"Did he hurt ye?"
"Once, but mother stepped between us afore he could hurt me much. He was always sorry…later when it was too late."
"Is this why ye have few friends?"
"Mother dinna want people to see her bruises and tell Macoran."
"Then 'tis a good thing yer father be gone. If he comes back, I will kill him myself." He turned back around and urged the horse on.
She put her arm back around Stefan's waist and muttered, "He will not come back."
*
He was proud of their little garden, although it did not grow the volume of vegetables and grain Stefan hoped. He wondered if the soil was different somehow than that in his homeland, but he dared not ask any of the men. Next year, he would spend more time with William and watch how he worked the land. Except for two hot weeks, the rain came often enough to keep them from having to haul very much water from the river to the garden.
The hunting was good, they managed to share the meat of the deer with their neighbors and the women were becoming quite good at making more belts from the skins. All three of them looked forward to the fall festival. After that, they could expect the long hours of darkness and they all agreed a few extra hours of sleep would be very welcome. Perhaps the beautiful night lights in the north would come again in the darkness and they could all lie outside to watch them.
Laird Macoran did as Jirvel bid him, did not betroth her and for the most part stayed away. When he did come, which was only twice during the summer, he kept himself well back, did not ask if she wanted a husband or mention one for Kannak. He only asked if they were in need, assured himself they were not and quickly glanced over the land.
But Stefan had developed a keen eye and an instinct when it came to being watched and every time he felt it, it was Macoran who was doing the watching - from the hilltop, the riverbank or from one of several animal paths. If Jirvel noticed, she did not let on. Instead, she concentrated on making life as easy and happy as possible for them all.
When the first of the vegetables were ready to eat, they celebrated. When Diarmad and Stefan caught ample fish in the river, they celebrated and when Blair brought his baby girl and William and Andrina came to share a noon meal, they celebrated.
For the most part, three happier people in the world did not exist. There was only one concern…Mistress Macoran and her sons were sure to return shortly.