“I’m sad that Maeve cannot be here,” Father said. “I know she shies away from such gatherings, but she’d want to see her sister married. I miss her, Clodagh. You girls are all precious to me in your different ways. I hope you know that.”

“I do, Father.” I heard what he was not saying: that Mother’s fervent desire for a son—she was unshakeable in her belief that she was carrying a boy—could all too easily be taken to mean that she cared less than she should about her six daughters. I had heard my youngest sister, Eilis, say that Mother did not love her as much as the child who was coming. Sibeal had hushed her, telling her that mothers love all their children equally, always. I did not really think this was true. “And we love you. You’re the best of fathers. It will feel odd, won’t it, when Deirdre is gone? Once Muirrin leaves again you’ll only have three of your girls left. And Coll, of course.”

Father smiled. “You asked me if there was anything else I needed done. I suppose I should ask if I can be sure my nephew will be on his best manners before our distinguished guests tonight.”

“What Coll may not be prepared to do for me,” I said, “he’ll do for Johnny. He worships his big brother. I think we’ll have perfect behavior for a little while at least.”

“Perfect? From that child? I doubt it.” Father’s tone was affectionate. Coll was not a wayward boy, simply adventurous. He and Eilis got in and out of trouble together regularly. It made the household livelier, which I thought a good thing.

Someone tapped on the door. When I opened it a chink, there was a chieftain waiting to speak to Father. At least I could snatch a few moments’ rest in my chamber, I thought. For Father, the day’s business had begun at dawn and would not be finished until the feast was over and all the guests safely abed.

Nobody would have known, at suppertime, that Lord Sean of Sevenwaters bore such a weight of anxiety. My father’s strong features were calm, his smile convincing as he presided over the festive meal. To accommodate our many guests we had four tables laid, one for family on a dais at the side of the hall, the others set crossways in the main part of this chamber, the biggest and grandest in the keep. Embroidered hangings decorated the walls; lamps cast a warm light over their bright colors. A fire crackled on the hearth, for the spring evenings could be chill here.