The first day of our journey back to Conall Castle was a pensive one. I remained wrapped in me own thoughts of loss and guilt. Although ’twas no I married to Edana, I couldna deny the guilt I felt over her. She was an innocent victim of our love for one another, albeit an unpleasant one. I’d only spent a few moments with her, but I was certain a friendship would never have been possible between us under any circumstance.
She was entirely miserable looking, and something about her made me uneasy, as if she knew what had occurred between Arran and me. I was sure that we’d gone unseen the night before out in the stables, but the glare Edana shot in me direction as we departed made me question whether or not we were as alone as we’d believed.
The second day of our journey, the day we were due to arrive back at the castle, proved to be more eventful.
Mary complained regularly about us ending her rare treat of luxury so soon, but it was easy to see the jest in her words. With each hoof step that brought us closer to Conall Castle, Mary’s smile grew. I could tell she was itching to resume her duties as the true leader of the castle.
After what was at least her dozenth time complaining, she suddenly changed the subject and addressed me so bluntly that I nearly fell off me horse in surprise. “Ye slept with him, dinna ye?”
“Mary!” Bri’s shocked and elevated voice echoed through the countryside.
“What? Ye have been thinking the same thing, have ye no? I saw the way Arran looked at her and she at him when we left. ’Twas no a look that people share unless they are intimately acquainted.” Mary gave Bri an expression that dared her to disagree.
“I may have been thinking it, but I have the tact not to say it or ask her. Goodness, Mary, I swear you get more nosy with each passing day.”
“I’m no nearly nosy enough!”
“Aye, we did. But I doona wish to discuss it further.” I interrupted, knowing that it was best to give Mary the information she desired rather than have it forced from me by the persistence of her words.
“I knew it, but doona ye worry, lass. I’ll no be judging ye for it. Arran’s marriage is no one built on love, and it never should have happened.”
Sympathy was evident in her eyes, and it only increased the longing for him deep within me chest.
We were nearing the castle when a rider off in the distance caused Bri to groan aloud as she slowed the pace of her horse.
“Crap, it’s Eoin. He’s not going to be excited to see me. I bet he’s so angry, he’s ready to lock me away.”
She laughed, but it was an uncomfortable one. I could tell she was nervous for his reaction.
“Doona worry. He may be angry, but I’ve known the lad all his life. He knows by now that ye canna control women. He will just be glad that ye’ve returned. Besides, it looks as if he is riding for us. He must have news he hoped would reach us before we arrive back home.”
Mary’s revelation caused us all to slow the pace of our horses as we waited in anticipation for Eoin.
He rode quickly and reined to a halt beside us. “Ach! There ye are ye three naughty lassies. Why, I should throw the three of ye in the dungeon where ye canna cause any more trouble.” He smiled, showing his jest. “But first, I want to kiss me wife. Come here, ye awful scoundrel.” Eoin maneuvered his horse so that it was next to Bri’s and deftly lifted her off her own horse so that she straddled him on his. He smacked her behind softly and proceeded to kiss her as Mary and I watched awkwardly.
Eventually Mary interrupted. “All right, that’s enough! Stop it, the both of ye. I was feeling quite hungry and ready for a meal once we arrive back at the castle, but I think ye’ve spoiled me appetite.”
“Oh hush, Mary. There’s some remaining for ye as well.” Eoin dismounted, pulling Bri down from the horse with him. Once they were both on the ground, he moved to Mary’s side, reaching for her as he pulled her off the horse and into a tight embrace. He kissed her soundly on the cheek. She squealed and protested in his arms, but her red cheeks and wide smile showed her joy at reuniting with one of her boys.
“’Tis good to see ye as well, Blaire. I’m glad that ye have all arrived back safely, although ye should never have gone alone.” Eoin sat Mary on the ground and stepped away to regard all of us. “Ye left Adelle and me with quite a mess to trouble ourselves over. Not only our guests, but yer father arrived last night as well.”