He held her and spoke gently, though his words held weight. “Angus Macardle was a good, fair man. That was what my da had said often about your father. My da was good at determining a man’s nature and from what I recall about your da, I believe my father was right about him.”

Snow sniffled as her tears subsided. “Do you recall what my da and your da argued about?”

“I only recall that your da was agitated about something when he arrived and he demanded my da not do something. Before your da said anymore, my da sent me from the room and I hoped to listen from outside the door but my mum was there and she chased me away.”

“Maybe Willow would know something about it. She and my da talked often, and he relied on her after our mum died. Maybe we could visit them once the snow permits it.”

“We’ll see,” he said, concerned with all that was going on that it might not be wise to travel just yet.

A rap at the door had Tarass bidding Nettle to enter. He didn’t, however, expect Rannock to follow her in.

“What now, Rannock?” Tarass asked, annoyed at being disturbed.

“Abbot Bennett claims he’s isn’t feeling well enough to travel,” Rannock said. “He insists on shelter for the night.”

“That is not going to happen,” Tarass said and with a finger to his wife’s chin, gently turned her head to face him. “I will get rid of them and return here before you finish your brew.”

“Please be sure to make them leave. I fear their presence will only bring more problems,” Snow said, then kissed her husband’s lips lightly. An excited ripple raced through her when his lips suddenly were partially visible to her, fuzzy, but visible.

Once her husband was gone, Snow turned and was pleased to see Nettle had a more defined shape to her gray blur. Could her sight actually be improving? She felt such joy at the possibility, especially now with a chance of her being with child. She would be so grateful to be able to look upon her bairn’s face when he or she was born.

Nausea rose up to roil her stomach once again. Not as bad as before when she fainted, but enough to make her feel unwell.

“You pale, m’lady. Do you not feel well?” Nettle asked, concerned.

“My stomach churns again.”

“Perhaps it’s a bit of food you need.”

Snow’s stomach didn’t recoil at the thought of food. “It’s worth a try, Nettle.”

Nettle was barely out the door when Snow got out of bed. Thaw was quick to rush to her side, letting her know he was there to help.