feels good to cook again and have the food appreciated.”
“Thomas?” Reena asked.
“Aye. He has been an enormous help to me and he is so kindhearted. I enjoy his visits. He is a good man and wants only friendship from me. I am at peace with my loss and that is good, and now I go on.”
“I am glad to hear this and I am happy for you. It has been too long since we have been happy, though Justin is certainly happy.”
Both women smiled wide and leaned closer to share gossip.
“He spends all his time with Maura,” Brigid said. “And she with him. They are inseparable.”
Reena added her own news. “They are always smiling when I see them, whether they are together or apart. I sometimes wish I had more time to spend with family and friends, but time is something I have little of, though I do not complain, and I doubt many understand my penchant for mapping or drawing.”
“No one comments—they accept you for who you are, and besides, they are grateful for your courage.”
“I did what was necessary for the good of all.” Reena did not wish to discuss herself and quickly changed topics. “I have a favor I need of you. I have ideas for the tower room and would like your help.”
“I would love to help you. Tell me your ideas.”
The two women discussed the room until several yawns alerted them to the late hour. Brigid bid her goodnight, excited and ready to start the project they had discussed.
Reena was filled with excitement of her own, and though several yawns warned she was not far from slumber, she decided to finish a few details on the map she’d worked on.
A surprising growl from Horace, who lay curled in front of the hearth, alerted her to a late-night visitor. The flickering shadows in the room, the sound of crackling fire, the lateness of the hour and Horace’s steady growl gave her a sudden unease.
The knock eased her worry, though she called out, “Who is it?”
“Magnus.”
Her concern faded completely at the sound of his strong voice.
She bade him entrance.
“I saw the faint light under your door and could not believe you remained awake at this hour, and still working. And was that a growl I heard from my dog?”
Reena giggled. “I think he grows courageous with age.”
“But he growls at his master,” Magnus said with a laugh and a shake of his head.
Horace had already returned to his sound slumber, ignoring them both.
“You have worked since I left you?”
“Nay, Brigid visited, I wish only to finish a detail or two.”
“Brigid is good?” Magnus approached her desk.
Reena repeated her friend’s words. “She is at peace with life.”
“I am glad to hear that. She is a good woman.”
Reena thought to try once again and see if there was a chance for Magnus and Brigid, though she hesitated for a moment and wondered over her reluctance to speak.
