Chapter 10 #2
If the older set wished to sacrifice themselves, fine. She wouldn’t let that sacrifice be in vain. She’d chart her own course, live her life how she pleased, and along the way, hope to find where she belonged. Somewhere she’d be part of her own set.
Blinking back the sudden sting in her eyes, Maeve said, perhaps too loudly, “And I’ve always adored my Auntie Sofie.”
The name drew another fond look from Soren. “The pride is indebted to Mistress Sofie.”
Yes, she’d heard about the trouble Imogen Ahearn had gotten into last winter, requiring a skilled healer.
“Auntie Sofie has always been remarkable. She and my mother come from a large family, but she’s always done what she wanted.
” Left the family business, built her own home in Granach, took no husband and had no children.
She and Aunt Sofie had always understood each other. Many a time, Maeve had gone to her aunt for reassurance and advice. Maeve making her own way had precedence in the Brádaigh clan thanks to Sofie. So really, Aoife couldn’t argue—even though she’d tried before Maeve went off to Gleanná.
Maeve filled what remained of their walk with tales of Sofie’s adventures and a few of her more exciting cases as a healer.
She hadn’t quite realized what a fraught conversation they’d been having until they reached the safety of the Brádaigh estate.
She’d meant to not pick at anything too distressing for him, but as she passed over the property line, Maeve felt picked at herself.
“Well, then, good night, Mister Soren.”
“Good night, Miss Maeve.”
Her farewell was succinct, Maeve striding quickly for the manor house.
If anything, her mind was even louder now.
She hadn’t considered it before, but Soren certainly would understand what it was like coming from a large family. It was difficult for anyone to understand who wasn’t part of one. The opposing needs to be part of and apart from the family, to belong but also to distinguish oneself.
The manticores had come to the Darrowlands looking for mates of their own, to start families. The eldest, Balar, was now married to Imogen Ahearn, and Maeve had heard that Diar and Akila weren’t strangers to many single women across the region. Family, pride, was important.
Did Soren really not want that for himself?
Was rearing Kiri really enough for him? Maeve saw the way he was with the students—he was a natural caregiver.
Patient, kind, and gentle, it was plain to see what a good father he’d make.
And, although they weren’t always mutually inclusive, he’d likely make a good mate, too.
Maeve hadn’t really thought about what made someone a good mate—er, partner. She’d never truly sought one before Padraic, and with him, she’d been so swept away in their illicit affair, she hadn’t stopped to consider what was actually worthwhile about him.
Turns out, nothing.
But someone like Soren, someone steady, devoted, caring…she supposed those were all good qualities in a—
“Back I see. Good evening, chickadee.”
Maeve looked up to see her father standing not far away.
Fates, he’d surprised her right out of that dangerous string of thoughts.
“Hello, papa. You’re out late.”
“Nonsense. I’m right on time to see you.” Her father grinned, welcoming her into the shelter of his arm to walk with her the remainder of the way to the house.
Resting her head against his chest, one of the knots inside her loosened.
It was a weakness, she knew, but something about receiving even a little affection from her father made her feel like a little girl again.
Making him proud had always brought its own kind of pride and thrill, and Maeve still held the memory of being his favorite—even if it was just for a moment—close to her heart.
“How were lessons?” asked Ciaran.
Maeve rattled off a few snippets of good news, extolling her students’ intelligence and accomplishments.
Giving her shoulders a squeeze, her father said, “Those students are lucky to have you while they do.”
“I’m proud of their progress,” she said.
Even though the position at the little school wasn’t her first, second, third, or fourth choice, the students gave her something to do.
Otherwise, she’d be stuck here at home, no doubt roped into mucking stables or something equally dreadful.
Although small, the school and its students gave her… purpose.
“You haven’t heard back from Dundúran yet?”
“No, unfortunately. I’m not convinced Sorcha conveyed the urgency.”
“Perhaps not. You know she’d enjoy keeping us all here. Well, perhaps best to write yourself, then, chickadee.”
“I will, papa. I’ll sort something out.”
“Very good.” And with a kiss to her head, he opened the front door for her, the two of them walking into a warm home full of savory smells.
Although Maeve aimed to carve a unique place for herself in the world, there were times it was a relief to fade into the background of her large family. Not every chair was taken around the dining table, but there were enough that she could eat dinner unbothered and retire up to her room quickly.
Her father was right, of course. She needed to write to Lady Aislinn herself.
As much as her mother and Sorcha wanted the family to stay together, her father had always encouraged them to see the world before settling down. He was right to encourage her not to get too comfortable.
And besides, all this worrying over Mister Soren just wouldn’t do. The last time she’d allowed herself to be distracted by a man, nothing had turned out well. Maeve was determined not to repeat her mistakes.
Sitting at her little desk, Maeve pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment to begin drafting her letter.
Dearest Lady Aislinn,
I hope this letter finds you and Lord Hakon well. I hope we might enjoy a visit soon and hear all about your visit to Kaldebrak.
I am writing you now in regards to Sorcha’s last letter. I would like to finish the term in my current position, but come wintertime, I am at your disposal.
In the interim, I was considering—perhaps your ladyship would like to visit the school this summer? The children would all love to see you, and if Princess Isolde should be visiting in summertime again, she may enjoy meeting otherly children near her own age.
Please let me know your thoughts.
For now, I am as always,
Your friend,
Maeve Brádaigh