Part 26 (1/2)
Jamie shook his head slowly.
”I no longer remember it, my lady. I was but a babe when my father and I came here.”
”Do you not feel disloyal to your clan when you swear allegiance to a Highlander?”
Jamie stood and crossed to the window where he stared in silence for several minutes. When at last he spoke, his voice was as soft as a night breeze.
”I know that it could have been Brice's arrow that slew my father.
And I know here,” he said, touching a finger to his temple, ”that I should avenge my father's death. But here,” he said, touching a hand to his heart,
”I know only that Brice gave me shelter when I had none. He gave me food and clothing, and has taught me to read, to chart the stars, to ride and handle a weapon like a warrior. When he scolds me, I know it is because he expects me to grow to be a man of honor. And when he praises me, my heart swells with pride. Though I am a MacDonald from the Lowlands, Brice Campbell is my father now. I would do nothing to dishonor him.”
With a lump in her throat Meredith crossed the room and touched a hand to Jamie's shoulder.
”I have a little sister,” she said softly, ”named Megan. She is near your age. And much like you.”
”A sister?” Jamie tried to picture a younger, smaller version of the woman beside him.
”Aye. Two sisters, in fact. Brenna, with dark hair and eyes to match the heather. She is a gentle girl who would never harm a living creature. And Megan,” Meredith said with a laugh that bubbled forth just thinking about the child.
”She is fair as the sun and as wild and free as the breezes that blow off the river.”
Meredith stared at the darkness beyond the window, knowing that Jamie's loneliness was as acute as her own.
”Sit and tell me about your life here,” she said.
He smiled and followed her back to the chair. He couldn't think of any place he would rather be at this moment than right here, in the company of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
They talked and laughed for nearly an hour before looking up at a knock on the door.
Cara entered, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.
”Mistress Snow thought you might be hungry.” The serving girl placed the tray on a low table in front of the fire.
”When the men ride to the Borders,” Meredith asked softly, ”how long do they usually travel?”
”Oh, my lady, it could be days. There's no telling how long they'll stay away this time.”
Days. Meredith's heart fell. She glanced at Jamie and saw that he, too, was dismayed. As she poured two cups of tea she had a thought.
”Is there cloth here at Kinloch House? Enough for a gown?”
”Aye, my lady. There is fine cloth in the storehouse.”
Meredith smiled suddenly.
”Tomorrow, Cara, after we break our fast, I would like Jamie to show me the storehouse.”
”But why, my lady?”