The Silver Sword (63 page)

“Well, Cory, 'tis not what you had in mind when you took us from England,” she murmured, lifting her eyes long enough to see Aidan smother a yawn as she struggled to pay attention to the petrified sailor, “but I've kept her pure and reasonably virtuous. She'll make somebody a good wife, you mark me words.”

Even now, after all these years, her eyes misted as she turned her thoughts toward the husband who lay somewhere at the bottom of the sea. “If you've an audience with the Almighty, put in a word for me and the girl, will you, laddie? We could use a bit of help now and again. Aidan's getting older, too old by many standards, and if I don't get her married soon, she'll spend all her days here at the tavern … just like me.” She paused to dash a tear from the corner of her eye. “Not that I mind, Cory, me love. But you left us with nothing. Bram offered this wee bit of help, and he's kept us out of the workhouse … most times.” Her eyes focused on Aidan's gleaming red hair. “I've been left with nothing, Cory, and I wouldn't wish my lot upon another soul. So, if you'll beg the Almighty to overlook me sins, I won't hold your departing this life against you.”

“Lili!”

Bram's roar shattered her momentary serenity. Lili pulled herself off the wall and began threading her way through the milling crowd, feeling as much in control of her life and destiny as any woman had a right to feel.