Gunnar tipped his head back and laughed long and hard. The man had lost his mind, clearly.
“I jest!” he said. “I had asked to see her earlier to offer her a place in the kitchens. With Aslaug gone, the cook needs another hand. It’s true, she did say she would accept to be closer to you, but I told her you were already spoken for.”
Aslaug had been a good worker but had got herself caught up in Earl Einar’s schemes and was banished from the village. Saga’s husband had found her a place in a tavern on the mainland as far as Magnus knew. In any case, though extra hands were always needed, he wasn’t so sure he was happy having Yrsa so close by. The young woman was Loki’s spawn and where she went, trouble followed.
“You do not look pleased. Which part of my news troubles you?”
“All of it actually. Our sister is becoming betrothed to a Scot, you’ve betrothed me to someone without my knowledge or consent, and the young woman who will not leave me alone will now be closer to me than ever.”
Gunnar put his hand up as his brows knit. “Our sister is happy, and you should be as well.”
“I will speak to her and if I’m convinced this is truly what she wants, I will support her.”
“As for you, I have made no arrangements.”
“Good. I do not wish it. I will marry when I’m damned good and ready and I will not be pressured by you or anyone else,” Magnus said. He thought he’d been clear enough over the past few weeks.
“As for Yrsa, I will make sure she leaves you alone.”
“Thank you.”
“Does anything else trouble you?”
There was a lot troubling him, but he wasn’t sure exactly how to put it into words. Magnus didn’t worry about Saga. Though she’d been initially opposed to marrying a Scot, she’d come around and for what it was worth, she could look after herself. Vigdis possessed a different demeanour altogether. Was it too soon for her to be considering marriage? How well did she really know MacAlpin and the kind of husband he would be? Magnus would rip the man limb from limb if he didn’t spend every second of his life tending to his sister’s wellbeing and happiness.
“How certain are you of the MacAlpin?”
Gunnar looked over to where the man sat speaking with his own men and wearing a serious expression. He drew a deep breath. “I am as certain as any man can be. I have always looked at my sisters almost as if they were daughters, they being so young when mother and father passed. And you’ve always looked after them as well. Vigdis more than Saga of course, but you were there protecting them and teaching them too. I understand the concern and the need for us to be certain. But I am telling you, not only do I trust the man, but I also see your sister light up when he’s in the room.” Gunnar paused. “Not unlike how I’ve seen you light up with his sister Elspeth comes into your view.”
Magnus eyed Gunnar for sincerity. He could glean no jest or false intent in his expression. And what did he think of the Lady Elspeth? He hadn’t known her long enough to have formed an opinion. He was intrigued that was for sure and certain, but was there something beyond that? Was that even possible?
“Or how you used to when Freydis came by to patch you up? You should have married her years ago, you know.”
Gunnar said nothing and Magnus knew better than to push on a subject when the man was quiet for that was when he was truly bothered.
“I will make you a deal,” Gunnar said after a while. “We will feast for the next three days to celebrate Vigdis and her intended. I encourage you to get to know Lady Elspeth in that time and if you wish it, I will speak to the MacAlpin on your behalf. If you do not, I will not broach the topic of marriage with you for at least the remainder of this year.”
What sort of deal was that? Magnus shook his head and grinned at his brother. The man was playing matchmaker and it appeared he enjoyed it until the tables were turned on him.
“Very well. On one condition.”
“And what is that?”
“That the next time you see Freydis, you tell her that you are still in love with her after all these years and ask her to be your wife.”
If Gunnar could have shot daggers from his eyes, Magnus was sure he would have. With a grunt and a glare, he walked out of the hall.
Magnus was quite proud of himself for shutting the man down. If anything were to happen between him and Lady Elspeth or any other woman, it would happen naturally, not as part of some bargain or deal. While he could openly admit to himself he was looking forward to spending time in her company, he was not ready to commit to her or anyone else.
Magnus set about to keep himself busy for the next while. He needed the distraction.
After a couple of hours, just as the light started to grow dim, the aroma of cloves washed over him. He knew its source immediately and the hair at his nape prickled. He didn’t even have to look to know she had emerged from the chamber. He had only seen her dressed in the green gown and black cloak, and wondered if she’d brought more gowns with her. Though her dress was different from those his sister wore, he preferred her style of gown.
Magnus turned and caught sight of her. She had not changed, but his sister had braided her hair away from her face and placed a wreath of dried flowers around her head. She locked gazes with him, her green eyes holding all the expression of someone who is in new waters and unsure how to navigate. He would not have her in that state for one more moment.
Magnus moved to her and offered his arm. “Lady Elspeth, would you care to join me for a horn of ale, or would you prefer mead?”
* * *
