Days passed and turned into weeks since Clive died. Callum retreated to his office and rarely came out even though she’d encouraged him. Violet despaired at how to help him. She couldn’t get him to talk about what happened on the rampart or what Clive admitted to. When she’d awakened this morning, Callum sat at his desk with his feet propped on the table by the window. He gazed through the casement and didn’t answer her when she greeted him. She left him alone.
In the hall, she sat at the table, and as soon as the morning meal was placed, her stomach lurched. Fortunately, she made it to the chamber pot. Mor suggested she put pots around the castle for her use. But Violet hoped her nausea wouldn’t last long. The midwife, who she visited, said most women didn’t suffer too long with it. Violet hadn’t experienced such wretchedness when she carried Cora.
She returned to the hall and tried to eat a piece of bread to settle her stomach. Most of the Sinclairs stayed away from the hall since the ‘unfortunate event’ of what happened on the rampart. The soldiers practically tiptoed past the keep’s entrance. Lockie told her they held guilt for what they’d done, but they only protected Callum.
Henry sat next to her and bumped her shoulder. “Violet, I received a missive.” His smile widened as if he was pleased.
“Oh, I take it, it brings favorable news? Does that mean you’ll leave us?”
“It does and I am gladdened. This place has been nothing but gloom since… My army awaits me and I must leave posthaste if I will meet them in a week. I’ll take a ship and cut my travel in half and reach them sooner.”
“Come, I’ll walk you to the stables.” She left the castle with him and as they walked along, she glanced at the window where Callum stood. He watched them with his shoulder leaned against the casement.
Henry retrieved his horse and he secured his satchel to it. “This is goodbye, sweet Violet. I’m glad you found a place here. Unless… Are you certain you want to stay? If you’re unhappy, you only need to say a word. Perhaps you should come with me.”
“My place is here with Callum, Henry. He’ll come around when he’s through mourning. I wish you well. God be with you. I shall await news about your endeavor and hope your invasion is a success.” Violet clasped his hand.
Henry pulled her forward and he kissed her passionately. She pressed against his chest and stepped back. “Henry, can you not take no for an answer?” Violet laughed when he gave her a guilt-ridden gaze and pouted. “Go on with you. If, or rather when you have time, write to me. I want to know all that happens and if you find Cora send word. I shall come at once.”
“Once I take the kingdom from Richard finding her will be easy. I will send her to you immediately. Worry not and be well. And I hope Callum realizes the gift I gave him. Tell him farewell for me.”
“I shall.” Violet walked with him to the gate and waved to him as he mounted his horse. “Farewell, Henry.”
He rode out and she returned to the keep. She’d miss him, but it was best he went on his way. His attention made her uncomfortable, especially since Callum had retreated to his office. Violet tried not to be alone with Henry because she hadn’t wanted to hurt him. He’d aided her and it was the least she could do to maintain their friendship.
Dela sat at the table in a sulk. Violet pressed her hair, which was far more manageable since Gussy had cut away some of the tangles. “Why are you sad?”
“Da won’t come out of his chamber.”
She picked up Dela and sat her on her lap. “We must give your da a little time. He’s had an upset, but he’ll come around. He’s unhappy and he doesn’t want to make us gloomy too. But we’ll be here for him when he’s ready to rejoin the living, won’t we?”
Dela nodded. “Will you go to the garden with me this day? We haven’t been there and I want to take the kittens outside.”
“I think that’s a lovely idea.” As she said that Mor entered the hall. “Good morn, Mor. Do you wish to join Dela and me outside? The weather is pleasant and we could use some air. We’ve been cooped up long enough.”
“Oh, I shall.” The elder woman walked hastily to the exit.
They retreated to the outside and Violet reached the bench. She sat on it and Dela ran off and chased after the kittens. Frang barked madly and chased her. Violet was concerned because the dog was uncontrollable, but she kept an eye on him.
Mor sat beside her. “My lad will come around. You must be patient with him.”
“I know and I am. It just saddens me to see how distressed he is. He’s been hurt by all that happened. Will he ever get over it? He’ll mourn Clive for some time.”
“He does mourn, but time will heal him. I must tell you… The stones grow stronger and soon they will call for him. The sky will awaken and its wrath will be intense. Callum must go when they call, but it shall help him gain acceptance. You must promise to follow him when he goes. Make sure he does what is needed.”
She shook her head at Mor’s speech. Many times she misunderstood the woman. She had no hint of what she spoke. What stones? How would stones help Callum? And the sky couldn’t awaken, but perhaps that’s not what she meant. The woman was aged, but she wouldn’t bring her dismay by telling her how far-fetched she was. It was best to humor her and nod.
Violet stood when Frang knocked Dela over. She lay on the dirt and cried. With a sprint, she reached her and picked her up. Frang tried to pick a kitten up and he growled low.
“No, bad dog,” she said and swatted his rump. But Frang wouldn’t be put off. Dela screeched, and Mor called the dog to heel. She spoke in Gaelic and the dog heeded her. Violet considered she needed to learn the language if only to command the dog.
Once Frang trotted off to Mor, Violet set Dela down and inspected the kitten. It lay on the ground and for a moment she thought he’d killed it. But it wasn’t hurt and only pretended to be injured. She petted it and the adorable striped kitten purred.
“It’s all right, Dela. He’s unharmed.”
“Frang is bad.”
She bobbed her head in agreement. “He probably just wants to play, but is overzealous.”
“What’s overzealous?”
Violet found a smile at her question. How did one explain such a word to a child? “In this case, overzealous means you love something so much, you’re excited and want to be near it.”
“Are you overzealous about Da?”
For the first time in nearly two weeks, Violet laughed. The adorable girl lightened her spirit. “I suppose I am, sweeting. Now, don’t worry about your kittens. We’ll make sure Frang doesn’t hurt them.”
Gussy strolled into the gardens. “Oh, My Lady, there you are. I wanted to speak to you.”
Violet retook the bench and waved her forward. “Gussy, come and join us. It’s a lovely day to be outside. We tired of being cooped in the hall.”
Her friend sat on the vacant side of the bench. “I have news… Well, I am chuffed to admit this, but Bailey just asked me to…”
“What has your tongue? You’re blushing madly. What did he ask?” Violet smiled at the brightness on Gussy’s cheeks and suspected the news was of the most joyous.
“She’s overzealous,” Dela squealed with laughter.
Gussy grinned. “What does she mean? Well, no matter. Bailey asked me to marry him.”
“And what did you say? I could guess, given your smile. I’m so happy for you.” Violet hugged her close.
“I said yes of course. Are you certain you will stay here? Because if you wish to leave then I must refuse him. I won’t let you go anywhere without me, My Lady.”
Violet bawled. She didn’t know why emotions overtook her. She supposed she was sentimental because of her condition, but her friend’s kindness overwhelmed her. The midwife told her she might become overemotional, but her moods seemed to bubble to the surface. She wiped at her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”
Gussy caressed her shoulder. “Oh, My Lady, don’t weep. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m not upset. This is our home now and I mean to stay here. We have a wedding to plan.”
“Maybe two?”
She sobered at that because she didn’t think Callum would ever ask her. When she shook her head at Gussy, she explained her reason. “I doubt he shall ask.”
Gussy pressed her hand. “Why not?”
When she didn’t respond, Mor reached and took her hand. “Sometimes a woman must take matters into her own hands, lass. Mayhap you should ask him. Aye, do it at the stones and you shall get a favorable answer from him.”
“Perhaps I might.” She called to Dela, “It’s time to go inside.” Before Dela reached her, Frang barreled past and jumped on her. He completely muddied her gown with his dirty paws. Violet scoffed and pushed him away. “I don’t know why I bothered to befriend you, you’re a beast.” She laughed when she noticed the condition of her gown. “Now I must change before supper.”
As she walked toward the castle’s door, she peered up and saw Callum. He had a smile on his handsome face. He must’ve found her mishap with Frang amusing because his eyes seemed to crinkle with mirth. She waved and smiled back. Perhaps there would be two weddings, that was if she could convince him to cease his mourning.
With all that Callum had been through, she didn’t want to put more weight on his shoulders. He carried enough problems to last him. Yet, she was impatient to tell him of their babe. Would he be joyous at such news? Until the time was right, she had to be patient and would wait to reveal her news. Somehow, she would convince him to marry her. They were meant to be together and when she was able to, she’d tell him so.