Norwyck's Lady
Page 24
“It has been many a year, Mairi,” Aonghas replied. He looked up at Bart, meeting his eyes. “Things have gone badly for clan Armstrong in recent years, m’lord. Lachann was…well, to say that he was imprudent would be a kindness. The clan wants naught but peace between us.”
“’Tis a reasonable desire,” Bart replied. Mairi knew he wanted a way out of these constant skirmishes against her kin, and it seemed that Aonghas would provide it. “Who will be laird in Lachann’s stead?” Bartholomew asked.
“I stand before you as the new laird of clan Armstrong.”
“You seem a good choice,” Bart replied. “We should be able to deal well together.” She felt his arm slip ’round her waist. “Go on ahead, Laird Aonghas. Announce to your people that a new era has begun. We’ll follow in a moment.”
When Aonghas was gone, Bart turned Mairi in his arms and kissed her softly.
“A new age has begun for Norwyck, too, Mairi,” he said. “With our love, with the child you carry…and the others to come…there will be peace and prosperity. No more warring across our borders.”
“You knew about the bairn?” she asked.
He nodded. “Aye, love,” he said, and Mairi did not recall ever seeing such intensity in his eyes. “But not before I knew how I felt about you. You are my very life, Mairi. And I trust you with every moment of it hereafter.”
Kissing her lightly on her injured mouth, he turned her, and together they went out of the church to help Aonghas begin the peace between their people.
ISBN: 978-1-4603-6038-66
NORWYCK’S LADY
Copyright © 2002 by Margo Wider
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