Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Our only recourse is to find Ann’s sister Eudora and see what she knows about mine and my sisters’ true parents.”
CHAPTER 24
The clouds overhead reflected Elsie’s somber mood as she walked through the village. The rain had stopped a short time ago, leaving its mark on the land. Children splashed in the puddles left in its wake, laughing while dogs barked, joining them in the fun. Tree branches hung heavy while leaves dripped with the last of the rain and people gathered in talk, relieved to have a reprieve from the rain that had fallen since early morning.
Elsie was troubled and had been since her talk with her husband far too many days ago. He had told her that it might not be possible to find Eudora after all this time and that she might not even be alive. If that proved true, there would be no one left that would know the truth about her and her sisters’ true parents. What then? How did they stop the threat she and her sisters faced?
She shook her head at her bothersome musings, trying to shake them away. There were many things she should be pleased with, like how most of the men wounded in the attack had recovered well, with only two needing a bit more healing time. And how the men in the clan had taken well to the teachings of the Gallowglass warriors when it came to battle and weapons. It was obvious Clan Murdock was growing stronger by the day and it was all thanks to her husband’s wise leadership. Her da had even begun to improve since Cavell was visiting him daily and was discussing how the clan could benefit by being part of a trade route that Slayer had begun. Her da had been thrilled with the idea and had suggested different possibilities.
She had much to be grateful for and yet she had much to worry her as well, Leora being her biggest worry, though Sky was not far behind. She was anxious for Melvin’s return and news about Sky. For now, she would settle for a hot brew and the warmth of a gentle fire, the rain having left a chill in its wake.
She was surprised to find Wadely in the Great Hall, not that he never came there, he did, but only at mealtimes. He talked with any and all, having an easy tongue but then a merchant usually did.
“Mistress Elsie,” Wadely greeted with a smile. “I was looking for Chieftain Cavell. I have his vest here.” He pointed to the table.
Elsie ran her hand over it, admiring the skilled piece. “It’s padded and the stitching is beautiful.”
“The padding and tight cross-stitching will help protect him when in battle,” Wadely said with pride.
“That is good to hear,” Elsie said, finally smiling. “Where did you learn such skill?”
“On my travels. The leather garments I saw stitched intrigued me, so I learned and practiced, though a skilled stitcher taught me her trade.”
His response had Elsie thinking, and she asked, “In your travels have you ever come upon many women living all on their own?”
“Nay, I would not likely come across a woman on her own since my travels take me to clan market days, or individual clans, and some monasteries. My travels have taught me that most women who live removed from others are not spoken about with any favor. They are either deemed a witch or believed touched with madness or so says the wagging tongues,” he said with a chuckle.
“Have you heard talk of any such woman?”
“Do you look for someone in particular, Mistress Elsie?”
How could she phrase this without alerting him to the true issue?
An idea came to her. “I was told the midwife who delivered me lives alone and I was wondering if I could find her and talk with her about my mum.”
“Do you know what area she might be in?” Wadely asked.
“Unfortunately, I don’t.”
“The Highlands are vast, Mistress Elsie. Without an idea of where she may be it would be difficult to say.”
Wadely almost echoed her husband’s words.
“If there is anything distinctive about the woman that might help?” Wadely offered.
“Hiding,” Elsie said with a laugh. “She is good at hiding from what I was told.”
Wadely stared at her as if speechless.
“You heard of such a woman?” Elsie asked anxiously.
“Oddly enough I have heard someone speak of such a woman, a healer who preferred to live alone,” he said, sounding as surprised as Elsie looked though with a sadness in his eyes. “Unfortunately, I also heard of her passing about two years ago.” Wadely quickly offered some encouragement when he saw the disappointment on Elsie’s face. “Perhaps she is not the one you search for.”
“You’re right. The Highlands are a vast place. The chance of her being the woman I search for is probably not likely.” Still, Elsie felt disappointed.