Seeing the framing on the back of the house, Bethoc asked, “Is that what ye plan to do here?”
“Aye, but ye already have the chimney to use.” He winked at her. “Will get that closed in ere the winter comes and can do the rest during the cold time.”
“So, are ye nay coming back to Whytemont then?” asked Callum.
“I dinnae think so,” he answered, and sighed. “Nay certain. She and Magnus live at her house and I stay here. ’Tis probably best for now but e’en my patient nature is being tested by it. Building helps.”
“Where are the boys?”
“In the fields, sweetling, but they are due to come home or I would have gone out to tell them ye are here.” He glanced at the front door. “Laurel and Magnus should come soon. She insists on feeding us.” He grinned. “Told her I can do it myself and the boys said they kenned a lot but she wouldnae hear of it.”
Margaret heard the boys before Bethoc did and raced out the back to greet them. A laughing Colin entered with her clinging to him. Bethoc took her as he and Bean washed up and saw that they had grown some. They were turning into two very handsome young men. It was not until they were all seated at the table, the boys talking about the harvest, that she realized they had also changed in temperament. Gone was the precise recitation of facts, replaced by a vigorous discussion of the harvest.
They could now truly enjoy pride in what they did, she decided. Their work was both appreciated and complimented on by Robbie and Callum but they also knew the money it would bring would truly be theirs. It was their home now, she thought, and felt both pleased for them and worried about what she would face when she was alone again.
A knock came at the door and everyone grew silent. Robbie frowned as he stood up and went toward the door. Bethoc looked at frowning Colin and cocked one brow.
“Should be Laurel and Magnus bringing our meal,” Colin said, “but she ne’er knocks. As Robbie’s lady she just walks in, ye ken.”
“Robbie’s lady?”
“Aye, although I am thinking she doesnae ken it yet.” He grinned.
Bethoc grinned back and looked toward the door even as Laurel and Magnus entered. She smiled at the woman as Magnus rushed over to hug her in greeting. Laurel looked so much better than she had when Bethoc had left. There was life in her face, the sadness and anger gone, or at least had retreated. The moment Magnus let her go and went to sit next to Colin, she got up to see if she could help Laurel.
“Jesu, woman,” said Robbie as he took the pot from her to hang it over the fire. “This must weigh more than I do. Mayhap when we are done with the meal ye can help me shift a few boulders in the back.”
Laurel laughed and slapped him on the arm. Bethoc helped her set out the bowls, spoons, and bread as Laurel explained that she had knocked because she had not realized who the horses had belonged to. It was a hearty meal and there was more than enough for all of them.
Conversation was mainly about the changes to the house. Bethoc listened in fascination to all the boys had to say and then to what Robbie discussed with Callum about what it would take to make the change. The boys were being treated as equals and she could see that they loved it.
The boys cleaned up with no complaint after they were done with the meal, especially since Robbie and Callum helped. Bethoc finally found herself alone with Laurel. They slipped outside into the fading light of day and began to stroll through the garden.
“It seems to me that ye are much improved.” Bethoc said. “In spirit.”
“I am. I have my moments when I recall too much and am either afraid or very angry but they already become less as time slips by and life goes on. Odd thing is, the end of my mourning helped. I was free, not only of prison and those animals but my husband.” She glanced toward the house. “I now fret o’er what step to take next.”
“I wondered. Do ye like the mon, Laurel?”
“Aye, in truth I think ’tis more than like.” She smiled faintly. “He is so calm. I feel safe when I am with him and all the dark thoughts prison gave me fade. They nay disappear, just grow distant. Robbie said ye told him he smelled like a grave.”
Bethoc gasped, horrified. “I ne’er said that. He smells like the earth. Just the earth. Oh.” She tensed. “He told ye about me.”
“Aye. Dinnae worry. I dinnae understand it but I am nay one to fear what I dinnae understand. I would be afeared all the time if I did. But I think I nay longer trust myself. My husband was a poor choice. What if I am about to make another one?”
“Nay with Robbie. He is what ye see. Aye, he smells of the earth, good, fertile earth. It means he is steady and when he decides, he stands firm on that decision. ’Tis a good smell. You can trust in it, in him, and lean on it.”
“’Tisnae that I dinnae ken that, ’tis that I fear I can ne’er be a proper wife, one a mon like that needs.”
“The only way to ken that for certain is to try, but only if ye really wish to. And, mayhap let him ken your fears.”
Laurel frowned for a moment and then smiled. “’Tis good advice and I dinnae say that just because it was the same thing I was thinking.” She laughed with Bethoc. “’Tis really the only thing to do.”
“But only if ye care for him.”
“Oh, I do. I swear it.” She sighed. “I just pray he cares for me.” She stared at Bethoc who started laughing. “What is it?”
“Oh, Laurel, why do ye think he is here?”
