"Aye, I ken it. Tis just the way she is constantly asking for things, as if I didnae have other work to do."
"What has she asked for now?"
"Some wine, bread and cheese. Why, I dinnae ken, as she had a full meal but a few hours ago. Told her that, if she didnae stop eating so much, we would be rolling her out of Dubheidland when it was time for her to leave.” Old Nancy shook her head. “That woman has a vile, blasphemous tongue."
Jolene laughed and hugged the woman. Nan, as Jolene had decided to call her, was as blunt as any of the Cameron men. She had also been the one steadfast motherly figure in the men's lives, even though she was only ten years older than Sigimor. If she stayed with Sigimor, Jolene knew Nan would be both friend and ally.
"Poor Nan,” she murmured as she stepped back. “If I was not afraid the woman would toss Sigimor to the floor and leap upon him, I would tell him to see to our unwelcome guest himself.” She smiled when Nan laughed. “Howbeit, as I was about to go up to speak to the lady myself, I will take the tray of food and drink with me.” She hooked her arm through Nan's and started toward the kitchens.
"Are ye sure, m'lady?” Nan asked even as, once in the kitchen, she fetched a tray and began to collect the things Barbara had asked for. “The woman has a poisonous tongue and she wants your husband. I dinnae like to think of what she might say to you, what lies she might whisper to ye."
Stopping herself from marveling yet again at the huge, well-appointed, and very clean kitchen that she would just love to put to use, Jolene looked at Nan. “Aye, I have a few questions I need answered."
"Now, now, she was just a lad's first lusting, eh?"
"Oh, not about her and Sigimor. I intended to speak with Sigimor about this, but he has been too busy. Although I do not doubt that Barbara hoped to ensnare Sigimor, I have this feeling there is something more here."
"Weel, I am getting the feeling she has settled herself in for a long stay, as if she has no other place to go."
"So have I. Yet, she was married to such a rich man. Sigimor said the man once told him that she was so free with his coin, he would end up poor as dirt and that he had closed his purse to her. Still, that does not mean he did not leave her something when he died and, as mother to his heirs, she would have a home, would she not?"
"But she wouldnae be the lady of the keep if he gave the rule of the boys to some kinsmon."
"Oh. And, if that kinsman did not like her and her husband left her no money—"
"Then she becomes naught more than an unwanted poor relation. Mayhap, she has e'en been banished."
"Something to consider for, if her husband's family has banished her and suffered nothing for doing so, then ‘tis safe to assume she no longer has all those powerful ties Sigimor worries about. It means we could send her away."
"Now there is a lovely thought. But, ‘tisnae what ye were fretting o'er, is it?"
"Nay,” replied Jolene. “It just puzzles me that she knew Sigimor had married an Englishwoman. According to those who saw her, she did a fine job of acting surprised, but it was just an act."
"Aye, aye, I have heard the same."
"Well, now I am certain of it. So, how did she know?"
"Gossip can move like a strong wind o'er this land,” Nan said, but she frowned.
"Possibly.” Jolene shook her head. “Nay, I do not think it is that simple. You see, she also knows that an annulment of this marriage could be easily had and the reasons why."
"An annulment? But, ye have consummated it, havenae ye?"
Jolene blushed. “Aye, but that would not matter in this case. I am the sister of an English earl and Sigimor is a Highland laird. There is also the fact that none of my kinsmen approved and there are many reasons why they should, e'en if I am three and twenty. The question here is—how did she know these things?"
"Tis a puzzle, but, if there is anything, weel, bad about it all, I am nay sure ye will get that one to confess it."
"Probably not, but there is no harm in trying.” Jolene picked up the tray of food and drink and started out of the kitchen. “I suppose she has her pretty pets with her."
"Aye, the two men are there. Always are. That Donald isnae such a bad lad, but I dinnae like that mon Clyde. Just like the Lady Barbara, he is bonnie, but there is something nasty slithering about under that fair form."
And that was a chilling thought to have set in her head, Jolene thought as she headed toward Barbara's bedchamber. Since she agreed with Nan's opinion, however, it was impossible to shake it. Therewassomething cold and nasty about Clyde. Jolene had the feeling he would do anything Barbara asked and, considering the type of woman she was, that was rather alarming.
"Aunt Jo,” called Reynard as he skipped up to her just outside Barbara's door. “What are you doing?"
"Taking this food and drink to our guests,” she replied.
"I will help."
