Saving Grace

Joha

"Is she newly married?"

Joha

"Did she have children with the first-"

Joha

"Perhaps by one man she was," Glynis remarked.

Joha

"Yes, she is," Joha

"'Tis the truth I have," Glynis answered.

"Will she die?"

"Nay, m'lady. She won't die."

"Then what should she do?"

Joha

"She should tell her husband she's carrying his child."

Chapter 15

It was a blessing Glynis was such a strong, strapping woman. She proved to be quick on her feet, too. She caught her mistress before she hit her head on the stone wall.

The joyful news had sent Lady Joha

"I'm barren!"

Glynis patted her hand. "By one man you were, but not by our laird. You've got all the symptoms, m'lady. You're carrying, all right."

Joha

Glynis snorted. "So men say," she muttered. "You and I have had out differences, m'lady, but I'd like to think we've come to an understanding. I count you as a friend, especially on the days you're wearing our fine Maclaurin plaid," she added with a grin.

"I'm happy to have you for a friend, Glynis," Joha

Glynis was quick to explain her reasons. "Friends hold each other's confidences," she said. "And so I would ask you if your first husband ever took any other woman to his bed. I'm not trying to shame you, m'lady, only sort out the truth."

Joha

"But what I'm really asking, m'lady, is if you'd be knowing if there were any illegitimate bairns as a result of his dalliances?"

"No, there weren't any babies born," Joha

"There are such potions around," Glynis replied. "You're certainly carrying now, m'lady, so we can conclude you aren't barren after all. I'm going to keep silent about this joyful news. It's up to you to pick your time and tell your husband. Our laird will be very pleased."

Joha

"My husband won't allow me to work in the fields," she a

"No, of course not," Glynis replied. "You're our mistress. You shouldn't be doing common work."

"I can sew," Joha

"What are you getting at, m'lady? Just spit it out, why don't you?"

"I noticed you wear saffron-colored blouses under your plaid, and I was wondering if you'd like me to sew a border of flowers around the neckline for you."

Glynis's eyes widened. "Why would you want…"

"You tend the fields all day long, Glynis, and I would like to do something to show my appreciation. If you'll bring one of your blouses up to the hall, I'll start work tonight."

She was too embarrassed to wait for an answer. Joha

She slowed her pace when she reached the hill. The fullness of her condition hit her again. She walked the rest of the distance home in a daze.

Auggie caught up with her in the center of the courtyard. "I'll be coming to supper tonight," he began. "I'm going to tell your husband…"

He quit his explanation that he was going to tell his laird Joha

She shook her head. "I'll tell you tonight," she promised. "It's a grand day, isn't it, Auggie, even though the weather's a bit unusually cold."

"Now, lass, you'd best be knowing something about the weather here."

Auggie wanted to tell her the truth that the weather was actually mild for early fall. Keith had told him their mistress believed the Highlands were as warm as the summer all year long. He didn't want the soldiers laughing behind Joha

Joha

She went over to sit by the hearth. Dumfries came loping into the hall. She gave him a firm pat of affection, then settled herself in the chair to do some sewing. Dumfries collapsed with a loud thud next to her chair and rested his head on her shoes.

Alex joined her a scant minute later. He was still wearing stew on his face. Joha

"Will you want to stay here with your father and me, or will you miss your other relatives, Alex?"

"I want to stay here," he replied. He let out a loud yawn and leaned against Joha

"I want you to stay, too," Joha

"Papa says you missed me."

"He's right. I did miss you."

Alex's chest swelled up with importance. "Did you cry like a baby when you missed me?"

She smiled over his choice of words. "I most certainly did," she lied. "Would you like me to tell you a story before you go to bed?"

Alex nodded. "Where did you learn the story? From Auggie?"

"No," she answered. "My mother told me stories when I was a little girl; and when I grew up, I learned how to read and I…"

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you learn to read?"

Joha

"I learned because it was forbidden," she answered. "I was told I was too ignorant to read, and for a time I believed that nonsense. Then I got my gumption back and decided I was just as clever as anyone else. That is when I learned how to read, Alex; and when you're older, I'll teach you."