She’d tried to help Addie with her chores, but Addie shooed her away. “Ye’ll need yer rest for the wedding festivities tonight and then for…” Addie didn’t complete the thought but Maighdlin knew what she had been about to say. And then for the marriage bed. She found herself pouring her heart out to the woman about Tomas and what she’d suffered. How Elliot’s arrow had pierced Tomas’ heart, how Tomas had slumped over her, dead. “Och, but I ha’e been beastly to ye girl,” Addie said. “And none of the recent tragedy was yer fault. I am sorry, lass.” Maighdlin nodded and continued to talk, of her village, of her life there. Addie was a good listener. She gave her some advice, tried to calm her, assure her that Kade would not harm her. Then she suggested Maighdlin take a walk. So Maighdlin found herself in lush gardens drenched in color. There were even patches of white heather, which was rare, and prized for good luck.
