Child of the Kindred, page 78
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Upon reaching the study, Caleb sat down behind the large desk looking over at Aiden with a sympathetic grin, watching him pace aimlessly for a few moments.
“Are you going to tell me what is bothering you?” Caleb asked, leaning back in the chair.
Aiden sighed, then pulled a chair over in front of the desk, sitting down wearily.
“I know what has been making Marina so unsettled and temperamental, of late. It was not just the gossip and lies. It was me,” Aiden professed, looking heartbroken and forlorn.
“How do you mean?” Caleb asked in a low patient tone.
“All this time that Marina has been here, having been with me, I never said what she needed to hear. So, all the things she was told made her doubt how I felt about her. Caleb, I never told her that I loved her. Even though I have told you and others how I felt about her, I never told the one person who needed to hear it most,” Aiden confessed with a pained expression.
“You realise why this is, do you not?” Caleb asked him knowingly, with a slight grin.
“No, I cannot for the life of me figure out why I have not. I adore Marina, how could I not tell her this?” Aiden asked, his pain and frustration clearly seen and heard.
Caleb leant forward with his arms on the desk, smiling sadly.
“Because mo dhearthair, you must say goodbye to one love, before you can embrace the other,” Caleb stated in a voice that was just above a whisper.
Aiden looked at him for a moment, his eyes filling with tears.
“Yes, you are right. I must say goodbye. I will, at the week’s end…I shall say goodbye to Corinn,” Aiden said faintly.
Shannon walked into the house quickly. The head of the staff, Milton, informing her that her two friends, Lachina and Ruari, were waiting in the sitting room.
As she entered the room, Lachina looked at Shannon with concern, as it was apparent Shannon was fretful and anxious.
“What is the matter, dear? You look most distressed,” Lachina remarked, putting down her teacup.
“Lachina, Ruari, you must leave now. Murtagh will be home at any moment, and he will not wish to see you here,” Shannon replied, wringing her hands and pacing nervously.
“Really, Shannon, you are acting very rude. Stop your ridiculous pacing and tell us what happened, that is why we are here,” Ruari spoke up in an arrogant, irritated tone.
“I confronted Marina as we discussed. It…it did not go as I had expected. She did become angry and lose her temper, but after Aiden had sent her back to the Lodge, he became mad with Murtagh. Now Murtagh is furious at me. I…I do not know what to do,” Shannon explained in an agitated voice, pacing once again.
“Did you really think Aiden would only be angry at his precious pet? What did you expect from your boorish husband? You cannot embarrass a Sentinel. You just apparently went too far, so you have only yourself to blame,” Ruari replied coldly, taking another sip of her tea.
Shannon looked at her in tearful shock, while Lachina was aghast at both her remark and unfeeling disdain.
“You practically told her what to say!” Lachina reproached, her cheeks becoming flush with her temper.
“I merely made suggestions. If Shannon is incapable of tempering her remarks, that is not any of my doing,” Ruari argued back, narrowing her eyes.
All three turned to the sound of the front door being slammed.
“Shannon!” Murtagh yelled in the spacious foyer.
The sound of heavy footsteps then Murtagh’s angry appearance, left no doubt as to what he would do next.
“You two troublemaking shrews are to leave at once! Milton!” Murtagh yelled, summoning the Chamberlain.
It took only a moment for him to appear, as Milton had heard Murtagh’s voice calling for Shannon. He came swiftly from the kitchen, to see what he could do to ease his young master’s irritation. Milton had served Murtagh’s grandfather, and when the spacious and grand home had been left to Murtagh and his young Bride, the servants stayed on. Milton was quite fond of the new young master, remembering his frequent visits when he was a child. His grandparents adored him, and the staff found him to be a very agreeable child. When newly married, Murtagh and Shannon moved in, and his young sisters became frequent visitors. The staff found Shannon to be a kind and considerate lady of the house, as her mother had impressed upon her to always treat the staff graciously. The only time they had noticed her having an ill temper or when the young couple would have disagreements, was shortly after a visit from her two companions.
“Yes, sire. What may I do to be of assistance?” the tall and stately older man enquired.
“You may escort these…ladies, out! They are no longer welcome in our home, and should they show up in my absence, they are to be denied entry and escorted out the front gate,” Murtagh exclaimed, his steel grey eyes blazing with his anger.
Shannon was now in tears as she looked at Lachina and Ruari, with an anguished expression.
Lachina walked over to Shannon quickly and embraced her.
“I am so sorry,” Lachina whispered tearfully, then released Shannon, and made her way out of the room.
Ruari walked out purposefully and slowly, giving Shannon then Murtagh an icy look of contempt, leaving without saying a word. Milton looked over at Shannon sadly before turning and following the two young women out of the room.
“Murtagh, I…” Shannon began, only to have Murtagh interrupt her.
“Do not say another word. We will not speak of this until they are gone,” he replied in a sharp low tone.
Upon hearing the door shut, Murtagh took Shannon by the hand and led her out of the room and up the staircase. With the door of their room slamming shut, several of the staff walked out into the hall and looked up the stairs with sad expressions. They could hear Murtagh’s angry scolding voice, and Shannon’s tearful replies, though not clearly hearing the words. A young maid looked up, her lips trembling at hearing Shannon crying.
“Those evil shrews, they always do this to our mistress. She be a kind soul with a good heart, and they always bring out the worst of her,” the young maid remarked, sniffing back tears as the rest of the staff smiled at her sadly.
“There, there now dear Jennie. You will not have to worry for your mistress any longer. Our young master has forbidden those women to return,” Milton remarked, placing a hand on the maid’s shoulder, knowing how fond she was of Shannon.
Jennie was the same age as Shannon and helping her mother to raise her younger siblings. The family had fallen on hard times with the sudden illness of her father. He recovered but was no longer able to work in the orchards, as a pomologist. When hearing of this Shannon convinced Murtagh to hire him as their gardener a few days a week. This helped in supplementing the family’s income. Shannon had also arranged for them to take anything extra from the kitchen gardens or hen house. Milton too was convinced it was Lachina and Ruari who would cause Shannon to act in this way. He had frequently heard the young women berate others to Shannon, hearing Marina’s name mentioned often. He knew Shannon came from a troubled home, but he had also witnessed her kindness and her devotion to Murtagh and his family.
“Come now Jennie, let us prepare the midday meal and some tea for them. He will not scold her all day,” the house cook said, an older pleasant woman with an easy smile led Jennie and the other staff into the kitchen.
“What possibly could have convinced you, that lying to Prince Aiden’s intended, causing her to lose her temper in front of everyone and humiliating him, was a good idea, let alone the right thing to do?! Murtagh rebuked loudly, as Shannon sat on the edge of the bed in front of him, crying pitifully.
“I…I did not mean for Aiden to be humiliated. I…was only trying to make Marina…well not be so…vain and…well, high and mighty,” Shannon stammered, knowing her reasoning was not helping her.
“What? What are you talking about!? And it is Prince Aiden, when not in his company. In fact, that is how you are always to refer to him from now on unless he says otherwise. Which is doubtful, as more than likely he will not be speaking to either one of us again!” Murtagh scolded, raking his hand through his black hair and turning away for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment, then turned and looked back at Shannon. “What did Ruari say to you that convinced you to do this?” Murtagh asked her, in a stern but quieter voice.
Shannon then tearfully related how Ruari had convinced her that Marina was arrogant and rude and that everyone else would be held up to her.
“All I hear is how everyone likes her, and thinks she is beautiful, and how sad it is she is an orphan. I... I just felt…so frustrated and angry…and jealous. I work so hard to be the perfect wife of a Sentinel Lieutenant, and no one likes me as they do her. She has done nothing to…earn their admiration,” Shannon sobbed in despair.
“And do you know why everyone likes her?” Murtagh asked as he stepped forward, leaning down putting his hands on the bed on either side of her.
Shannon looked up at him with wide eyes, having no choice but to lean back on her arms.
“Because she does not give them a reason not to. She does not gossip or cause trouble. Aloofness? No, she is actually very shy. And from what I have been told and witnessed today, very insecure. Yes, clearly, she has a temper. But tell me, how would you react, if everyone told you that I only loved you out of pity?” Murtagh inquired, his voice still angry but low.
“I... I have been told that” Shannon answered in a shattered whisper.
“Yes, you have and by the same two who told you to say that to Marina, and to lie about your relationship with Prince Aiden. How did you respond to them?” Murtagh asked, standing up straight looking down at her intently.
“I was angry and had nothing more to do with them, for a time,” she replied, sniffing and wiping her eyes.
“Yes, you did, and you were happier for it. Then you felt sorry for them and allowed them back in your life. There has been nothing but discord since then,” Murtagh declared, his voice now calmer and no longer angry.
“I know this, Murtagh. It is just they were my friends. The others…they do not like me,” Shannon responded, trembling with emotion.
Murtagh looked down at her sadly, then stepped forward and knelt, placing his arms on either side, he reached over and put his hand on the side of Shannon’s face.
“They would mo ghra if you gave them a reason to. I love you so much, as does my family and the staff. You have shown us all the loving and kind person you truly are. You are no longer that troubled and unruly girl you once were. You help in caring for my mother and my sisters. The maid, Jennie, tells everyone of the kind and gracious mistress she is privileged to work for. That is who you are my darling, that is the Shannon I love. Give the others a chance to know you as I and all in our family know you,” Murtagh expressed in a loving voice, brushing away her tears.
“But how will I be able to do this now? I fear after this morning I have ruined everything,” she replied with tearful remorse.
Murtagh smiled at Shannon sadly, then sat down next to her on the bed, taking her in his arms, kissing the side of her face.
“The first thing you will do is apologise this evening at the banquet. Yes, yes you will. I know it will be difficult, but I will be with you,” Murtagh said in response to Shannon’s weepy protest. “That will do much in smoothing things over. You have more in common with Marina than you think, Shannon. She too lost her mother, and is still suffering from her loss,” Murtagh mentioned, as Shannon wiped her eyes and looked at him thoughtfully.
“I am aware of this, but how did it happen? I have heard it was the result of an accident that occurred during the siege,” Shannon mentioned, beginning to calm down.
“Yes, well, that is not true. The actual details are not openly discussed, but Lady Ellos was murdered by her brother. Marina was the one who discovered her in the garden. Aiden related to us, during the visit at Murphy and Gemma’s house, that she still suffers from nightmares because of what she endured,” Murtagh explained in a sad tone.
Shannon put her hand up to her mouth for a moment, her eyes filling with tears once again.
“Oh, Murtagh. I did not know. I thought all this time that her reserve was just arrogance and snobbery. How horrible for Marina and her siblings. When I found my mother had passed in her sleep, I could not go in her room again. I cannot imagine how horrifying it must have been for Marina to find her mother murdered in the garden,” Shannon remarked, her voice catching as she spoke. “I…I will apologise, and do what I must to make up for my actions. I only hope, it is not too late,” she added, leaning against Murtagh, her head on his shoulder.
“I am sure your gesture will be very appreciated, my love. Come now, let us reassure the house staff, that all is well,” Murtagh said, leaning over and kissing her forehead softly.
“Come in,” Caleb said in answer to the soft knock on the door of their room.
Both Caleb and Laurel smiled in surprise as Marina entered the room.
“I thought for sure it would be Oriel again, trying to convince us she needed to go to the banquet,” Caleb remarked with a light laugh as Marina walked into the room.
“Yes, Oriel told me she should go because she wanted to be a Sentinel. She even put on her new dress,” Marina replied, shaking her head.
“We saw that. It was quite ingenious of Imagin to have Cinnie and Quinlan bring their children here on the way to the banquet. Imagin is having a lovely meal planned for all of them. Well, with Kerrie and Neave helping of course,” Laurel said, slipping on her short boots.
“Ingenious and very brave I might add. They are going to have their hands full with all the little urchins. This will be the first banquet Kerrie has not attended. Ione mentioned, she does not wish for any extra attention now that she and Deaglan are courting,” Caleb said, walking to the wardrobe and taking out his formal Sentinel jacket.
“What will be your plans for the evening, Marina?” Laurel inquired, walking up to her and lightly fingering Marina’s long gold tresses.
“I have decided that I would like to attend the banquet, after all. I know that Aiden left early with Owain and Tulla so I was hoping I could leave with you,” Marina explained in a shy voice.
Laurel and Caleb smiled at each other, then Laurel embraced Marina warmly.
“Of course you can. We will not be meeting with Cahir and Eavan for an hour yet. Have you chosen a dress for the evening?” Laurel asked, excited that Marina was now joining them.
“Not yet, I wanted to be sure my joining you would be possible,” Marina answered, giggling as Laurel took her hand and led her out of the room.
“Oh good! I have just the dress in mind,” Laurel said enthusiastically, Caleb shaking his head and smiling at the two of them.
Aiden glanced about the hall, smiling and acknowledging when others would greet him. He was not himself, only engaging in polite conversation, not his usual jovial manner at this occasion. When others would walk up to him, Owain would make an effort to involve him to take his mind off the events of the day.
“Caleb mentioned, this might be the largest New Season Banquet ever held, as there were so many of us newly instated Sentinels. It is a shame Uncle Fergus will not be here,” Owain spoke up, watching Aiden as he looked absently about the hall.
“He has been to so many of these banquets, they in truth, have become all the same to him,” Aiden replied smiling mirthlessly at Owain. “Oh good. I see Quinlan and Cinnie have arrived, which means Caleb and Laurel should be here soon. Then we can get this all started, and over with,” Aiden sighed, taking a drink of cider while Owain and Tulla smiled sadly at each other.
A few moments later just as Aiden had expected, Caleb and Laurel did arrive, with everyone going up to them to offer their congratulations on their expectancy. Aiden smiled and then looked away, about to make his way back over to the refreshment table when Owain grabbed his arm.
“It seems as if Caleb and Laurel have brought a guest with them,” Owain revealed, gesturing over to them.
Aiden looked over with happy surprise at seeing Marina standing with them, smiling shyly as people spoke to her.
“She is the very embodiment of Aoibheann, is she not?” Owain asked grinning, referring to Marina as the Princess of Heathwin in folklore, being known for her legendary beauty, fair of hair and skin and often dressed in silver attire.
Marina had arrived tonight in the beautiful silver gown that Laurel had made for her as a gift when returning from her first trip to Heathwin. Though still appearing shy and a bit nervous, her beauty could not be denied.
“She most certainly is! Excuse me,” Aiden answered Owain in a soft, faraway voice as he then made his way over to Marina.
Marina gave Aiden one of the most dazzling smiles she had ever given him, her eyes luminous and filled with love. He took both of her hands in his, leaning in and kissing her in front of everyone, not caring that everyone saw this passionate display of affection.
“You look beautiful, mo chroi. I am so happy you came tonight,” Aiden gushed, his usual charming smile now returned.
“Thank you, my love. I am very glad to be here,” Marina answered, her emerald eyes glowing with happiness.
“Shall we go and greet everyone?” Aiden suggested, offering his arm.
“I would be delighted,” she replied, slipping her arm through his as he led her into
the hall.
Laurel smiled up at Caleb as they watched the young couple walk away, Caleb grinning and shaking his head.
“He is most pathetic,” Caleb remarked, with Laurel laughing at him.
Servants began bringing out trays of assorted cheeses, pickled vegetables, chutneys, and various bread which the guests were very pleased to see. The conversations were light hearted and happy, as intermittent laughter could be heard throughout the hall. Aiden and Marina were engaged in conversation with Rian and Ione when Murtagh and Shannon walked up to them. Murtagh smiled at everyone, while Shannon appeared very uneasy, keeping her eyes averted, holding on to Murtagh’s arm.
