Mairin wanted nothing more than to march over and bash Laird McDonald’s head in with a serving platter. If she thought she could move fast enough to get past Ewan, she might well attempt it.

“You are about to fidget right off the bench,” Ewan said in a whisper. “What is amiss? Are you not feeling well?”

She glanced up at the concern—and exasperation—in her husband’s eyes. “I’m ready to retire. I can see myself up. You stay and continue your talks with Laird McDonald.”

Ewan frowned. “Nay, I’ll go up with you. It will give Alaric some time to talk with the laird—and Rionna, should he choose.”

Not waiting for her to respond, Ewan turned to Laird McDonald and smoothly interrupted the conversation. “If you will excuse us, my lady wife is ready to retire. She tires easily these days and I do not like her going up to our chamber without me.”

Mairin couldn’t control her look of distaste when Laird McDonald’s eyes gleamed lasciviously. “Aye, I understand. If I had a wife as bonnie as yours, she’d not be retiring without me either.”

Mairin shuddered. Poor Keeley. How awful it must have been for her when she was but a girl. The man was a lecher. And he ate too much. Gertie hadn’t forgiven the man the last time he’d visited McCabe keep. Their stores hadn’t been as plentiful as they were now, and the laird had eaten them near out of the keep.

“Come, sweeting,” Ewan murmured as he helped her from her seat.

’Twas the truth she was weary, but then she was weary most days. There were times when she thought she’d carry this child to infinity. The bairn was particularly active at night. She and Ewan would lie in bed and quietly feel the tiny kicks and bumps.

She paused halfway up the stairs, already out of breath. Ewan steadied her and waited until she was ready to resume.

“I vow I’m going to be pregnant forever,” she complained as Ewan ushered her into their chamber.

Ewan smiled and helped her from her clothing. “It won’t be long now. Think how exciting it will be to finally hold our son or daughter.”

Mairin sighed. “I know it.”

As soon as she had on her nightdress, she sank onto the edge of the bed. Across the room Ewan undressed and she could feel his gaze upon her as he returned to the bed.

He sat beside her. “What is it, Mairin? You look worried. Is it the babe that has you afraid?”

She smiled faintly and turned to look up at him. “Nay, I have complete faith in Keeley.”

“Then what is it that has you so unhappy?”

“ ’Tis Keeley. And Alaric,” she blurted.

Ewan blew out his breath and started to turn away, but Mairin caught his arm.

“They’re unhappy, Ewan. Can’t you do anything?”