by John Ryan
“Aye, to his immense satisfaction, the Townsends were frequent guests at Dirleton. As fate would have it, they were there the day the castle was taken by Lord Devlin’s men,” Elspeth said.
Failing miserably to lighten her mien, Thayer suggested to his uncle that they continue their impromptu tour. As the trio neared the Manor, they were met by a tawny-hued, mop-topped lad of some nine years of age. By his begrimed attire and skin, he appeared to have been playing among the dirt of the fields for the better part of the day.
“‘ello, Colin. Who are these people?” quizzed the young boy as his large, clear blue eyes studied the new guests to the estate.
“Why, hello, Master Kevin” Colin replied enthusiastically. “I would like to introduce ye to Lady Elspeth Mourney and her friend, Sir Thayer MacCourt.”
“Wow, you’re right pretty, to be sure, Miss!” Kevin gushed as dusted himself off and smoothed his tassel of tawny locks.
“Ye have rather worthy taste in women, young lad,” Thayer chuckled.
“Elspeth, Thayer, allow me to introduce ye to Master Kevin Macintosh,” offered Colin warmly. “He was taken in by the Townsends after his parents were killed during the siege of Dirleton.”
Elspeth heart broke for the lad. Kevin reminded her so much of her beloved Murine. “I’m so very for your loss, Master Kevin,” Elspeth offered with sympathy.
“Thank ye kindly, Lady Elspeth. After the siege, I heard that your brother was taken prisoner. I am sorry for your loss as well.”
“Thank ye, Kevin,” Elspeth replied. “And, may I say, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Ye have a most pleasing way. Ye certainly must break many hearts hereabouts.”
His cheeks reddening at her sweet proclamation, Kevin blinked his eyes bashfully.
Redirecting his regard to Thayer, Kevin straightened his back and professed, “I will fight for her hand if ye wish, Sir Thayer.”
“I’m sorry, Master Kevin,” Thayer replied, “but ye have offered your suit a trifle late. The Lady is well spoken for. Yet, I admire your courage. Though of small stature, ye have a most stout heart.”
With an amused glance, Thayer turned to Elspeth.
“He reminds me of someone else at that age.”
“I doubt ye were quite as polite,” Elspeth replied, chuckling.
Kneeling down to address her pint-sized admirer, Elspeth placed a loving hand upon his begrimed sleeve and cooed, “Master Kevin, ye are surely the bravest lad in all of Lothian to challenge the likes of Sir Thayer. I am beholden to ye for your intentions. But alas, ‘tis true, I have given him me heart. Mayhap, if ye had offered your hand sooner… Nevertheless, I think Sir Thayer is much relieved that he will not have to face your worthy challenge.”
“That’s okay, Miss. I just as well go back to playing in yon field. I have nigh one hour before darkness sets. Have a nice day,” he said with a boyish smile.
Skipping away while warbling a gay tune, Kevin shot Thayer an angry scowl as he crossed his path. A few strides ahead, his frown instantly melted as he spied Elspeth’s sweet smile.
“Aye, mayhap he does remind me of someone after all,” Elspeth affirmed puckishly.
Thayer proffered his arm. Accepting it, Elspeth hooked her slender arm in his.
“I see we are finally prepared to reunite with your mother, m’dear,” Colin noted. “Good. Come, we’ll take this path. It leads directly to the front entrance of the Manor.”
The threesome strode along the garden path to come upon the Manor at last. Drawing a deep breath, Elspeth and Thayer watched in nervous anticipation as Colin clasped the heavy iron ring and rapped upon the door. The heavy mahogany door slowly creaked open. Rooted to the entranceway, the three peered into the shadowy foyer.
No one seemed to be at home.
Suddenly, Elspeth gasped in delight as Asilin bounded out of the foyer to greet her. Bending low, she swept the purring, mewing cat into her arms and smothered him with joyful kisses. Tears of joy streamed down her reddened cheeks, only to be happily lapped up by Asilin.
Between sniffles, Elspeth proclaimed, “Asilin, I missed ye so! I thought ye were lost to me forever!”
Thayer stood by Elspeth’s side, watching as Elspeth nuzzled Asilin’s nose with hers. He leaned closer to the rumbling mass of fur and cooed, “So, we meet again, Asilin! Remember me? Ye nearly led Elspeth right to me that day! I suppose I should thank ye, though. If ye hadn’t scaled that tree, I may not have had the opportunity to hold your beautiful master in my arms that fine day!”
Asilin trilled gleefully in response and gently pawed in his direction. With a gentle touch, Thayer stroked Asilin’s silken, shimmery fur and gave him a playful scratch under his chin.
“Miss Elspeth! Why, ‘tis high time ye showed up for dinner. You’re late!” The rousing joyful shout seemed to come from the hall.
Elspeth whirled round to a beaming Muirne approach, her arms outstretched.
“Oh, Muirne! I am so happy to see ye!” Elspeth shouted gleefully as she tumbled into Muirne’s welcoming embrace.
Muirne--her arms wrapped tightly around Elspeth’s waist--leaned back, remarking, “Well, let me have a look at ye, lassie!”
Her eyes swept Elspeth’s tear-streaked face. “Aye, by that glow upon your face, I see ye that ye have been well cared for. Is this strapping lad responsible, mayhap? There’s no need to respond with your words, lassie. Ye never could keep anything from me anyhoo. So, what is the name of this handsome man who has besotted ye so?”
“Forgive me, Muirne. His name is Sir Thayer MacCourt of Edinburgh,” Elspeth offered with a smile. Edging closer to Thayer, she gathered his fingers in her hand and pressed them against her cheek.
Thayer drew her hand to his lips, kissed it gently, and took a step forward to present himself before Muirne. With a cordial bow, he flashed a winning grin and swept his arm in a graceful arc before him.
Returning his smile, Muirne began to smooth the wrinkles in Elspeth’s skirt. Tilting her lips to Elspeth’s ear, she whispered, “A polite one indeed, lassie. And not so bad on the eyes, either!”
Cupping her hand over Muirne’s ear, Elspeth whispered, “Aye, and ye should see how he kisses...”
“Hush, child!” Muirne admonished in a feigned indignant tone as a puckish smile crept across her lips.
Thayer pretended not to hear.
Elspeth collapsed joyfully into Muirne’s arms and they hugged and laughed until they cried. Their mirth was contagious and Colin and Thayer soon joined them in a chorus of boundless laughter. The overwhelming joy in the room easily displaced the chill which had followed them from the courtyard.
With a bow, Colin dabbed the tears from his cheeks, proclaiming, “I must take me leave. Good evening, Muirne. Ye two, I will see ye later.”
Before departing, Colin planted a warm buss on Elspeth’s cheek. Her eyes aglow, Elspeth wrapped her slender arms around his bulky frame and gave him a long hug.
Turning to Thayer, Colin implored, “Take good care of her, Thayer. She’s a one in a million lass.”
“Nae, Uncle, she’s one in the world to me,” Thayer replied, casting his regard lovingly to Elspeth. He slipped his arm round her waist and drew her near.
“Muirne! What’s this din about? It sounds as though ye are raising the very devil out there. Has Colin been at the ale again?” Lady Fiona snapped as she came into view, bearing a decorative vase overflowing with thyme.
Espying her beloved daughter in the foyer, Lady Fiona stood in disbelief, her jaw agape. Her grip relaxed on the vase and it slipped from her grasp, shattering into dozens of tiny shards. Scores of the pottery skittered along the floor and rested at Elspeth’s feet.
Thayer scarcely had the time to release Elspeth before Lady Fiona strode forth and swept her daughter into her arms.
Kissing her on both cheeks, Lady Fiona happily exclaimed, “Oh, Elspeth! Me heart is so full of joy! I have missed ye mightily! I was so worried about ye!”
“Mother, how I have
longed to be home again! I have missed ye dearly as well!” Elspeth replied between sobs. She buried her face in her mother’s bosom and wept tears of joy.
Elspeth’s heart overflowed with love. It effused her entire being, a warmth to be relished. Now, if only she could reunite with her brother and father, her happiness would be complete.
A wistful smile hovered about Elspeth’s lips as she tentatively implored: “Mother, is there any further word of Graham or Sir MacCourt?”
Gathering her daughter’s hands in hers, she replied, “Naught of late, I’m very sorry to say, Elspeth. We know they remain imprisoned in the tower of Dirleton.”
As if to remove the pain of her words, she consoled, “There is some good news, however. Though your cousin, Brice, has been forced into service by Lord Devlin, it has worked decidedly to our advantage. On occasion, he has had the opportunity to look in on them. Verily, that lad risks his neck for our family. He tells us that while Sir MacCourt looks to be fully healed, Graham remains weak. He did say, however, that his wounds did show some signs of improvement.”
“Mother, has anything been done to try to secure their release?”
“We dispatched a courier to speed word to your father after we received tidings that he survived the battle of Sterling Bridge. The next day, two wounded knights of Dirleton returned to this burgh. They were sent here to mend by your father. After they have recuperated, they are to remain here to serve as our protection. Nonetheless, neither knight was aware of our messenger. Further, the messenger has yet to return to us. So, ye see, Elspeth, we ken that your father is alive but we do not ken if he received our message.”
Heartened by the news of her beloved father’s well-being, Elspeth managed a weak smile. Tenderly freeing one arm from her mother’s embrace, she stretched it in Thayer’s direction.
Wrapping her slender fingers about his wrist, she gently tugged Thayer’s forearm toward her mother. “Mother, this is the real Sir Thayer of Edinburgh,” Elspeth offered.
“I dinna understand, child. I thought Thayer was in the tower with your brother,” Lady Fiona said, her brow furrowed.
“‘Tis a rather long story, Mother. I promise I will tell ye all tonight over dinner.”
“Very well, child, but there is one report I have received that I must insist ye address ‘ere we sup,” Lady Fiona proposed giddily. “Is it true what Colin said? Has your heart finally been tamed? If this is indeed true, then surely he is a most honorable man, whichever MacCourt he may be!”
“Aye, ‘tis true, Mother,” Elspeth affirmed with a smile. “And ye are beholding him by my side.”
Breathlessly, she awaited her mother’s response.
“Then ‘tis high time for a celebration!” Lady Fiona exclaimed jubilantly. “With so much strife and worry swirling about us, I ken we could all use a little temporary diversion. Muirne, gather the servants post-haste! Have them fetch the finest mead and ale from the cellar. Tell them to prepare a feast fit for Dirleton Castle!”
With a beaming smile, Muirne replied, “Right away, Lady Fiona. Right away!”
Kissing both of Elspeth’s cheeks, Muirne bolted from the room, ribbons of laughter in her wake. Her gleeful orders could be heard echoing throughout the Manor.
“Elspeth, dear, please go to Muirne and help her to prepare the feast. We are a little shy of servants these days,” Lady Fiona instructed. Sliding her hand to the small of Elspeth’s back, she gently ushered her toward the kitchen. Elspeth kissed her mother tenderly and cast a loving glance at Thayer before sweeping out of the room.
Alone with Thayer, Lady Fiona cast her regard warmly upon him. Her eyes shone with much the grandeur of her daughter’s. And the corners of her ruby red lips curved into a comforting, sweet smile. Inwardly, Thayer marveled at how she elegantly she had retained her beauty through the years. He had no doubt Elspeth would fare the same. Not that it would matter one whit, he mulled. Elspeth would remain beautiful to him forever.
“Thayer, let us walk. I wish to have a word with ye,” Lady Fiona proposed.
“T’would be me honor, m’lady,” Thayer acquiesced offering his arm.
Coupling her arm around the crook of his elbow, Lady Fiona elegantly swept her free hand forward, indicating the path ahead. They strolled down the narrow corridor and into the next room.
Though the chambers were somewhat cramped, it was quite cozy. In its midst was a great stone hearth abutted by a pair of pine cases stacked generously with books. The fire crackled in the hearth and a cupboard--well stocked with spirits--stood with its doors open as if to welcome them.
“Thayer, your reputation precedes ye,” Lady Fiona declared as she reached into a cupboard and emerged with a bottle of red wine and two silver goblets. With a graceful pull on the stopper of silver, Lady Fiona opened the bottle and proceeded to fill the two chalices.
Gratefully accepting her offering with a nod, Thayer asked, “Which reputation would that be, m’lady?”
“Your Uncle Colin told me of your deep sense of honor and valor.” Raising her goblet to toast her guest, Lady Fiona added, “He also said that ye are ken to be as fierce in battle as ye are tender in love. ‘Tis said that ye squire a new lass nigh every new moon.”
“I shall have to speak with Uncle Colin post-haste,” Thayer replied wryly as he took a long pull from his goblet. The fiery liquid felt good as it easily slid down his throat. Unfortunately, no amount of alcohol could alleviate the heat he felt rush to his cheeks.
“Thayer, your reputation with the women of Scotland afore ye met me daughter matters naught to me,” Lady Fiona asserted, lifting her goblet before gracefully sipping from it. “Me only concern is that ye will remain faithful to her and cherish her. She is a fine a woman as I could ever have hoped to have raised and her happiness means the world to me.”
“Aye, and to me as well,” Thayer declared earnestly. “I deeply regret the ruse I affected upon Elspeth and your clan. If I must spend my life trying to make it up to your daughter, it is a lot I accept whole-heartedly. However, I assure ye, Lady Fiona, me intentions are most honorable. ‘Tis me expressed desire to seek her hand. Yet, I shall await word from your husband. And,” he petitioned as he raised his goblet to hers, “I would be most grateful and beholden if ye would consider bestowing your blessing as well.”
“Well, it seems that me daughter has already given her heart to ye and I am inclined to believe your intentions are honorable. I would be remiss in my duties as a mother if I were to not welcome ye with open arms.”
Elated at the declaration, Thayer bowed before kissed his future mother-in-law gently upon her cheek and bounding out of the room to seek Elspeth. He couldn’t wait another minute to tell her of her mother’s blessing.
Chapter Fifteen
The warmth lingering from Lady Fiona’s blessing, Thayer searched throughout the Manor for Elspeth. His search was brief as the sounds of felicitous chattering soon directed him to the Manor’s kitchen, nestled in the far corner of the dwelling.
“Ah, there ye are, Elspeth!” Thayer proclaimed ecstatically. “Ye dinna think that ye could hide from me, now?”
Hearing his voice, Elspeth whirled round. A radiant smile curled her ruby red lips. Her eyes twinkled with mirth.
Spying her, Thayer pondered, By the grace o’ God Almighty, never have I beheld such a beautiful creature! Even as she toils in the kitchen with the servants! Forsooth, I am truly blessed!
Thayer’s appreciative gaze swept Elspeth from her toes to her tresses. Her golden gunna, freckled with stains of molasses and blotted with dabs of corn meal, was hiked up to afford her freer movement as she toiled.
Its shortened length didn’t go unnoticed by Thayer.
Sweeping his ardent gaze upward from her long, slender legs to her exquisite face, Thayer noted that her auburn plaits had been trussed into a ponytail. A single, errant, crimson coil draped defiantly between her eyes.
He laughed aloud as Elspeth crossed her eyes and puffed at the misbehaving ringlet
in a fruitless effort to cast it aside.
“So, Thayer, care to join me?” Elspeth chaffed as she gestured to her preparation table, which lay in complete disarray.
“Nae, m’love,” Thayer said, waving his hands in front of his body. “I wouldn’t wish to purloin that particular pleasure from ye. Besides, as ye ken, the dish I am most apt at preparing is haggis. If I cook that, I think your mother would take back the blessing she just gave me.”
“Blessing?” Elspeth gasped.
“Aye. Though I ken the match is already sanctioned by both of our clans, I wanted to secure your mother’s blessing. Especially now that she knows who I truly am. I ken how important it is to ye.”
“I love ye so much, Thayer!” Elspeth choked out amid tears of joy. She looped her arms around his husky neck and kissed him. An errant dab of flour which clung to the tip of her nose cleaved to his after their lips parted.
Thayer playfully dabbed it back onto her nose and kissed her tenderly. “And I love ye, Elspeth. I’ll leave ye to your cooking, my sweet. Mayhap I will go back to the stables and check on Ethelion. He could use a good brushing and some fresh oats.”
Snatching a handful of sugar cubes from a nearby saucer, Elspeth slid her hand under his forearm and deposited them in his open palm, curling his fingers around them. A broad grin crept across his face as he relished the warmth of her touch.
“Take them to Ethelion, Thayer. From one beast to another. I’m sure he’ll give ye a good ride if ye but have a sweet approach.”
Grinning wickedly, Thayer took one of the cubes from his hand and gingerly held it against Elspeth’s lips, murmuring: “Will it work with ye as well, m’love?”
He watched as her eyes drifted away and her lips curled in a dreamy smile, though she said nothing.
Thayer declared, “Mayhap, then this will suffice.”