“Yer horse is in the stable, Captain,” Mary said.
He bowed and cast a wicked smile at Miran before he walked out, knowing soon they’d be together.
*
“Lass,” Mary saidgently once they reached the kitchen. “I have been told both of yer parents are no longer with us.”
“Aye.” Miran felt her cheeks heat and wondered if Mary had seen everything she and Kai had done together. After all, she’d found Miran in the captain’s lap. “I grew up without my mam.”
“I am sorry for yer loss. I understand ye were raised by yer cousins, Laird Jamie and Laird Alex? Who both married recently.”
“Mistress Mary, if—”
“Do not be ashamed to love Captain Kai,” she interrupted, “only, I feel obligated to speak with ye about how things should be between a man and woman. I am sure no one has taken the time to do so, seeing as ye were raised by men.”
That the woman cared enough to take her aside on her daughter’s wedding day both humbled and amazed Miran. “I am betrothed to Captain Kai.”
“Aye?”
“We havena signed a formal contract yet. Upon our return to Sands Airgid, Kai will speak with Laird Jamie who has already given his permission for me to marry the captain.”
Mary clapped her hands in joy. “This is wonderful news!”
“I am struggling with the idea.”
“Ye are no’ happy, child?” Her expression changed to one of genuine concern. “Did the laird force this betrothal on ye?”
“Nay. Jamie is kind, no’ a tyrant.”
Mary nodded. “Then why are ye so unsure?”
“I-I…” How could she explain that she valued her independence and was afraid no matter how often Kai promised not to take away her freedom, she was certain he would.
“Out with it, lass.” Mary turned to the table where she was cooling fresh-baked loaves of bread. “We are the only ones about right now.”
“I am not accustomed to answering to anyone, especially a husband.”
Understanding lit Mary’s eyes. “Ye are a hellion, then?”
Miran couldna hold in her chuckle. She appreciated the woman’s frankness. “Some would say so.”
“But ye are no’ longer a child. Tis time to act like a lady.”
Cadha had told her the same thing. “I know what will be expected of me.”
“Ye do?”
“On our wedding night.”
Mary waved her hand dismissively. “The joining is only a small part of yer duties as a wife, lass. Ye will be responsible for everything—his clothes and bairns, and as a noblewoman, matters of great importance, I am sure. Perhaps even yer own home one day. Whatever ye do reflects upon him and yer clan. Ye are the laird’s dear cousin.”
Miran stared at the floor, feeling like a chastised babe. Mary spoke nothing but truth. It was irresponsible to let her feelings for Kai go unchecked. If she dinna reign in her desire, she’d be with child before their wedding day! But more than anything, Miran dinna want to wait to marry Kai. They’d almost lost each other because of Cadha and her evil attempt at revenge. Surely Jamie would understand if they forewent the formal ceremony and were married quietly in the kirk at Sands Airgid.
“Here.” Mary offered her a slice of crusty bread. “My own daughters always found comfort in warm bread.”
Miran took a bite and couldna believe how good it tasted. “Thank ye.”
“Now tell me, are ye sure ye wish to marry the captain?”
