Saving Grace

She straightened her spine. "Are you referring to that little incident I was involved in, husband, when I accidentally walked into the middle of your training session?"

"I was."

"It's rude of you to bring that up," she a

He didn't look like he cared if he was being rude or not. "Staying alive is more important than hurt feelings," he muttered.

"That is true," she conceded.

Dumfries interrupted with a loud bark. Gabriel turned, called to his pet, and left the room without sparing his wife a backward glance.

Joha

In truth, she was surprised by her own behavior. In the past she'd learned not to form any attachments because involvement led to caring, and then her first husband would have yet another weapon to use against her. Her affection for her staff put them in jeopardy.

Chelsea had been Joha

Chelsea broke an egg one morning. Cook reported the loss to Raulf. He broke Chelsea's leg that afternoon. Bishop Hallwick had advised the punishment for such a grievous offense was adequate penance.

Things were as different as night and day here, however. She could have friends here and not worry about their safety.

Father MacKechnie joined them for di

The soldiers were all talking at once, and it was difficult to hear what the priest had to say.

"Pope I

"What has he done to warrant such harsh treatment?" Joha

"John was determined to put his own man in the position as archbishop of Canterbury. Our pope wouldn't have his interference. He a

One of the Maclaurin soldiers made a quick jest the other soldiers found vastly amusing. Joha

"What will happen if the country is placed under an interdict?"

"The subjects will suffer, of course. Most of the priests will have to flee from England. No masses will be said, no confessions heard, no marriages performed. The only sacraments Pope I

"He'll probably rob from the churches as a method of getting even." Gabriel made that speculation. Joha

Father MacKechnie was appalled by the possibility. "He'll burn in hell if he does," he muttered.

"His soul's already lost, Father."

"You ca

Joha

Father MacKechnie changed the subject. "Prince Arthur's dead," he a

Father MacKechnie paused. "There's talk the prince was murdered."

Gabriel was watching Joha

"He probably was murdered," Calum said.

"Yes, but the question plaguing the barons is…"

"Who killed him," Calum supplied.

"Exactly," the priest agreed.

"What is the current speculation?" Gabriel asked.

"Most of the barons believe King John had Arthur killed. He's denying any knowledge of his nephew's fate, of course."

"The king is the only one with a strong motive," Calum said.

"Perhaps," Father MacKechnie agreed.

"A toast to a fair day's work."

The shout came from Keith. The Maclaurin soldiers all stood with their goblets in their hands. The MacBain soldiers followed. They met between the two tables, struck their goblets against each other's, and then downed what was left of the dark ale. Most of the drink had spilled to the floor.

Joha

She had just pulled the first stitch through the burlap when she was asked to move.

"You're sitting in the MacBain chair, m'lady," Keith advised. He stood in front of Joha

She let out a sigh. "It matters where I sit, doesn't it, Keith?"

"Aye, m'lady. You're wearing the Maclaurin colors tonight. You should be sitting on the Maclaurin cushion."

The three soldiers flanking their leader immediately nodded.

She didn't know if she wanted to laugh at the disgruntled-looking soldiers or shout at them. A hush descended over the group as they waited to see what she would do.

"Let her sit where she wants to sit," a MacBain soldier shouted.

Joha

She decided to placate the Maclaurins. It was still Thursday, after all. "Thank you for your instruction, Keith, and for being so patient with me."

She tried to sound sincere. She couldn't quite keep the amusement out of her voice though. The men moved back when she stood up. One even bent down to move her bag of threads for her.

Joha

Her head was bent to her task. She pretended intense concentration, for the Maclaurins were still watching her. When she heard several grunts that she assumed were rude noises of approval, she had to bite her lower lip so she wouldn't start laughing.

Father MacKechnie stayed by Gabriel's side throughout the rest of the evening. He was catching his laird up on all the latest happenings with the other clans. Joha

"The Highlanders like to fight, don't they, Father?" Joha

Father MacKechnie waited until the Maclaurin soldiers had filed out of the hall before answering her. Joha

It was blissfully quiet once the men had taken their leave. None of them had bothered to bow to their mistress. She tried not to take offense, for at least they had given her husband that bit of respect.