Page 13 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
Then Logan came flying out of the keep, bellowing, “Get out of my way, that’s my daughter, and I need to hug her and then bring her to see Gwynie.”
Dyna called out to Eva and said, “Logan’s daughter Brigid and her husband Marcas have arrived. Join us for a brief repast, Eva, before you take your leave. Visit with the pups. Bring one home with you, if you like, though Marcas will insist you take two, I think.”
Eva joined them and was introduced to Brigid and Marcas Matheson. Another happy couple, or so she guessed. She decided to follow them in so she could ask questions. If all the Ramsay women were able to choose their own husbands, she wanted to know how they went about it.
She followed the group, surprised to find a pup bumping her feet. “Oh my, are you not the cutest thing I’ve ever seen?” She bent down and picked up the wee pup, snuggling and brushing its soft brown fur.
Marcas said, “The smallest of the litter has found you. I think it’s a sign that she belongs with you. Though I would only send her along if you take her older brother. They’ve been inseparable since her mother set the pups free.” He bent down and picked up another dog three times the size of the first one. “Meet Goldie, the wee one in your arms, so named because she has this shock of gold fur amid the brown and gray strands. Her protector is Shadow because he’s always following someone.”
“I would love to take both home with me.”
“You are welcome to the pair. You live nearby?”
“Aye, the next castle.”
“Here, allow me to clean up the pups and ready some food to take with you while you go inside for a visit.”
Eva handed Goldie to Marcas and turned back to the keep. She then followed Brigid inside, even when she stopped to look at her mother by the hearth. “Mama, you look so much better.” Hurrying over to her mother’s side, Brigid stopped short when her mother let the blanket drop to the floor, her stump of one leg now visible. “Do I, Brigid? It’s not pretty, but it doesn’t pain me the way it used to.”
Brigid fell to her knees in front of her mother, her hands feeling through the soft leggings. “I’m sure it was hard for you, Mama, but you are still here. I feared we lost you. Who helped you? I know it wasn’t Aunt Brenna or Aunt Jennie.”
“Doiron, the MacVey healer. We stayed with them until I healed, then came here. I wanted to do it in private.”
“Whatever you needed is what we all needed. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you, Mama. I’m glad Da brought you here where no one else would bother you. I know how private you are about some things.”
Overcome by the love flowing from Brigid to Gwyneth, it nearly brought tears to Eva’s eyes.
Brigid continued, “I love you, and we brought along an odd contraption that Jennet and Ethan created for you.”
“How does it work?” Logan asked, coming up behind Brigid.
Marcas walked through the doorway, carrying their bags. “It is quite crafty. There’s a strap to go over her shoulder to hold the thing on. It looks almost like a leg without a foot. More solid than just a peg, but there is a way to tighten it. You probably won’t wear it all the time, but it will get you to a garderobe or the kitchens when in need. Jennet even managed the few stairs to the keep with it on.”
Brigid chuckled. “Jennet has tested it so many times it’s a wonder it hasn’t broken.”
Eva took a seat at a nearby table, watching everything transpire. Gwyneth Ramsay was indeed an inspiration. Losing her leg had to have been quite an ordeal, yet she still kept up her archery skills.
Logan seemed harsh at times, but never with his wife.
The group finished their greetings, and Dyna insisted they sit for a brief repast. Alycia came down the staircase waving to her, so she waved back, but then her friend headed into the kitchens while Elvard played with Sandor.
The conversation covered everything that had happened.
Brigid asked, “Maeve is here with the new bairn? I cannot wait to meet him.”
“Aye. She and Maitland are in the tower so we don’t wake the babe. They fuss over him all the time. He’s precious,” Dyna said. “Have you heard his name?”
Brigid shook her head, her eyes widening. “Do tell.”
“Alexander Drew Menzie Grantham.”
Brigid gasped, then said, “I love it. Oh, I love it so much!”
Logan came over and took a seat across from Eva while the others babbled on and on. “Have you ever heard the story of how those two met, Eva? It’s a great one.”
“Nay. Please do tell.” She couldn’t wait to hear another love story, a tale about true love where the couple chooses each other instead of an arranged marriage.
“He kidnapped her.”
