The Twisted Laird

by Cherime MacFarlane

  His bi-colored eyes smiled into hers. "Aye. Let me help ye. Here." Taking her by the shoulders, Edan pushed her upright. "Get it over an done with, lass. I'm far tae warm in another place an I mean tae make ye as hot as I am."

  Relaxing back into the bedding as she massaged his leg, Edan sighed in pleasure. "Soon as ye're done. Tha kettle is still hanging over tha fire. Wash yur hands an bring yur sweet self back up here quickly. I'm only awake by ah hair, luv."

  For the next two nights, Jamie joined them for the evening meal. The two men discussed where to take the few goods that were ready for the market. They had several excellent pieces of woolen cloth woven by Daracha and Cadha. It was decided to take the cloth to the woolen market in four of Edan's chests.

  As there was no real furniture market, he could at least show what he was able to make. Jamie's market garden was not producing yet, but he agreed to go along to give Edan any help he might need.

  Cadha would go as well since she was the senior weaver and could answer any questions a customer might ask. Daracha insisted on staying behind. She was in the process of working on a piece of linen and was in a hurry to finish it. The weave had a complicated design on the selvage which required all her attention.

  Friday dawned gray and foggy. Edan was glad they were carrying the fabric in the chests. He had added the inset hinges and locking mechanisms to the four chests. Four stools found their way into the cart. Three were to sit on and the fourth could be sold, if there was a buyer.

  Edan planned a trip to the vegetable and meat markets to purchase supplies within a day or two. He was hoping they would sell enough to purchase what they needed. Then there was the question of lumber. Without some good planks, he would not be able to make any more furniture.

  Oak would be good, but he had heard about a new wood being imported from America. 1Mahogany was the name Edan heard mentioned the last time he and Hamish made the trip to Glasgow. If he was able to make any sales, Edan was determined to speak with every captain of each ship docked at the Broomielaw. He needed a contact to obtain the new lumber.

  A small plank would serve well enough for him to make a little trinket box. Then he could determine the usefulness of the material. It was supposed to polish up beautifully to a rich, dark, lustrous sheen. Every time he thought of the possibilities of working, what he understood to be a fine grained, dense wood, he became more determined to find some.

  First, he must sound out the market for his product. Cadha and Jamie chatted incessantly during the drive to market cross. Nervous, Edan wiped first one palm then the other on the tail of his shirt as he drove the small cart.

  On reaching the vicinity of market cross, he was further intimidated by the press of horse and hand carts converging on the area. There were stalls going up everywhere with so much noise, Edan thought his head would explode. Certain vendors had been erecting their market stalls on the same place for two or three generations.

  Hoping to simply park the cart, he asked several vendors where he might do so without infringing on anyone else's site. The place he finally settled on was farther away from the main area than Edan liked. As it was on Trongate Street, it was also far closer to the tolbooth than he preferred. Edan hated the sight of the jail.

  Together, he and Jamie removed the sides of the cart and placed them beneath its wheels, to stabilize them. They unhitched the horse and hobbled it, so it would stay close.

  A container of grain and bucket of water for both humans and the animal sat under the seat of the cart. They had a shovel as well, as it would be far better to clean up after the animal at the end of the day. Anything they could do to endear themselves to those in power, short of bending over to be buggered, was advisable.

  The first people to wander over to view the merchandise were clearly other vendors. Dressed plainly, everyone hoped to give an impression of solid working people. To dress too well would lead customers to feel the goods would be too expensive. Dressing in rags would put off potential customers, as they might be frightened off.

  It was a delicate balance, something of which Edan was already aware, having come to market many times through the years with his father or Hamish. Selling sheep or cattle was far different from putting your creations up for view. Certainly, there would be those who would seek out any minute flaw they could find, in order to drive a better bargain.

  Being aware of what would happen and dealing with it were two distinctly different things. Prepared to deal with the woolens, he was not prepared to deal with the chests. A strategy occurred to Edan, he would take over selling the woolens and let Cadha sell the wooden items.

  They opened the chests and took out the woolen goods. Draping them over the front of the chests, Edan arranged them so they could be easily seen. Four chests, three sides. Two chests occupied the tail end of the cart and one each faced the lowered sides.

  A high stool he had finished only the night before was placed on the left side for him. There he could lean against the cart if he needed to, or sit on the stool. His right side was protected no matter which he chose.

  Cadha took the other stool and placed it on the right side of the cart. Jamie chose to walk around for the moment, leaving the actual selling to Edan and Cadha. He would be involved in the vegetable market soon enough. For the moment, he wished to scout out the area.

  Having brought along several pieces of scrap oak, Edan brought out a sharp knife and began to busy himself carving. Cadha brought knitting. She was working on a very intricate sweater pattern.

  It was better to look busy. Often times, customers were lured in by simple curiosity. They wanted to see what the vendor was doing. It was a tactic MacGroughs had used at market for years. He and Cadha concentrated on their projects, as they waited on the customers. It was all they could do.

  Chapter Twenty - Two

  Fog burned away and the sun warmed the earth. Rhona took the children on a walk away from the cottage. Since Adie and Blane were excused from the shop, she thought an expedition to Broomielaw to view the ships might be in order. They could explore the docks. During the height of the day would be a good time. So long as they stayed out of the way of the stevedores, there should be no problem.

  The two youngest children, Lilas and Sim, would be staying behind with her mother. Rhona was as eager to explore as any of the older children. Never having had time to really view the ocean going ships, she was hoping to get close enough to have a good look at the vessels which brought so many things to Scotland.

  Rhona made the two boys, Adie and Blane promise to stay close to her. The girls, Isa and Lara would not be a problem. Her instructions also included staying well clear of the edge of the docks.

  The five of them left the cottage as soon as the last tendrils of gray left the roadway. Laughing as they strode along, the girls stayed close and Isa pushed her hand into Rhona's. Adie stationed himself in front of his little brother, Rhona, and the girls.

  Turning onto Broomielaw from their quiet little lane was almost frightening. The noise and bustle was amazing. Men seemed to be scurrying from one place to another almost like insects whose nest had been disturbed. The tall masts of two ships tied up at the jetty, rocked occasionally, as men trooped up and down the gangplank. Those going empty handed back on the ship had to turn sideways to dodge the stevedores coming down with their loads.

  Standing awestruck at the scene laid out, they tried to stay out of the way. Rhona watched the activity on the jetty. There was a crane, which was being used to off load heavy cargo from the hold of the second ship. The crane immediately took the boy's attention.

  Adie stepped forward without looking around him and ran into the legs of a man striding toward the second vessel. With a raised fist, the man moved to knock the boy out of his way.

  Without a word, Rhona jerked Adie backward by the collar of his shirt. The glare the man turned on her quickly became a look of interest.

  "I ken I've seen ye ahfore." He reached forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. />
  Rhona shrugged him off as she lowered her eyes. "Nae, sir." She took two steps backward, dragging Adie with her as she went.

  "Och! Well, now lassie. Ye mayn't have seen me, but I've seen ye. Where're ye from?"

  Knowing quite well where he had seen her, Rhona only shook her head as she kept her face lowered. She had only seen Tally Smith one time, the morning they left Ian Smith's yard. She couldn't tell him more or he would guess where they had encountered one another.

  This man was not someone she wanted to know better. But, he was insistent.

  "It'll come tae me, lass. Per'aps we should step over tae tha side an discuss it ah mite."

  "Nae, sir. Me man is coming along shortly. Tha weans an I were tae meet here wi' him. Taking passage tae America are we."

  It was the first thing to enter her mind. Rhona hoped if Smith thought he was never going to see her again, he might not bother her further. But he was determined, and Rhona discovered her first idea may have put her in far worse jeopardy.

  "Per'aps, as ye're leaving tha country, ye might like ah bit of coin. Ye could leave tha weans against the side o tha shed an we could go round tha back."

  Ceasing her slow movement away from him toward the side of the shed, Rhona gathered the children to her. "Nae! I'm nae ah loose woman. Me man would come undone, sir."

  "Who's tae ken. Ye're going across tha ocean. What's tha harm in ah quick toss? An, I'd make it worth yur time."

  Pulling up a pouch from his belt, Tally reached in to pull out a coin. Rhona saw it between his fingers. There was little time. With her head still lowered, she moved slightly forward, pretending to pull Blane closer. Rhona stumbled and her hand hit Smith's. The coin flew from his fingers. When he turned slightly to see where it had fallen, she picked up her skirts and ran.

  Not wanting him to see where they lived, she took off behind the shed. The children were in no danger if they ran. She hoped they understood everyone needed to get far from Tally Smith. One small hand touched her on the arm.

  "This way! Come wi' me!" Lara called out as she sprinted ahead.

  The broom bushes were thick behind the building. Lara dashed through an opening which Rhona had to turn sideways to push through.

  "Lower yur head!" Lara reached back and took hold of Rhona's fingers. "He'll nae follow us intae here. Tha brush might tear his pretty clothing!"

  Pulling Rhona along behind her, the girl finally reached a place where an old stump had created a hollow in the middle of the plants. Slapping her hand to her chest, Rhona tried to steady her breathing as she fell to the ground.

  Adie dropped down beside her. Blaine followed, still holding tightly to Isa's dress. The younger girl threw herself into Rhona's lap and began to sob.

  Lara ran a small hand down Isa's red braid. "Wheesht!" she said softly, with her lips close to Isa's ear. "Ye nae want him tae hear ye."

  Looking up at Lara, Isa shook her head. "Nae, ...I.. dinnae."

  "Och! Truly. We must get home with him nae seeing us. I've ah way, but 'tis nae easy. Ye'll all need tae do exactly as I say. Mind?" Lara said softly, as she looked around at the others breathing heavily around her.

  "Ye cannae stay in there. There's nae other way out. Tha swamp is at yur back. I can see tha bushes move an I'll ken tha way ye choose. Come ah long, lass. Ye're wasting my time an I dinnae care for it." Smith's voice floated across the expanse of broom bushes they were concealed in.

  "Tha swamp?" Rhona mouthed to Lara.

  "Aye. I ken my way round in it. We'll need tae take our shoes an stockings off. Ye'll need tae tie up yur skirts. Ye might sink in somewhat, being heavier an all."

  Rhona sat cross legged to remove her shoes and stockings. "An how might ye be so familiar with tha swamp? Dinnae I recall ye being told tae stay out of there?"

  "'Tis nae tha time tae be asking that." Lara hissed out. "How else do ye expect ah body tae get any peace. What with minding Sim, Isa and Lilas, tha only place tae draw ah free breath is tha middle of tha mess."

  Rhona understood far better than Lara suspected. She had her own hidey holes in the glen as a child. If Lara got them home without having to deal with Tally, Rhona would keep her lip buttoned.

  "Och! I ken yur point, lass. But how are we tae move toward tha swamp without him seeing tha brush move?"

  Lara grinned. Her missing eye tooth caused her smile to look slightly evil. "We're going tae crawl. How else? Watch close, there're things tae puncture knees an hands. We'll go slow. But, keep shut! If ye hurt yurselves, haud yer wheesht. There's ah bit of open ground before entering tha swamp, an we nae want him tae head us off there."

  There were nods of agreement. Lara waited until Rhona's skirts were tied up between her legs before moving off. She made a sharp turn and disappeared behind a bush. Following closely behind her, Rhona was kept busy watching where she put her hands and knees. Glancing up every so often, she tried to keep Lara in sight.

  The dark haired girl stopped short, causing Rhona to nearly run into her. Lara turned with a finger across her lips. Once everyone was clustered around her, Lara pointed to a stand of brush and trees across a small open space in front of them.

  Turning to look at Adie, Lara whispered. "I nae see him. 'Tis nae far. I'm thinking Adie and me will take Blane. If we each hold his hand, we can run across. Just tae tha left of tha tree is where we'll enter tha swamp. Rhona, ye take Isa. Run as if tha Devil was nipping at ye. But, ye all must let me go first. Then ye, Rhona. Adie, ye bring up tha rear. Ye up for it?"

  Rhona nodded. Everyone else did as well. Wondering if she would make it home or sink into the swamp, she resolved to follow Lara. The child evidently knew what she was about and Rhona had no other choice.

  Adie slipped across Rhona's bare legs and took Blane's right hand. Lara took his left and looked up into Rhona's face. The child's dark eyes were shining. "Ready? Och! Now!" she hissed out.

  As soon as the two older children dashed off with Blane between them, Rhona snatched Isa up and took off running behind them. Shoulders hunched, Rhona was waiting for a shout or something, to tell her they had been seen. There was nothing.

  Slipping into the space next to the tree, Lara once again seemed to disappear. Behind the stunted oak tree was a small tussock. Lara, Adie and Blane were waiting there for Rhona.

  "I'll go first." The girl looked up at Rhona, as if measuring her. "Stay right behind me, but nae pushing, mind? I've come this far ah time or tae but nae that often. Still, I've been here, or I wouldnae ken the tree an this spot. Ken?"

  Turning, she looked up at a limb on the tree. Rhona noticed Lara lined herself up with the direction the limb was pointing. In a sing song voice, Lara began to speak softly.

  "From tha limb of tha tree, of big steps, take three." Then, she did exactly that.

  Rhona followed right behind her. They stepped out into the murky water and Rhona nearly flinched when the mud squished out between her toes. Lara went up to her ankles and Rhona to her calves, but she followed right behind the child.

  "Tae tha left now turn, make for the bank, 'tis nae ah burn." Lara mumbled under her breath.

  It was indeed a song of sorts. Lara had committed the way to memory by making a rhyme of it. Rhona nodded to herself. The child was very intelligent. Resolving to teach the girl everything she knew, Rhona relaxed and followed her guide through the swamp.

  Coming out of the swamp on the back side of the market garden, they were behind the cottage. The five of them dropped down to the thick grass.

  "Ye're nae going tae tell on me? I'm thinking mayhap we should all keep shut. 'Tis likely tha Laird would nae be pleased with this day's adventure." Lara looked up knowingly at Rhona.

  Och! Ye're ah sharp one! Rhona thought as she stared at Lara. The child was well aware of the problems between Edan and Rhona.

  With a grin, Rhona looked at Lara. "An how do ye propose tae keep tha weans silent?"

  A hint of a smile curved up the corners of Lara's mouth as she turned to Adie and Blane. "Lads,
ye've nae wish tae have tha Laird relieve ye of yur duties, do ye?"

  After sharing a look, Adie and Blane looked at Lara. "Nae. We'll keep buttoned up." Adie replied.

  Lara held her arms out for Isa. "Now, hen. Do ye want me tae tell yur mither about ye getting intae her things? Tha pouch she told ye tae keep out of?"

  Isa promptly shoved her thumb into her mouth and stared wide eyed at Lara. The small child shook her red head so hard, the braid flopped over her shoulder.

  "I thought ye might not want yur mither tae get wind of that bit of mischief." Lara tipped her head to one side as she glanced at Rhona. "Aye. 'Twas a nice day we had paddling in tha burn that feeds tha swamp. Who wants tae mess about in muddy old water? Surely, tha swamp is tae dirty an God only kens what might be in it."

  It was all settled. They each knew what story to tell when asked where they had become all mussed and barefoot. Rhona knew she would never again believe most of what Lara told her. The child was far too good at covering her tracks.

  Chapter Twenty - Three

  Three of the chests were sold by day's end. The last one was purchased with a caveat. The buyer would take the chest if Edan was able to carve a decorative border on three sides of the lid. A vine with rose like flowers was the gentleman's wish. The fee for holding the chest was paid to Edan and both men shook on the agreement. Edan pushed it to the front of the cart, out of sight of prospective buyers.

  All the lengths of material were gone before the deal for the last chest was finalized. One young woman pestered her parents for nearly a half hour for one particular length. It was a finely woven wool, with accents of beige and light green on a cream background.

  Knowing better than to count the money where they were parked, Edan wished to leave as soon as they could. He asked their neighbors on either side, if it would meet with their approval for Edan to occupy the same space the following week. As MacGrough goods had brought customers around to the area they were agreeable.