Read Online Angel of Skye by May McGoldrick - Free Book Online Page B

she had earned the respect of those around her, but had demanded obedience as her due. Through times of turbulence and times of peace, she had drawn a straight line, and all had followed where she led. Life in the Priory had been orderly, serene. Until Fiona arrived.
    She was at least a head shorter than Fiona, but she had the force of personality that made others feel she towered over them, especially when she was displeased. And right now the older woman was more than displeased. She was angry. Quite angry.
    “I know, m’lady prioress, but...”
    “So you admit you think me an ass?”
    The prioress glared at Fiona from where she stood by the little window of her business room in the chapter house. Her fierce look was inconsistent with the gentle garments she wore. The dark blue robes and the white veil, symbols of her kindly vocation, did nothing to lessen the impact of the tongue-lashing she was giving.
    “No, m’lady, but—”
    “As well you should think me an ass, for all the deference you pay me.”
    “But, m’lady prioress, I—”
    “And I might as well be a mute and brainless beast, for all the attention you pay to what I tell you.” The prioress began pacing the room again as she spoke, her limp more pronounced. Her knee was aching more this morning than it had in weeks. “Fiona, you never hear me at all, do you?”
    “I do, m’lady,” Fiona answered, looking with concern at the older woman’s discomfort. “If you would only let me—”
    “Explain?” the prioress exploded. “How many times have I listened...patiently...to explanations for your rebellious disobedience. Fiona, why do you insist on defying me?”
    “M’lady prioress, please, I have never—”
    “Young woman, do not even think of denying that you have continually disobeyed my instructions at every turn...for the last fourteen years! If I had pulled one of my gray hairs out every time you defied my orders, I would still be an ass—but a bald-headed one by now!” Her gray eyes rolled skyward. “Holy Mother, what do I need to do to get through to this wayward child?”
    When the prioress paused, Fiona knew this was her chance to speak. She also knew from past experience that if she did not jump in now, she would be standing there for the next hour. Nonetheless, Fiona picked up the three-legged chair by the window and placed it by the fire for the older woman. Because of her ailing joints, the superior allowed herself a wood fire year round. Yes, a luxury. But it was the only luxury she indulged herself, now that her falcons were gone. The prioress sat gingerly, wincing as she flexed her knee before her.
    “M’lady, I have changed,” the young woman said, moving back to the center of the room. She was somewhat surprised that the prioress was allowing her to continue. “You know I have. Aye, I admit that every now and again I might have done childish—”
    “Every now and then? Childish?” the prioress interrupted, looking at Fiona in exaggerated shock for an instant before focusing her glare once again. “Why don’t we get a bit more specific for a moment?”
    Fiona dropped her head in resignation before speaking again. Defeat, that was what the prioress was after. Nothing less.
    “Aye, m’lady,” she surrendered humbly.
    “I am waiting,” the older woman said, sitting erect in the chair. Her hand rubbed at her swollen knee.
    Fiona pulled together her courage to start again. “Aye. I did chil...dangerous things. But, m’lady, I was only a bairn.”
    “Malcolm is a bairn. And you...you never were. You were thirteen years old when you set all of my falcons free. And sixteen when you first swam across the loch. And I repeat...first swam across the loch. Should I continue? Hardly a bairn, Fiona.”
    The young woman flushed. The prioress never forgot anything. Ever! Unconsciously, Fiona went to the fireplace and picked up the thick cloths that were hanging on the warming rack. Folding them carefully, she knelt before