“Aye. It will help the wound and I think it also may ease a bit of the scarring that will be left.”
“I am trying nay to think about scarring.” Mora walked over to the bowl and, grabbing a cloth, gave herself a quick wash. “When do ye think it would be safe to have a bath?”
Jolene laughed. “You could have one now save I dinnae think you would then have time to break your fast. Have one when you reach Gormfeurach. They are verra efficient at it and have lovely baths to lounge in. ’Tis one of the many improvements Lady Annys has put in and I fully approve of it.”
“Ye have been there?” After drying herself she accepted the shift Jolene held out for her and pulled it on.
“Aye. Sigimor likes to keep on good terms with the Murrays. They are a large clan with a lot of allies from the Armstrongs, near the border to England, to Sir Simon Innes, who used to be called the King’s Hound. I swear, there must be dozens between there. E’en if Sigimor didnae like Gybbon and his brothers Harcourt and Brett so much, he would still make certain that alliance stood.”
“Oh my.” She had just been kissing a very important man.
As she tugged on her hose and tied the ribbons to hold them up, she had to wonder what her parents would think about a flirtation with such a well-placed man. Her mother would have danced around making plans to bring him to the altar, and her father would worry. He had been happy with just what he was. A younger son with few duties who did not have to bother with allies, alliances, or even hordes of relations that you were expected to keep on your side. Her father had just wanted to raise his family and carve his wood.
Jolene walked up and held out her gown. “We cleaned and mended it. ‘Tis not too rough now and will suit to riding in a wagon all the way to Gormfuerach.”
“Ye didnae have to do that. I could have just bundled it into my bag and dealt with it later.”
“It would have been utterly ruined by then. Getting to the dirt and the blood fast is why it looks as good as it does. It also looks verra comfortable and worth saving.”
“Aye, ’tis a country woman’s gown. They are nay such slaves to fashion quirks. And they usually have to work in the gown unlike a titled lady. My mither made it for me.”
“Another good reason to save it.” Jolene helped Mora get dressed.
“How is Andrew?”
“He is just fine. He slept in with Fergus and the MacFingal boys. That has left him feeling quite full of himself. Boy thinks he has slept with the men like a warrior would. He still clutches his soldier though.”
“I would nay be surprised if he always does. His da made it. He did love Da.” She sighed, releasing a little more of the sorrow that clung to her. “I wouldnae be surprised if, when he is a grown mon and I go to see him, his wife, and his bairns, if I ask about the Bruce, he will pull it out.”
“’Tis a lovely thought. I think he is looking for you, as well.”
“Then I best get down there to eat.”
Mora hurriedly put some things in her bag. Her injury had kept her from unpacking much, so it was quick. Then she walked down the stairs with Jolene. The moment she entered the hall, Andrew ran over to her.
“I was starting to worry about you,” the boy said as he gently hugged her.
“Why? Gybbon was here.”
“But Gybbon wasnae hurt.”
“True, but now I am nearly completely healed, so you can cease worrying about me.”
She started to make her way to the table, Andrew clutching her hand. Gybbon waved her over and indicated room on the bench for her and Andrew to sit with him. Mora helped Andrew sit next to Gybbon and then she sat next to Andrew. She saw Gybbon look at the boy and then at her, his mouth twitching into a smile briefly.
“Why is everyone so big?” Andrew asked softly as she served him some porridge and apples.
“Because they are full grown. Our da was tall.”
“Aye, that is what Maman said. Butyeare full grown, too.”
“Ah, aye, I am. I took after Maman.” She reached around the boy and pinched Gybbon on the arm when she saw he was laughing.
“But I am almost as tall as ye are already and I am only seven.”
“I suspect ye will grow even taller and be bigger than me.”
“Like David and Niall?”
