LATER THAT DAY, NAOMIentered the healer’s cottage, ready to assist when all chatter ceased. The women were giving her concerned glances. Amelia MacGregor quickly crossed to her and ushered her out the door again.
“What is happening?” Naomi asked.
“Do you ken where Kieran is?”
“I assume he is working on the wall.”
Amelia scrunched up her face as if she had sucked a lemon. “Right, well, tis not my place to say, but Zala was talking to our cook, who was chatting to Harlow our baker, and he says that every night this week, he has seen Kieran leaving the cottage of a widow named Clara who has a young son.”
Naomi paled at the news. “I know about Clara and her son.”
“Aye, but do you ken he spends so much time with her, in the evenings, alone?”
Naomi shook her head. “Does everyone know?” she asked.
“Most likely because Harlow has a big mouth. I struggled with whether to tell you, I even asked Beiste and he told me to‘mind your own damned matters, Amie’but there is no way I can do that when the marriage of a sister in arms, I’m referring to you, is in danger.”
“I agree,” Naomi replied, “But please tell me, do you know if the lad is Kieran’s son? It would not matter either way, but I would prefer to know.”
“No, we all kenned Clara’s late husband. He was killed tragically by raiders. She had just given birth when he passed away, but I feel Kieran likely feels responsible for the lad.”
Naomi nodded, feeling a touch of sadness for the boy having lost his father so young. “Tis all right. I shall have a talk to my husband and Clara and settle things once and for all.”
That afternoon, Naomi quietly made her way to Clara’s cottage to just observe the woman. It was the worst thing she could possibly have done because when she saw Kieran arrive soon after, and Clara raced to greet him with smiles and warm hugs, Naomi saw a picture of a happy couple. One she should never have interfered with. Naomi realized in that moment that she needed to leave immediately and never return.
She would request that Abbess Murdina and King Macbeth sought an annulment and then she would continue her life as she had always planned it.
Alone.
***
Chapter 15
The Cottage, Glenorchy
“Kieran, I’m gratefulto see you. I’m desperate for help with the leaking roof. I could not wait until the morn.” Clara gave Kieran a hug and smiled at him. Kieran nodded, then stepped away.
