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Spencer pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he looked both ways, taking stock of the situation. Fiona’s heart sank as Spencer backed away. The boy had been resentful at coming in the first place. Now he was going to stomp away like a spoiled brat, insulting Gavin and shaming her.
It was therefore a relief when he soon returned with a very long, sturdy-looking branch in his hand. Grasping it between both hands, Spencer tentatively lowered it into the water. As he put his weight on it, the branch slipped on the murky bottom and slid out from under him.
Fiona gasped, not knowing how Spencer was able to keep his balance. Once righted, he lifted the branch from the water and flung it into the lake.
“A good idea, but unsuccessful.” Gavin crouched down on his haunches and spoke in a low, encouraging tone. “Think, Spencer. And dinnae be afraid to fail. The only way to learn anything in life is to try and fail, then continue trying until ye succeed.”
Sweat gathered at Spencer’s brow. He stood a few minutes longer, thinking, then sat on the ground, removed his boots, then strung them across his neck. Fiona soon realized this would give his feet and toes a firmer grasp on the log. Arms akimbo, he started across, his shorter leg challenging his balance with each step.
As he drew near, Fiona could see how firmly his jaw was locked, how tightly his teeth were clenched. ’Twas a miracle she didn’t hear them cracking. ’Twas a miracle also that he didn’t land in the lake. She held her breath with each step, fearful any sound would break his concentration. As he got close, Gavin extended his arm. Spencer hesitated for an instant, then grabbed it.
“Clever lad!” Gavin exclaimed. “There’s no shame in taking help when ye need it. Ye cannae hide the infirmary in yer leg. If ye do, then others will view it as a weakness. So let it stand in the open and let everyone see ye can overcome it.
“Ye’ll have to prove yerself more than others, but I believe ye’ve the courage, strength, and intelligence to conquer this affliction. If ye work hard and learn to properly wield a sword, there’s none that will be able to best ye.”
Spencer’s chest fairly puffed out with pride. He pulled on his boots, then without being asked, bent and lifted the poles. “Will you teach me how to swim?”
“I will. When the weather gets a wee warmer and we have some privacy. ’Tis a lesson best taught only among men. We swim as we were born, in nothing but nature’s clothing.”
Spencer blushed. Fiona did, too. Breaking the awkward mood, Gavin urged them to the other side of the rock. From here the sparkling water stretched nearly as far as the eye could see. Gavin told them to spread out on the flat rock, instructing Fiona to sit in the middle. When they were finally settled, Gavin explained the finer points of fishing, set the bait on their lines and cast the lines in the water.
It was impossible to miss the worshipful glow in Spencer’s gaze when he looked at Gavin. Fiona felt the moisture gathering in her eyes. Mortified, she turned away, not wanting either of them to see. After the turmoil of the last few days—well, in truth the last year—this carefree outing was a tonic.
They sat in companionable silence for nearly an hour. A gentle breeze kept the sun from becoming uncomfortably warm. Fiona removed her veil and gold circlet, reveling in the freedom. She turned her face to the sun, feeling an odd sort of renewal seeping into her bones.
A sudden rustling sound in the trees on the shoreline behind them spun Gavin around. Fiona marveled at the quickness of his body, the fluid motion he used to draw his sword. It was as though the weapon were a part of him, a mere extension of his flesh.
Alas, the precaution proved unnecessary. A most familiar hound came bounding through the underbrush, tongue lagging, tail wagging.
“I cannae believe he followed us all the way here,” Gavin marveled.
“He’s a very clever boy,” Fiona said proudly, rubbing the special spot behind the pup’s ears that never failed to delight him.
The beast sighed in ecstasy, and pushed closer, nearly knocking Fiona over. She laughed, tossing her head to one side to swing her braid over her shoulder, so the dog would not be tempted to gnaw on it, then allowed herself to be licked on the face. It truly was impossible to resist such faithful, loving devotion.
“Mother!”
Fiona, Gavin, and the dog all turned at the sound of Spencer’s frightened cry. But it was Gavin who quickly ascertained what was upsetting the boy.
“No cause fer alarm,” he called out. “This great beast is yer mother’s new friend.”
“I thought it might be a wolf,” Spencer admitted sheepishly, and they all laughed.
“He’s an odd-looking fellow, isn’t he?” Fiona said, rubbing the dog’s muzzle. “I think I shall call him Laddie, in recognition of his Scottish heritage.”
Curious, Laddie abandoned Fiona and trotted over to greet Spencer. After receiving an acceptable response, the dog lumbered to the edge of the rock, dipped his head and began lapping noisily.
“He’s scaring the fish away,” Spencer complained.
“Don’t whine,” Fiona admonished. “’Tis unbecoming and unmanly. He’ll stop once he’s drunk his fill.”
Her words proved true, however a moment later the beast sighted something that prompted a round of excited barks. Spencer said nothing further—his look of annoyance was enough to convey his feelings.
“Fine, I’ll take him for a walk on the other side of the lake so you can fish in peace and quiet,” Fiona said.
“I’ll come with ye,” Gavin volunteered, springing to his feet.
“But Spencer—”
