Finally, the Earl looked up and around. He said, loudly, “Why am I seated beside the bastard sons of my wayward sister? Everyone must move up the table.”
Magnus grunted. “Because we are yer nephews and I am a guest worthy of yer respect.”
He raised his brow and sighed. “I suppose the dinner company will hae tae do,” and began to eat.
Magnus looked straight ahead at Sean, blinking. His jaw clenched. Then he stood, shoving his chair behind him. “First,we will say grace.”
The Earl’s fork and knife clattered to his plate.
Magnus said, “Sire, would ye like me tae say it, or would ye prefer tae lead us?”
The Earl waved a dismissive hand before folding them together, his elbows planted on the table, and his wig drooping forward like it might slide off entirely. He closed his eyes, though one lid twitched open just enough to watch the room.
I whispered under my breath, “Quickly please, famished.”
Magnus drew a slow breath and straightened. “Lord, we thank ye for this bounty spread before us, and for the shelter of the Great Hall. We thank ye for the hands that hunted the deer, tilled the earth, and turned the spit this day, and I would be remiss if I dinna thank the loch and the fishermen for the fish. We thank ye for our family gathered here. Grant us wisdom tae see what is truly ours tae hold, grace tae let go when needed, and courage tae embark on voyages tae come. Bless this food tae our strength, and our strength to Thy service. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.”
A ragged chorus of “Amen” rose around the table, a few mumbling it half a beat behind. The Earl gave a curt nod, and picked up his fork again without a word.
Magnus sat slowly, the chair scraping into place.
For a heartbeat the hall held its breath, the Earl began to eat.
Then the fiddler struck up a lively tune, and like awakening from a trance, voices rose in conversation, spoons clinked against bowls, and servants bustled about, seeing to our drinks.
CHAPTER 12
KAITLYN
THE EARL DESCENDS
Magnus said, “Sire, ye often take yer meal in yer chamber, what brings ye tae the Great Hall?”
The Earl turned to Sean as if he hadn’t heard. “Master Sean, ye are leaving Balloch?”
Sean said, “Aye, sire, I planned tae tell ye on the morrow?—”
“Tis done already.”
“Aye, I see it was, aye, we are leaving just afore the?—”
“Ye winna be missed!” His voice almost screeched it, and though it was a cruel and asinine thing to say, it was kind of funny that it had sounded desperate.
Sean bit his lip. “Aye, sire, I am certain we winna be missed. Tis why I haena told ye.”
The Earl snapped his fingers for more wine.
Sean said, “Who will replace me, hae ye considered it?”
He scowled. “The Bastard only mentioned it tae me a few hours ago, verra forcefully I might add, without any consideration for my health.” He sipped from his wine. “It daena matter much who takes the guard after ye, Sean, they are certain tae be better at the duty.”
Lizbeth dropped her fork, eyes wide.
He glared at her.
Then repeated. “Ye winna be missed.”
I thought Lizbeth might faint.
