A year later
Sitting at her new dressing table, Mary ran her finger beneath the red wax seal of a letter from Lilas. She hadn’t received a letter from Castleton in some time and her hands trembled a bit, anxious for news. It wasn’t that Mary missed the old castle on the southern finger of the Isle of Skye, but she did pine for her family at times.
Don had seen to her comfort beyond her dreams and over the past year, they’d built a life in Glasgow—had even purchased an estate in Renfrewshire to allow for a growing family.
She unfolded the parchment.
Dearest Sister,
I am writing this on my nineteenth Saints day. As I awoke, I thought of all the things that have changed over the years and of all the things that I miss. Life in Castleton has grown ever so dreary without you.
But that will change, too.
You’ll be happy to hear Mrs. Watt has mellowed since you left. Perhaps your talks with Da served to bring about the needed effect. She’s behaved thoughtfully toward me and Florence, and especially Rabbie. Fortunately, she and Raymond are more amenable as of late, too. Moreover, Da has asked the widow to marry him and they plan to wed in midsummer. Has he written you of this news? I rather doubt it. He has been otherwise occupied and in his solar less often.
I will not be in Castleton for the wedding, as he has arranged for me to be fostered by Lady Forbes in Aberdeenshire until I attain the age of one and twenty. I’m looking forward to the change, though a tad nervous since I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Lady Forbes. I hear she has a son my age.
Hmm.
Possibly Da is up to his scheming again?
I suppose time will tell.
You’ll be happy to hear Rabbie has become a true musketeer and hits the target nearly every shot, and Florence has become quite proficient at the pianoforte.
I do miss you and hope you can visit me at the Forbes estate. Wouldn’t that be a boon?
Wishing you happiness,
Lilas
Sighing, Mary folded the missive just as Don opened the door. “Good news?”
She held up the parchment. “A letter from Lilas. She says she’ll be fostered by Lady Forbes and Da plans to marry Mrs. Watt midsummer.”
Don leaned against the door jamb, looking relaxed and very gallant in his kilt and waistcoat. “That is good news on both counts.”
“Yes, for Lilas.” Mary pursed her lips and sighed.
“And your father—he’ll be well cared for.”
Alas, she had to give in. The widow would make Da happy and that’s what mattered for him. “True, I can attest to that. Goodness, it seems things never do stay the same.” Mary watched her dashing husband take long strides into the chamber. “That reminds me. How should we go about making a match between Miss Barbara and Sir Coll?”
Donald stopped short. “My sister—”
“Will be one and twenty in a year’s time,” Mary finished, eyeing him.
“But Sir Coll is too rough around the edges. Though I’d have no other clan chief beside me in battle, I’m afraid he’s unsuitable for Barbara.” Oh, how adorable he looked when a tad flummoxed.
Mary held up a finger. “Only the heart kens when a match is right.”
“But they are so different,” Don grumbled. “Barbara is enamored with new gowns and shopping and royal balls.”
“Have you asked her what she wants?”
“Nay.”
“Perhaps you should start there.”
“I’ll think on it. Mayhap I’ll have a change of heart when she’s nearer her twenty-first.” Moving behind Mary, Don smoothed his hands over her swollen belly and regarded her in the mirror. “And how are you faring?”
Mary put her hands atop his so they both cradled their unborn. “Better now you’re here.”
“And our son?”
She giggled. “Or daughter.” With her laughter came a hearty kick.
“Oh my.” Don’s eyes grew wide. “I felt that one, and with a boot as powerful as that, the bairn must be a lad for certain.”
Mary leaned her head against Donald’s arm and closed her eyes. “I care not, as long as the babe is healthy.”
“With a mother as bonny and vigorous as you, I have no doubt our child will be of solid Highland stock.” He drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I love you, Lady Mary, and I always will.”
The End