Rhona was seated at his left. Usually, the woman kept some distance between them. He understood she must have something she wished to talk about. The soup was hearty, filled with neeps and thickened with barley. Butter dripped off the bannock. Recalling it was Rhona who reminded him to buy the cow, he felt somewhat 1benevolent toward the woman this evening.
She waited for him to finish his meal. Edan was on his second cup of ale when Rhona finally brought up the subject of the pastor. "What did ye have in mind for the parson? I'm fair shivering in fear of what he's going tae say."
"I'm appealing tae his sense of decency, when that doesnae work, I'm appealing tae his need for coin."
A slight smile accompanied the shake of her head. "Ye cannae bribe tha bugger."
Edan laughed outright. "I've nae idea if he's ah "bugger" or nae. I'm taking him upstairs an letting him view tha rooms. None of ye sleep alone, ye all chaperone yurselves. Jamie sleeps down in tha nook. Daracha an I sleep together. Tha only one here who sleeps alone is Jamie."
Leaning toward her, Edan turned his head for a quick glance at the far end of the table. Jamie and Rut were in close conversation. "I'm thinking after Hogmanay, Jamie may nae be sleeping alone. Ye ken?"
Both Daracha and Rhona chuckled at Edan's observation. It appeared sleeping arrangements would need to change after the New Year's celebration.
"Let's see what develops with tha parson. If I was tae turn the lot of ye out on tha street where else would ye go but tae him for help. Eight women an children applying tae tha kirk for help, now, that would sore tax tha coffers."
Rhona laughed. "It would, aye. I see yur point. Here's praying tha parson does as well." Rhona lifted her tea cup to bump it against Edan's cup of ale.
"Here's tae us, tha MacGroughs!"
"Aye, lass. An what's with us, will nae go by us. An what's nae with us, can go tae tha devil!" They both downed their drinks to cheers from the rest of the family gathered at the table.
Chapter Thirty
1The meal was carefully planned, a mutton stew with neeps and thickened with oats. As the parson was a lowland Scot, haggis was vetoed. The man's stomach would probably revolt. There were buns, which Jamie had gone to the baker to purchase.
Ale would be served, but not Nessa's brew. Jamie bought a jug from the public house after visiting the baker. Nessa was planning to make a pot of fairly weak tea. It would not do for the parson to think they had sufficient resources to be drinking expensive tea without watering it down.
Daracha and Cadha had a package made up to give to the pastor after his visit. He had a wife, two daughters and a son. They had two lengths of green wool and one of dark blue to give to him for his family.
All was arranged. The house had been scrubbed thoroughly, upstairs and down. All the children were fed, washed and sent to their beds. Lara wanted to stay. When told if the parson discovered what she was doing for Edan, for the family, they would all be in great trouble, she quieted.
Clutching Rhona's fingers, Daracha confided to the other woman she was nearly paralyzed with fear. Rhona agreed as they clung together for a moment. Cadha embraced the two young women, after telling them to use the fear and be as unassuming as possible.
They all heard the carriage in the yard and the inside of the house became very quiet. Edan opened the door and invited their guest in. Evina waited until his coat was hung and he had turned, to light the additional candles on the table. He needed to know the extra lighting was for his benefit.
Each of the women came forward to greet him. All kept their heads down, as they mumbled a quiet welcome. The parson was given the seat at the head of the table. Kayla brought the pot of stew from the hearth and went around the table, ladling food into each bowl.
The meal was quiet. Jamie sat at the foot of the table and kept silent. This was Edan's game and Jamie was more than willing to let him play it his way. Parson James spoke quietly with Edan throughout the meal of the odd thing. Bits and pieces of news. All knew he was biding his time. The main thrust of the visit would come after the men moved their chairs before the hearth.
Jamie disappeared outside to Edan's shop. Edan had given him the key earlier and Jamie thought it best to make himself scarce for the balance of the visit.
The women were clearing the table when the men began moving their chairs closer to the fire. Daracha moved Edan's chair to the fireplace for him, as he was leaning on his cane. After thanking her with a smile, Edan turned to the parson.
"Before I get down intae tha chair, I'd like tae show ye tha upstairs. I'm thinking ye need tae see tha sleeping arrangements."
Parson James was more than ready to explore the house. Edan could see the eagerness in him. For the sake of good manners, the man protested slightly. He did not want to cause Edan any undue strain.
"'Tis nae more than usual. Come along, sir. Daracha, would ye light tha way please?"
Taking a candle from the table, Daracha started up the stairs before them. Edan was behind her and the parson brought up the rear.
"We'll need tae be quiet like. Tha weans are sleeping, surely." Edan mentioned as they started up the stair case.
The narrow hall ran down the side of the upper area. Daracha opened the first door off the landing and held the candle high. Four pallets lay on the floor with children bundled into the bedding. Each sleeping area had a chest at the foot of the bedding.
After giving the parson a good look, Edan reached out to silently close the door. The next room contained three pallets, similarly arranged. On opening the third door, Edan ushered the parson in, took the candle from Daracha and sent her back down the stairs.
Placing the candle on the floor, he patted the end of the bed with one hand. "Join me for ah wee while, Parson. I'm sure ye understand why I wished ye to see tha sleeping arrangements."
"I suppose so. There has been ah mite of talk regarding yur living arrangements being improper."
Edan leaned both hands on the head of his cane. "None of my female relations sleeps alone. Tha nook alongside the fireplace an under tha stairs houses Jamie. Due tae my infirmity, I need ah strong pair of hands tae help out. But there is nae danger tae any of my family."
Turning his head, the man looked at Edan. "Mayhap nae, but it doesnae look proper."
"An looks can always deceive. David was a proper king an did tha wrong thing. He looked proper an acted proper. If I was tae worry about looking proper an turned tha lot out intae the street, I'd be violating scripture. These are widows an orphans. Nae tae mention tha drain on tha kirk's resources, were they tae find themselves in such circumstances."
"Surely ye could place them in their own house. Ye own tha place tha lumber yard is situated on."
"Aye." Edan replied. "I do. But, I'm hanging on by my teeth here an must have tha rent tae keep all going. I cannae keep tae separate households. I hope eventually all tha ladies will find suitable spouses. Until they do, they’re my family an I'll take care of tha lot, as I swore tae do."
Parson James was silent for a moment as he studied Edan. "Who might ye have sworn tae?"
"Tae tha Lord, for one. 'Tis enough, I should think. I'll nae go back on ah given word. We're proper enough. An ye needn't worry about me overstepping my bounds. I'd have nae equipment tae dally with, if I crossed my wife. She's ah temper, has Daracha."
The other man rose and offered Edan his hand. As much as he hated to use his leg as he was, there was no way for him to protest at the moment. Allowing the parson to tug him to his feet caused Edan to set his jaw.
When Pastor James reached for the candle, Edan had to bite his lower lip to keep from saying something. The man was trying to be helpful. It was the only thing he could tell himself to keep control of his tongue.
Edan detested being seen as a cripple. There was little else to be done at the moment. Having set the stage, there was nothing else to do but play the part. The women prettily bestowed the lengths of fabric on the pastor and the man was gone, out to wake his driver.
As soon as the carriage clattered away, Edan tossed the cane across the floor and turned away from the door with an oath. He was feeling cross and aggravated. No one made a sound as he rolled off across the room and up the stairs. Everyone understood what was wrong. The laird did not care for the show he was forced to put on, it was demeaning.
Daracha knew better than to suggest she massage his leg. The brace was off and he was already under the covers. With his hands behind his head, Edan was frowning in the light of the candle. When she crawled in beside him, Edan pinched out the wick of the candle.
"Tha miserable bugger helped me up off tha bed." With a growl, he turned on his side to face her. "He carried the candle down tha stairs. I hope he has tae use tae canes when he gets older."
She placed her hand on his chest. "Aye. Ye did well, husband. I'm sure he will go back to the back biting crew with words of Christian charity an tha like."
"Tha bastard has nae idea how easily I could have taken him apart an tossed tha pieces intae tha Clyde. Christ's bones! I hate having tae play tha weakling."
"All here, all who count, ken ye're nae ah weakling. Who else could have made tha trip home bringing tha laird back tae be buried on his own land? It took ye nae longer than it would have taken ah man with tae good legs."
Fastening her hand in Edan's hair, she pulled his face down. Feeling for his lips with her own, Daracha kissed him hard. She knew what he needed. It did not take him long to have her pinned beneath him on the mattress. Edan was not gentle that night.
Pushing her swollen breasts together, he nipped at them as he pushed his good knee up against her. His rough handling of her ignited something within Daracha. Her husband had been far too gentle the last few weeks and she was ready.
Digging her fingers into his shoulders, she rode his knee. When he pulled her legs apart, she bit into his shoulder. One hand tugged on his chest hair as Daracha went in search of his nipples.
Pushing him slightly away from her, Daracha bent her head and pulled his nipple into her mouth as hard as she could. The breath hissed out of him and one hand kneaded her buttock before slipping up to pinch the hard knot of flesh between her legs.
Trembling for a moment, Daracha responded by pinching the nipple in her mouth between her teeth. Suddenly, he lifted her legs over his shoulders and slammed into her. Daracha groaned as she wrapped her arms around Edan and hung on.
Supporting his body on both arms and fully on his knees, Edan slammed into her, again and again. Daracha came with a shudder as her body closed around him. Clinging to him, she rode the storm.
Finally, he rammed himself into her and ground against her body as if he could not get inside her far enough. Edan's whole body shook as he pumped up into her. He did not stop until he could no longer move. Arms trembling, he finally pushed over onto his side.
Gasping for breath, he lay on his back with his bad leg bent. Daracha curled up against his body. As they both began to cool off, she tugged the bed clothes around them. Trying to turn away from her, Edan shifted his weight.
"Nae!" Taking hold of his arm, Daracha refused to allow him to shut her out. "I didnae mind. I enjoyed it.”
"Did ye?" There was a certain amount of suspicion in his tone. "I was tae rough."
"Nae. Shall I light tha candle so we can see if I bloodied yur shoulder or mayhap, left teeth marks in yur chest? There are times, husband, when I dinnae mind a bit rough."
"Ye're with child. I should have been more careful."
"Later, ye will need tae be careful. Nae so much right now. Did I tell ye tae leave off? Did I say aught tae ye? Turn round, MacGrough. If ye're thinking of hiding away from me, ye think again. I'm nae allowing it."
"Nae?" He rolled over onto his side and threw an arm over her. "Mayhap we should light tha candle an see if I've any wounds."
Daracha heard the laughter in his voice and sighed in relief. "Would ye like me tae give ye one? I could sink my teeth inta that muscle of yurs."
She reached out to take the now shriveled organ into her hand. "Or, I could lick ye. What ah mess ye are, Edan MacGrough. I've ah yen tae play kitty here. What say ye? Do ye think ye've another round in ye?"
Sliding down on the mattress, Daracha gently pushed him toward her mouth and began to lick him.
"Daracha, luv, I can but try." He sighed.
Giggling as he began to pulse in her hand, she went on playing kitty. Fully aware if she continued on, Edan would surely find the strength, Daracha ministered to him in earnest. She certainly did wish to have him once again.
This time, it would be slower and Edan would know she needed to be loved by him.
Chapter Thirty - One
1Daracha sat at the table with her feet up as she watched the merriment around her. It was the day after Christmas. As the kirk felt the celebration of Christmas was a Catholic feast day it was not wise to make too much of the holiday. Most Scots would be working this day, as they had the previous day. It would not be good to be seen as a Popish sympathizer.
Traditionally, MacGroughs did not give any gifts on the feast day. Hogmanay was the time for giving trinkets or necessities to each other as gifts. She and Edan discussed the matter and decided it was too soon to celebrate after the upheaval.
Their Hogmanay would be quiet and simple this year. Thankfully, being as far from the village proper as they were it was doubtful any of the crowds of well-wishers would trudge through the mud to reach them. For those who braved the weather and the lane, there would be food and a cup of Nessa's ale. Those preparations would wait until the 31st of December.
Of course, the cottage would be scrubbed from top to bottom. The hearth cleaned and every last speck of coal dust taken away to the dung heap. Then, the smoked meats and ale would be brought out. The fire would not be rekindled until the old year had passed and the new one was here.
The women ceased their chores when the first of Edan's surprise entered the house. The merriment around her was caused by the stack of wooden parts lying just inside the front door. The two men carrying in the pieces refused to respond to questions. The women were clustered around the pile wondering what was going to take place. Several guesses were made regarding the items, some of which were a bit bawdy.
Rhona asked Daracha, as did her Granny, what Edan was doing. With a shake of her bright head, Daracha smiled and took another sip of her tea. Edan, Jamie, Adie and Blane had worked hard for several days to construct the surprise and she was not going to give anything away. When Blane returned from the last run with a wooden mallet and bag of pegs in his hand, the noise quieted down.
Jamie picked up two long boards and two short ones. Adie followed behind him with two bags. The men and boys started up the stairs. Edan was last in line and carried the mallet and bag of pegs
Daracha heard the word "bed" and smiled. It seemed as if the women were beginning to get the idea. Gara was the first one up the stairs. Daracha could picture the scene in her head. Edan planned to put together the older women's beds first. That would give them time to see about mattresses.
None knew it, but in the lumber yard shop, a large amount of raw cotton for stuffing waited. They could fashion mattresses and would not have to stuff them with straw. If there was not enough to go around, she and Edan wanted the older women to have first choice.
After the older women, those pregnant came next. Nairna and Rhona were both due near the same time. Nairna would be giving birth first, and that was likely to happen any day.
The sound of hammering echoed down the stairs as Edan erected the first bed. He had explained the operation to her. Daracha knew they would first lay the long boards on the floor. Each of the boys and Jamie would position a leg at each corner and one in the middle. The corner legs struck out, providing a small ledge for the headboard and footboard to sit on.
Edan drove a chamfered peg down through the board into the legs. His first strokes set the pin in each leg. Then he drove pegs home, securing the sides of the frame to the legs. Performing t
he same operation with the head and foot boards, he was now ready to string the ropes through the holes.
Adie and Blane had both augured the holes in the boards. Edan had used the project as a training tool for his apprentices. In the beginning, the holes had been a bit wobbly, but the boys learned quickly. The holes in the last bed frame were properly drilled and in the correct position.
The rope was strung and Edan used a stick from one of his bags to tighten the roping. Daracha heard Gara's exclamation all the way downstairs. She imagined the older woman, who had cared for them so well, throwing her arms around Edan to give him a big hug.
Later, Daracha would go upstairs and share in the women's joy at being so blessed. They would finally have comfortable beds. It had taken Edan some time to be able to get the job done. So many other things had been in the way over the summer.
Proud of her husband, she sat at the table smiling, as she eased her aching ankles by resting her feet on Edan's footstool. He had turned away two commissions in order to put together the seven beds.
When the last bed went upstairs, Daracha followed Edan up. She knew whose bed this was. Rut was finally going to be off the floor, but Edan had a few things to say to her.
The very first thing Rut noticed was her bed was larger than the others. Hovering, as Edan worked to set the pegs, Rut kept giving him questioning glances. The rope was passed through the holes and tightened before Edan turned to look at her.
She pointed at the bed. "'Tis it larger 'cause of tha twins?"
Edan grinned hugely as he shook his head. As Jamie made a move toward the door, Edan cut him off. "Nae, lass. It's larger because I'm thinking ye need tae have room for ah certain lad who is languishing in ah box bed beneath tha stair."
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