Elspeth sat back on her chair. “If Coinneach hadna already decided he wanted you for a mate, I would have insisted.”
Aisling smiled. Nelly sat back on the chair and tapped her fingers on the table. “You didna tell me you saved Coinneach’s life while wearing your wolf coat.”
“I wouldna have left my hiding place otherwise,” Aisling said.
“Aye, I mean, well, you didna have the bow before then so it was hard to imagine you killing a mighty Viking warrior with asgian dubh. But in your wolf coat? So brave, Aisling. You are amazing.” Nelly finished her tea, gathered the empty mugs, and took them into the kitchen.
Male voices approaching the croft made Elspeth and Aisling leave their chairs. They opened the door, and Tamhas smiled to see Aisling, giving her a hug. Magnus likewise hugged her.
“You are here, but where is Coinneach?” Magnus asked.
“He’s guarding the castle. We, Nelly and I, came to see how you were doing after the fight.”
“Due to your quick actions, we didna lose any of the crops or the croft from the fire from their torches.” Magnus hugged her again.
“My mother agreed we could mate.” Aisling hadn’t meant to tell Coinneach’s family without him, but it just slipped out. She was so glad to be part of his family.
Tamhas glanced at Nelly.
“This is my good friend, Nelly.” Aisling rushed over to bring her to where the family was standing.
“Are you staying for the noon meal?” Tamhas asked.
“Nay, we have to return to the castle to prepare it.” Aisling decided she wasn’t much of a matchmaker, as she couldn’t think of anything to say to get Nelly to talk to Tamhas.
Tamhas likewise wasn’t making the effort. Maybe they weren’t meant to be together. Maybe Nelly wouldn’t even like to live in a croft like this. Or work as a farmer’s wife.
“I’m glad you are fine. I just wanted to make sure. We need to return to the castle before we are missed.” Aisling had done her job in checking on the family.
“We’re so glad you dropped by.” Elspeth gave Aisling a hug and Nelly one too this time. She even gave her son a look that said he needed to do something.
“I’ll escort you back to the castle,” Tamhas said, as if recalling that’s what Coinneach always did, and it sounded chivalrous.
“That would be great.” Aisling hugged Magnus. “We’ll see you again soon.” We, meaning maybe Coinneach and Aisling, or Aisling and Nelly.
Then the three left the croft, saying their goodbyes. Still, Aisling saw the conspiratorial smiles that passed between Magnus and Elspeth, and she suspected they knew she was up to matchmaking Nelly and Tamhas and approved. Or just thought it was amusing.
Nelly was sticking by Aisling’s side, not getting near Tamhas, and Aisling wanted to rectify the situation, but she didn’t know how.
“Tamhas can fight like Coinneach, and he can ride a horse.” Aisling figured she could tell Nelly some of his attributes while they made their way to the castle.
“I dinna fight as well as Coinneach,” Tamhas said.
“He has had more training. I’m sure if you had more training, you could too,” Nelly said.
Aisling was thrilled that Nelly finally spoke. Maybe her courage came from having Aisling between her and Tamhas.
Which gave Aisling an idea. Maybe Tamhas could come and train too at the castle on occasion when his da didn't need him, if Drustan approved of another crofter preparing for battle. If Tamhas was even interested.
“If you would like, I could ask Drustan if he would allow it. I’m sure since your brother works for him, he would put in a good word.”
Tamhas scratched his head. “I dinna know. They were no’ friendly toward Coinneach until Alasdair took him to the castle and Coinneach bested the champion in the practice fighting.”
“Aye, and you are friends with Alasdair also. Coinneach would…” She started to say that he would protect him, butthought better of it. “He would spar with you for sure, and you can learn some of the new skills they’ve taught him.”
“Aye.” Tamhas brightened at the idea.
“And I will be cheering you on,” Nelly said.
