Chapter Thirteen
Islaen stumbled to the washbowl, splashed cold water on her face and rinsed out her mouth. The door opened and, for an instant, she felt panicked, then saw that it was Meg. She smiled weakly as the woman hurried over to her.
"Ye have been ill.” Meg felt Islaen's forehead for signs of fever.
"Aye, for the sixth morn. I am a wee bit slow this morn or ye wouldnae have discovered it."
"Why do ye wish to hide it, ye foolish lass? I maun look ye o'er and think of how to physic ye."
"Ye cannae physic this, Meg. Come, think. What makes a woman empty her belly every morn?"
"Ye are with child,” Meg gasped and hurried over to the bed to place a cool cloth upon Islaen's forehead. “Are ye certain?"
"My woman's time hasnae come since a fortnight after I was wed."
"Och, aye, there is a sure sign. Ye were e'er verra regular. And now this sickness of a morn."
"Aye, for near to a week. For a week afore that I felt it but didnae empty my belly. ‘Tis a pity that has changed."
"Weel, it doesnae last long. Does the lad ken?"
"Nay, and I mean to keep him from kenning for as long as I can."
Meg nodded. “The months can move by verra slowly for one who is afraid of it all. ‘Tis a pity ye cannae share this."
"That is my penance for the lies I have told,” she said quietly as she carefully stood up.
"God wouldnae expect a penance. Ye are doing as He commands. ‘Tis proper that ye choose His will o'er that of your husband's."
"Only this once, Meg. I swore to obey my husband and to honour him."
"Ye will honour him by giving the young gowk a bairn. A lass can do a mon no greater honour."
"Mayhaps. Help me dress. I need to eat something."
"Are ye certain?"
"Aye, ‘tis the only way to end this illness.” Although she had to eat it carefully food did settle Islaen's stomach. She then wandered through Storm's garden somewhat aimlessly. Iain was gone, as he often was, claiming a need to be at Muircraig, their future home. There was little for her to do. Storm only occasionally needed help in keeping Caraidland running smoothly.
"Such a dark look on such a lovely late summer's morn."
Startled from her thoughts, Islaen managed a smile for Storm. She found herself growing closer to the woman. Islaen just wished she could feel sure enough about the friendship to confide in the woman. They had talked about a lot of private things but there were still a few things Islaen kept secret.
"I was but feeling too idle."
"Then come with me.” Storm linked her arm with Islaen's. “'Tis my time to romp with my children."
"Are ye certain ye wish me to intrude?"
"Most certain. There are five of the little dears and only one of me. Extra hands are ever welcome. Tavis sometimes comes, whene'er he is about, but he is off with Iain."
"Aye. At Muircraig."
Storm laughed softly upon hearing the crossness in Islaen's voice. “He readies your home."
"I ken it. I also ken that he hides."
"Sadly that is undoubtedly true. Still, he cannot seem to stay away too long."
