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Maisie thought she knew the answer to that question, but now was not so certain. Lina’s conviction that she should marry her brother-in-law was both welcome news and not surprising, given what she’d said in the past.
“I will think on it.” She turned to the inn. “In the meantime, I really should see to my duties.”
Lina looked up at the inn with her. “It would seem a man like Kieran could be useful as a partner in running such a place.”
Another problem between them. “Surely he would not wish to do so.”
“If he could find training partners in the clientele? I should think he would consider it, as close to Duncraig land as we are.”
Maisie remained skeptical. “There are many things he might do,” she agreed. “But becoming an innkeeper? I am not certain.”
“Maisie,” Lina said as they entered the front door of the inn. “For you, I am certain. Kieran would do anything.”
26
Chapter
Home.
He’d never once questioned riding into the gates of Duncraig Castle. To him, these walls were as familiar as the ones in his bedchamber. Or as the smell of freshly baked bread just beneath it, the bakery placed at a most opportune location in the inner courtyard.
Today, however, was very different. Though everyone greeted him as they would had he left for just the day, to Kieran they all felt . . . odd. It was as if he were a stranger here.
By the time he stood in the hall, waiting for his parents—who, he was told, were both in the keep—Kieran could not have been more ready to turn and ride back through the gatehouse to the Red Stag Inn. He missed Maisie. And did not wish to be here after all that had transpired . . .
“Kieran.”
Even to his fog-filled mind, there was no mistaking the absolute joy in his mother’s voice as she called his name. Lifting her skirts, she ran to him. And without further ado, tossed her arms around him.
He’d rehearsed so often what he might say, but none of those words came from his lips. Instead, he hugged her back, stroking his mother’s hair as she cried on his shoulder. He had seen her cry before, but never in this way. Or for so long.
What a fool I’ve been. This woman loved me. Of that there could be no doubt.
“Kieran,” she said again, her voice thick with still unshed tears. “I am so sorry. So very sorry we dinnae tell you.”
Before he could consider his response, over his mother’s shoulder the chief of Clan Duncraig appeared. A formidable man, he did nothing. Said nothing. Watching until his mother released him, Kieran’s plaid soaked with her tears, his father finally stepped forward.
His mother stepped back to allow the two men to face each other. Though he’d heard not one word of explanation from her, Kieran had only to look at her tear-streaked face to remember the tightness of her embrace moments ago, to know he would forgive her.
“You left before we could explain,” his father said, his gruff manner typical of him.
“You had years to explain,” Kieran said, sorry his mother startled at his unusually curt tone, one more typically reserved for Niall. But there was no help for it. He could not pretend to be anything other than displeased.
“And willnae do so here. Already the servants are staring. I’ll have a meal brought to the solar. Come.”
He had a mind to say nay for the simple fact that his father did not ask but instead demanded. It was always so with him. As chief for many years, he’d become accustomed to giving orders and being obeyed. And all did it willingly because of the man he was. At least, the man Kieran thought he was.
But his father was right. Already his mother’s greeting would likely be discussed for many days. So instead of arguing the directive, he strode to the solar with his mother beside him.
“I love you, my son.”
Not Kieran.
My son.
The only words he could offer were, “I love you as well.” And rather than qualify it, he let them be, those three powerful words. Because he did love her. It was why Kieran had been so angry to learn of her betrayal.
It was to her he spoke first as they entered the chamber just off the great hall where business, and many wee meals, were conducted.
