Chapter Fourteen

Jamie raced up the stairs to the high dais and took his seat beside Alex. "I've just come from the stables. The dam from Ross is pregnant."

Alex's heart started to drum in his chest. He moved to the edge of his chair. "That's impossible. She won't be in heat again until spring?"

Jamie laughed and leapt to his feet. "Her stomach is starting to round out. ‘Tis only a matter of a few months and we'll have a new foal."

Pure joy jolted Alex's body. "She must have come to us already pregnant."

"Indeed," Jamie said. "An occasion worthy of a toast." He grabbed his cup and raised it high. "To...Sweet Jesus."

Alex frowned. "That's uncharacteristically religious of ye. Don't tell me? You've grown tired of the fairer sex throwing themselves at your pretty face. Ye wish to join the priesthood."

Jamie reached down and placed his hand on Alex's head, turning it in the direction of the stairs. Cora stood on the last step. Her golden braid rested over one shoulder and a hesitant smile curved her lips. The sight of her pushed all other thoughts from his mind. His chair scraped the floor in his haste to stand. Then he ran around the high dais and across the great hall.

"My lady." He offered her his arm. She burned hot but smiled with ease. He kissed her cheek. "Come what may, I'll stand by ye."

Together, they made their way back to where Jaime stood waiting behind the lady's chair.

He bowed as they approached. "'Tis wonderful to see ye up and about, Lady Cora." Then with a wink he whispered, "I beg your pardon for that little incident with the sliver of wood and my attempt to kill ye." Alex worried Cora might not appreciate Jamie's particular taste in humor, but she only smiled and said, "Likewise, I should apologize for nearly ripping out your throat."

Jamie threw his head back and laughed. "She's a spitfire for sure," he said, slapping Alex on the back.

The hall was abuzz with chatter. Many were seeing their new lady for the first time. Alex turned and addressed the eager room. "We'll not ask ye to wait another moment. Come forward and meet your lady."

Alex stood by her side, his hand locked on her lower back while his kinfolk stood and formed a line. One by one, they came forward and knelt before Cora. She shone with warmth and returned each greeting with kindness and gratitude, except when she was introduced to Edmund.

"Edmund keeps our books," Alex said.

Cora smiled politely but Alex noticed her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Edmund nervously bent over her hand with a kiss. Then he stood straight, releasing what sounded to Alex strangely like a sigh of relief. "Welcome to Sonas, my lady. This calls for a celebration. There shall be a gathering here in the hall tomorrow evening."

Alex's brows came together. "That's an oddly festive suggestion for ye to make, Edmund."

"I can think of no finer reason for a gathering and high time, too," Fergus said, shouldering his way in front of the bookkeeper. "'Tis a great pleasure to meet ye, my lady."

Fergus's voice boomed out over the din of the hall. Curly, red hair grazed his massive shoulders, and his warm brown eyes twinkled when he smiled. Cora laughed, clearly appreciative of Fergus's candor.

When it was Margaret's turn, she wept and pulled Cora into her arms.

"Och, but ye're a trifle warm," she said, touching Cora's forehead.

Cora pressed a kiss to her cheek. "'Tis just the excitement. Ye've no cause to worry." The maid blushed having received special affection from the lady of the keep.

After the procession finished, Alex escorted her back to her chair.

"What do ye think?" he asked, leaning close.

She smiled. "I like Fergus."

"I thought as much."

But then she cast her eyes at Edmund who was sitting alone in the rear of the keep. His thin shoulders were stoop over a ledger. "But I will tell ye, that man is hiding something."

Jamie looked over her head at Alex and raised his brow in question.

Alex shook his head. "I'll explain why later, but I want ye to question Edmund. Go to his room this evening and bring Fergus. Find out what he's hiding."

Alex turned back to Cora and watched her taste the stew. "This is our first meal together."

She placed her hand over his and smiled. "So it is." She brought another spoonful to her lips but paused, her eyes trained on the narrow stairwell that led to the kitchens. A moment later, Aggie's soft, red waves came into view as she climbed to the top and stepped into the great hall with eyes downcast.

Brows drawn, Cora set her spoon down. "Who is that?"

Alex leaned close. "'Tis Aggie," he whispered.

Tears flooded Cora's eyes as her gaze followed Aggie across the room. "She struggles to contain her grief. She can hardly breathe beneath the weight of it." Her head jerked around and she looked up at him. "Why?"

"Her husband, Kendrick, is missing." An ache formed in the pit of his stomach. "Weeks have now passed." He swallowed hard. "We've lost hope of his return."

Cora's hand rushed to her heart, her gaze turning back to Aggie who had just slumped onto an empty bench. "I will go to her."

The chair scrapped the floor when she stood, drawing the eyes of everyone in the hall, but she seemed impervious to the stares as she rushed to aid his kinswoman. Her body curled around Aggie, when she sat down, immediately pulling her into her arms. He could not see her face, nor could he hear what she said. But he watched a wave of emotions cross Aggie's face. She seemed alarmed at first but only for moment, and then she crumpled and hid her face against Cora's chest. Cora rocked her gently. Alex found himself moving to the same soothing rhythm as he watched.

After a few minutes, she stood with a firm hand at Aggie's waist and escorted her up the stairs to their room. Once there, he knew Cora would sit with her and let her cry out her sorrow. His heart filled with pride as they left together. In that moment, she had truly become the clan's lady. His gaze swept the hall, noting the many appreciative gazes that also followed his wife from the room. Hope continued to grow in his heart when next his eyes settled on sunlight streaming through the arrow loops. He shook his head in disbelief. Another sunny day?

"About that toast," Jamie said, standing. "To miracles."

Alex turned and looked up at his friend. Grasping his cup, he stood and raised it high. "Nay," he said. "To the compassion and strength of a great woman."