"Bairn? Are ye with child?"
With a huge smile, Rhona nodded. "Tae be expected, aye? As much as tha both of us enjoy our bed sport."
Edan burst into laughter. Then he reached out to cup her cheek. "Do ye ken, my Rhona, how much I love ye?"
With a slight smile, she moved her head to kiss him. "Aye, Edan Campbell MacGrough. I'm thinking nearly as much as I love ye." Her lips touched his and Edan reached out to pull her closer.
Aili Lara’s Epilogue
As you can see now, we were wrong when we thought there was no mention of love for the Rhona this chest was made for. There is far more to the riddle than any of us realized. I did not say, as Rhona used this chest daily until the end of her life, I did "see" her as well.
I saved that knowledge as my little surprise. There was no reason to go further than this in their tale. However, I do know one thing Edan saw did come to pass far after his death. Wood Lane and Grahamston are now under the Central Station in Glasgow.
Certainly, it would be interesting to know what became of Gideon's Bible and the rest of the clan. Unless something more surfaces, we will never know. I must have something to put my hands on to "see" things.
However, we do know how far back the family names go. My wonderful family, I hope you enjoyed meeting Laird Edan as much as I did.
God keep you all. Aili Lara.
The End
Thank you for taking time to read The Twisted Laird. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
The story of the MacGrough Clan begins with Gideon and Ailene. Gideon has no choice. He is to marry into one of the clans brought to the old abbey by Robert The Bruce. All must integrate into Scotland, or none will be allowed. The last survivors of the Varna Temple of Knights Templar must have a haven. Gideon must commit to marriage.
Ailene is her father’s heir. In 1300s Scotland, no woman can be left to hold land without a man. Knowing she isn’t beautiful, and her clan is small, she is reluctant to choose those who have come courting. When Ailene sees the young man amidst the small cadre of older knights, she knows who she will have. It will be the Templar, the young one or none.
Highland Light Excerpt:
She was not pretty. Angular and hard, her legs were firm and strong from working with the sheep and cattle. Arms muscular from practice with her bow, Ailene stood on the abbey grounds holding a basket of yarn. Watching the men make their way from the coast up the path to the abbey, her attention was caught by the youngest one.
His skin was the color of dark honey. The thick dark hair was cut so it barely covered his ears. The ever present breeze lifted the black strands which were drifting into his eyes. He lifted a hand to brush the hair from his eyes, eyes which were black and watchful. His gaze saw everything. Windburned and curiously unlined, his youth was clear on his features. He was very young.
So intent on watching the strangers was she, Ailene did not realize the basket of freshly dyed wool she was carrying had slipped in her hands. Some of the skeins began to fall and she was forced to move forward to try to keep them in the basket. As she stumbled, his hand reached for Ailene, grasping her by the shoulder.
The strength of the hand which caught her caused her to gasp. As he helped her right herself, then settle her basket at a reasonable angle designed to keep the wool where it belonged, she realized she wanted him. It was almost a physical pain somewhere in the region of her womb.
She mumbled words of appreciation for his help, before she quickly turned away. The urge to touch her body where the ache had begun was strong. She held the basket closer as she moved away from the crowd of men grouped here and there along the path.
Closing her eyes she relived the brief moment of contact. It took only a moment for her to realize that he had not been affected by their contact. He had not felt it. Those dark eyes had been on her but had not seen her. He had only reacted as a warrior would to something happening within his ken.
The realization allowed her to make small adjustments to her skirt with fingers that trembled only slightly. She had grown adept at hiding her feelings. Ailene walked away from him toward the weaver's cottage with her normal briskness.
But, everything had changed. Never before had she wanted a man. There had been few who appeared to appreciate her, a woman who was more male than female. Raised by men, her whole outlook was practical and a bit hard. She wanted the lad, and by God, she would have him somehow.
Other books by Cherime MacFarlane:
The MacGrough Clan
"Highland Light"
"Bare Wires"
"Wired For Sound"
"North by Northeast"
"Rhythm and Blues"
"Family Knots"
"The Templar's Treasure"
Copper River Romances
"Snagged”
“Stalking Red"
"Heart of the Hunter"
"Cougar Hunt"
"Baubles and Beads"
"Grass and Blue Skies"
“Chaos and Crab Pots”
The Bressoffs of Alaska
"Behind The Raven Mask"
"Daughter of the Raven"
Alaska Tales
"Deirdre of the Sorrows"
"Mile 43.3 Richardson Highway."
"Death Wish"
"Then They Were Six"
"Gray Matters"
"Aurora’s Song"
“Encounter”
Fantasy
"Brain Waves"
“Nightwind’s Shadow”
Life and Love in Alaska
"The Cheat"
"Homesteader Blues"
"Poppy"
"Road Talk"
"Back Bay”
"A White Cat for Christmas”
"Traffic Control"
Come and visit. Find out what about this land has captured and held my heart for over thirty years. http://alaskaromance.blogspot.com/2016/04/romance-isnt-simply-about-books-its.html
And check out the new books I have found. https://cherimemacfarlane.wordpress.com/
Glossary
Arisaid - Long panel of plaid worn over garment, draped around the waist, held with belt.
Asail - ass
Backland - A long narrow plot of land, situated behind residential and business properties on a burgh’s main streets, upon which livestock could be kept, horses stabled, and crops grown.
Bairn-Babe
Braw-Fine looking, brave
Broomielaw - Major street running along the north bank of the Clyde River.
Buair - To give or bring trouble as to disturb, molest or provoke
Buff Coat - Military coat made of leather
Bunnet - Flat cap with a brim made of wool
Cac - Shite
Caile - Wench, dirty woman, strumpet
Cruadal - Danger (masculine) adversity, courage, danger)
Fash - Worry
Fortnight-Two weeks
Gradh - Love, masculine lover
Haud yer wheesht- Hold your tongue
Hogmanay - Word for the last day of the year, synonymous with the celebration of the New Year.
Kertches - Head coverings
Kirk - Church
Lug - Head
Meanbh chuileag - Midgie, gnat
Mither - Mother
Neep - Turnip
Queue - Man's low pony tail
Sassenach-English
Shagreen - Dried, untanned hide used as sandpaper
Sinnight-Seven days
Skelped - Hit
Sgian-Knife
Stane - Stone
Ta (Tapalet) - Thanks
Trews - Pants
Tol or Tolbooth - Jail
Uisge Beatha - Whiskey
Wean-Toddler
Wheesht-Hush
The Twisted Laird Page 40
