Anger rose up from inside her, betrayal that he’d told another woman of her shame. “No. I’m fine.”
“Trahern said that you lost your babe, a few weeks ago,” Aileen said gently. “He wanted to ensure that you’ve fully healed.”
“I have,” she snapped. “And I need no one to examine me.”
She knew she sounded ungrateful and harsh, but she couldn’t understand why he’d revealed her secret.
“Trahern, leave us,” Aileen ordered. Though her voice was calm, there was a firm tone to it. He looked as though he didn’t want to, but in the end, he obeyed.
Aileen closed the door behind him. After long moments passed, she admitted, “He’s afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“He tended you that night, and he’s afraid he did something wrong. He wanted to be sure that you were all right.”
“I am.” Morren gripped her arms, rubbing them for warmth.
“I know what it’s like to lose a child,” Aileen said. Upon her face were the lines of sorrow, the unspoken pain. “I went through six years of being childless. And I’ve miscarried several times.” She pulled up a chair and sat down. “I won’t ask you questions you don’t want to answer. But know that you’ve a friend to speak with, if you have the need.”
Morren’s chest ached, and she clenched her teeth together. No, she didn’t want to talk about it. She wanted to forget all about the pain and devastation of that night.
But she answered, “That’s kind of you.” She met Aileen’s gaze, adding, “The bleeding stopped several days ago. I’ll be all right.”
“If you start to feel feverish, or if you have any more cramping, please tell me. I’ll do what I can.” Changing the subject, Aileen said, “Would you like to help with the preparations for Samhain? I’m certain Isabel would be glad of an extra set of hands.”
Morren nodded, grateful for a means of occupying herself.
“We’re helping the children make masks this afternoon,” Aileen said. “They usually wear them on Samhain eve, but the adults also wear their own masks. After the children have gone to asleep, we have our own celebration. The masks can make the evening more adventurous.”
Aileen began to lead the way down the stairs. Halfway, she stopped and regarded her. “He cares about you, Trahern does. If you’re wanting more than friendship, you’ve only to reach out to him.”
Morren said nothing, for she didn’t know what to think any more. She was still upset with him for telling Aileen about her lost child.
He wanted to be sure you were all right, Aileen had said.
It hur that he’d revealed her shame to someone else. Had he told Aileen about that night? Did the healer know more than she should?
Though Trahern had intended to ensure that she was all right, it felt like a betrayal. Her stomach twisted with nerves when she walked downstairs with Aileen.
Inside the Great Chamber, long tables were heaped with food. Freshly baked fish, meat pies, and boiled goose eggs were offered for all to share. Aileen brought her to sit with the family, and Morren saw that Trahern had also changed his clothing. Unbidden, she found herself staring at him.
He truly was a handsome man, with sharp features. There was a great deal of his grandfather’s blood within him, for now that she could see him among his brothers, she realized that he didn’t resemble them much at all. Only their eyes were similar in color.
When Trahern caught sight of her, he crossed the room to take her palm in his. He led her to sit beside him, murmuring, “You look beautiful,a chara.”
His compliment was unexpected. Beautiful wasn’t the word she’d use to describe herself. She murmured her thanks but didn’t meet his eyes.
He leaned in, his breath upon her ear. “I told Aileen nothing, except that you lost your babe. That’s all.”
He’d sensed what was troubling her. She couldn’t stop the relief, knowing that her terrible secret was safe. She rested her cheek against his. “I wish you hadn’t said anything.” Her loss was still too raw, and she didn’t want to think of it.
“I want you to be all right,” he said, his hand reaching around to touch her neck. “I couldn’t do much for you that night. And when you refused to see theLochlannachhealer, I thought you might agree to let Aileen help you.”
“I’d rather not,” she said, pulling back. Forcing herself to look into his eyes, she added, “I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. I thought you told Aileen . . . everything.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you.”
She squeezed his hand in silent forgiveness, and he walked her toward his family, who were seated at a long table upon a dais. They were prevented from further conversation when they sat among the other MacEgans.
