“With Bram on his way to the cursed lord and another murder having taken place, a reasonable mind would absolve him of the crime,” Odran said, his concern growing. “A troubling thought since it seems likely that someone in the clan is responsible for both deaths.”
Chapter 28
Three days since Deara had died and Elysia was still no closer to solving the puzzling problem. How no one had any idea of who the man was who had been seeing Deara seemed improbable to Elysia, and yet no one seemed to know anything of him. Most even doubted it was true since Deara had paid no heed to most men. However, speculation had risen that the unknown man could very well be responsible for not only Deara’s death but Glenis’s as well.
“Deara made no mention of a man. She was quiet and diligently did her chores without complaint. She smiled often and was willing to help anyone who asked. While I would say she was content, I’d have to question how a lass could be content without a man.” Lendra shook her head. “I should amend that to the right man. Some men are not worth the trouble—”
Elysia remained silent as Lendra paused in thought and wondered if she realized her own words warned her about Bram.
Another shake of her head and she resumed talking. “But then I have heard and known women who are just as troublesome. I sometimes think one is lucky to find a worthy mate.”
“I am lucky,” Elysia said, hugging the tankard in her hand while thinking of her husband. “Odran is the perfect mate for me.”
“That he is and I am relieved that you have told him of the bairn,” Lendra said, whispering the last of her words.
“It is a relief and I am so glad I can share it with him, though I worry how others may take the news,” Elysia admitted.
“Perhaps the bairn will bring good news and his birth will usher in a period of prosperity to the clan.”
“God willing,” Elysia said. She finished the last of the brew and stood. “I must go. I will work tirelessly to prove your innocence and see you are set free.”
“Do not overly tax yourself, Elysia. While I miss my freedom to come and go as I please and talking with others, my lot here in my cottage is far better than it was in that hut. I am abundantly grateful for what you have done for me.”
“I will see you tomorrow,” Elysia said and gave Lendra a hug.
“I should tell you that your daily visits are not necessary, but I look forward to them far too much to do so, and I am also grateful for them.”
After another hug, Elysia left. A chill filled the air and with dusk not far off the night would only get colder. She tucked her cloak around her and had taken only a few steps when she heard shouts. She hurried around a few cottages and halted abruptly.
“You stole the coin and you’ll be punished for it,” Cadell warned, shaking the lad he held by the nape of his neck.
“Nay, it was given to me. It’s mine.”
“Let him go, Cadell,” Elysia ordered sharply as she rushed toward him. “Annis gave Dugan the coin.”
Cadell glared at her, but made no move to obey.
“My wife gave you an order. OBEY IT NOW!” Odran’s booming voice had Cadell releasing Dugan with a shake and a push, sending the lad stumbling.
“You are a fool if you believe Annis gave a filthy lad the likes of him a coin,” Cadell argued.
“Annis didn’t give it to me, it was payment for a chore,” Dugan shouted.
“What chore?” Cadell asked.
Elysia grabbed Dugan’s arm before he could respond. “That is none of your concern.”
“Anything that involves Lord Brogan is my concern,” Cadell argued.
“Unless my wife commands otherwise,” Odran said again with an authority that was not meant to be questioned.
“As you say, my lord,” Cadell said, his jaw tight with annoyance. “I must see to my men. I take my leave in the morning.”
Odran turned to the lad as soon as Cadell was out of sight. “Did you steal the coin?”
“I earned it,” Dugan said, his skinny chest puffing out proudly.
“My son does not steal.”
Elysia and Odran turned to see a slim woman about a head taller than Elysia. Her face was pretty, though pale, and her long brown hair lay braided on her chest. Holding firm to her arm was…
“Rory!” Elysia smiled as she called out.
Rory returned her smile as he helped the woman, her steps slow. “The lad showed up with Berdina, his mum here, and when he found out you were no longer with the Clan Loudon he refused to stay. He says he trusts no one but you. I offered to bring the pair here. Berdina could use some rest.”