Kilted Sin (Brethren of Stone 3)

Will pressed his lips together. He shouldn’t be surprised. What man would leave Gemma? Worse, he was beginning to think, deep down, she blamed herself. “If ye want to go, once the crop is settled, I’ll deliver ye myself.” He set Sean back down.

“I’d like that.” She gave him a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank ye for helping us. I ken ye didn’t have to and I appreciate yer efforts more than ye’ll ever ken.”

“You’re welcome, Mary.” He headed for the door. “Begin packing. We’ll likely leave in a few days’ time.”

He headed for the door and out to saddle his horse. Maybe with Mary gone, he and Gemma could begin to build something that could last.

* * *

Gemma sat in the kitchen pressing clothes. Ewan was asleep, and Fiona sat practicing her letters while Gemma worked.

Mrs. Cleary walked in carrying a bundle of clothing. “Thank ye kindly, Gemma.”

“You’re very welcome, Mrs. Cleary. I don’t mind ironing a bit. The work soothes me.”

The other woman gave her a smile. “Ye’re a hard worker. No doubt about that. But I suppose you have to be when you’re a woman alone in the world.”

Mrs. Cleary’s words touched the raw spot on her heart. “Are ye glad to be alone? Do ye wish ye married?”

Mrs. Cleary shrugged. “Never tell him I said so, but if I’d met a man like our laird, I think I might have settled down.”

“Laird Sinclair?” Gemma blinked several times before setting down the iron and turning to the other woman. “Forgive me but I didn’t get the impression you were terribly fond of him.”

Shrugging, Mrs. Cleary began laying out the clothes. “He’s got a good heart and a strong work ethic. I fell in love once, but he wasn’t anything like our laird.” Mrs. Cleary looked down at her hands. “A bad man can ruin ye so that yer heart is too broken when a good one comes along.”

Gemma didn’t answer. Was it really that simple? Had Sean just been a bad egg who’d broken her heart?

She finished the ironing and began to deliver the clothes. She hurried as Fiona skipped behind her. The halls were growing dark and the candles hadn’t been lit. She’d have to let her own skirts out a bit, she was putting on weight already with all the regular meals she was eating. As she sat to work, Fiona began to play with some blocks that Will had fashioned for the children. He was a good man. The best.

Rising from her chair, she slipped into her room and opened her desk drawer. There, in the middle, was the letter from Sean. Maybe he would know if she was to blame for their failed marriage.

Before she could lose her courage, she slipped open the seal and pulled out the single sheet of parchment.

Unfolding it, her hand trembled as she quickly scanned the words.

Dear Gemma,

I know I haven’t written in some time. I’ve thought to nearly every day for a while now. I know you won’t be surprised by this, but I’ve landed myself in a bit of trouble. Never could stay out of it.

I met a woman, and I was lonely without you. Anyway, she’s with child and even I can’t leave a woman with a baby. I have to stay, Gemma.

I know it makes me terrible but I also know you’re strong and you’ll be fine. Make up with your mother. She was right. I’m no good at all.

Goodbye,

Sean

Carefully, she set the paper back down on her desk, her fingers numb. It was all there. Every answer she’d been waiting three years for. Why didn’t she feel anything?

Her fingers shook, and slowly she rubbed them up and down her legs.

“Gemma,” Will called. She turned to see him in the open doorway. He wasn’t looking at her but at the paper on the desk. “Are ye all right?”

“Read it,” she whispered.

He crossed the room and picked up the sheet of parchment. His eyes quickly scanned the contents and then he set the letter back down. Then he reached for her, wrapping her firmly in a hug.

She didn’t want to say anything and he seemed to understand that as he held her tight. “Can I stay with you tonight?” She tipped her chin back to look up into his eyes. The warm brown had a touch of amber, she’d never noticed before and they were framed by thick, dark lashes. Her fingers came up to his cheek. “I don’t want to be alone.”