But when she started to enter Ross’s home, he stopped her. “Did you forget that we’re sleeping in the keep this night?”
She colored, but before she could say anything, Mairin blurted out, “Will we have our own bed, Da?”
“Not yet. But if there’s time, I’ll try to make one for you soon.”
His admission didn’t dim the girl’s excitement and Mairin eagerly pulled Laren toward the wooden structure. Once they were inside, he arranged for some straw mattresses and blankets for the girls. Laren put them both to bed in a warm corner of the keep.
Only after they were asleep did she finally rise and move toward the other side of the keep where he’d arranged for them to rest.
“You’re angry,” he said, catching her by the arm.
She didn’t speak, but her hands were clenched at her sides. He could feel the emotions simmering deep inside her and doubted if any words he spoke would assuage her.
“I won’t apologize for what I did. They needed to know.” He tried to touch her shoulder, but she closed her eyes as if in pain.
“Four of them followed me to the cavern. They wanted to watch.”
He moved in front of her, forcing her to face him. “What you do is nothing short of magical. It’s understandable.”
“I don’t want them watching me.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I started one of the melts, but they kept asking me questions. I feel as if I’ve lost my sanctuary.”
“What are you afraid of, Laren?”
“I hate it when they stare at me.” Turning her head slightly, he saw the glitter of tears. “Even though I know my work is good, I can’t stop remembering the things they used to say about my family when we were growing up. Now I’ll have to endure their stares every day.”
He leaned in until their bodies were close together. She let out a shuddering breath when his chest pressed against her breasts. “I never believed any of those things. You weren’t to blame for your father.”
“He did the best he could,” she whispered, “but it wasn’t enough.” She moved to face him and in her blue eyes he saw the pain. “I shouldn’t care what they think of me, should I?”
“They were intrigued by your skill. Not even Father Nolan could make glass the way you do. Monroe asked if you would allow him to help you and Ramsay.”
“I don’t understand why,” she said. “Why would you tell them now, instead of after I’ve finished the windows?”
“Because you need help. And because I want you to stay closer to the fortress.”
Her eyes flashed with anger and he held up a hand. “Hear me out. I’m not forbidding you to make the glass windows. You can cut the pieces here, in the keep.”
“But the glass—“
“You have enough colors to do most of the work.” He’d seen the dozens of panes for himself. “Ramsay and Monroe can make the glass and bring it to you here.”
She stared at him. “What aren’t you telling me, Alex?”
“I’m leaving with my brothers in a few days. I won’t let Harkirk be a threat to us any longer.”
Thewinterwindsweptacross the hills, drawing grey clouds that threatened snow. The priest from the abbey, Father Stephen, had returned a day ago to check on Laren’s progress, but just as before, Alex didn’t allow him to stay longer than an hour. He didn’t want the priest anywhere near his wife.
When he entered the cavern, he ordered Monroe and Ramsay to go back to the keep. “I want to speak to Laren alone.”
While Monroe wasted no time, Ramsay finished putting a clay crucible into the furnace and looked to Laren for permission. “Go on,” she said. “It won’t be ready for hours yet. You can return after sundown.”
Alex moved to the table, resting his hands on either side, waiting for Laren to look at him. Her hands faltered upon the glass and she set down her cutting tool.
He saw her grow waxen, her fingers trembling. She closed her eyes and sank down upon the bench, lowering her head to her knees as though she were lightheaded.
“What is it?” Immediately, he went to her side, kneeling with his arm around her waist for support.
“It’s the same as before. If I stand for too long, I feel faint.” He didn’t like hearing it, for the long hours were taking their toll. He touched her face, seeing the circles beneath her eyes.
