The Inheritance by Irina Shapiro

where all the clansmen would come to the castle to swear their allegiance to the new Laird and John was overjoyed.  The preparations were in full swing, and the kitchens hummed with activity.  Clansmen had been hunting for days in order to supply the cooks with fresh meat for the feast.  Isobel’s role was more ornamental, so she decided to go take a walk in the garden.  She saw Anna by the forge as she came out of the castle, and beckoned to her to join her.  Anna hurried over and they entered the sanctuary of the garden.  The flower beds were brimming with color, the fragrant blooms eagerly soaking up the summer sunshine. 
    “I long to walk by the sea,” Isobel complained to Anna.  I feel like an animal in a cage.”  Anna gave her a conspiratorial wink and took her hand, pulling her along toward the far wall.  She looked at the wall intently and then moved aside some vines to reveal a small door cut into the stone.  The hinges were rusty, and sounded like a wounded beast when Anna pushed the door open. The path on the other side led to a cliff walk.  The brisk breeze off the sea sent their skirts billowing around them, but it was wonderful to be free of the castle and the watchful eyes within. 
    “What if we are seen?” 
    “Dinna worry, there are nae that many windows on that side and everyone is busy with preparations.  Just tuck yer hair into yer cap, and no one will ken it’s us.  All they will see are two maids from the village.  Oh, Isobel, I have such news!”  Anna’s blue eyes shone with joy. “Last night Dougal spoke to my father.  We’re to be wed next month.” 
    “So soon?”  Isobel tried desperately to feel happy for her friend, but all she felt was the ache in her own empty heart.  Anna was in love with her Dougal, and her marriage would be very different.  It would be a union based on love and respect.  Dougal worshipped the ground she walked on, and his eyes always followed his sweetheart as she walked past the forge to and from the castle. 
    “We wanted to wait till the autumn, but there is much talk of an uprising, and if it comes to pass, Dougal, being the blacksmith, will have to ride with the Laird.  He wants to make sure we’re wed afore he leaves.  He says he’s been making a lot of swords of late.  Preparations are being made.” 
    “If he has to go, I hope he at least leaves me with a bairn,” Anna said wistfully , and then realized she was being insensitive.  “Isobel, there’s a wise woman in the village.  Would ye see her?  She might give you a charm to help ye get with child.  She gave me a love charm for Dougal.  I left it under his pillow while he was out and it worked!”
    Isobel looked at her friend while trying to decide whether to tell her the truth, but on this cliff, away from the watchful atmosphere of the castle she felt she had nothing to hide.  She had to tell someone.
    “Anna, I dinnae want to get with child.  I loathe John, and I cringe with disgust every time he touches me. The thought of his bairn inside me fills me with revulsion.  I hope never to get pregnant.  Maybe he’ll put me aside then.”
    Anna’s eyes were round with shock.  She was marrying the man she loved , and the thought of her wedding night filled her with longing and tenderness.  She couldn’t imagine the dread that Isobel felt every time John walked into the room.  He reeked of liquor and stale sweat, and his meaty hands grabbed her mercilessly as he rolled on top of her, grunting and thrusting.
    Anna reached out and touched Isobel’s wet cheek.  She hadn’t realized she was crying.  “I am so sorry, Isobel, and here I am prattling on about my wedding .”  Isobel turned her face into the wind and let it dry her tears.  The thought of John marching off to meet His Majesty was an appealing one, and the longer he’d be gone the better.  Then Isobel thought of something else.
    “Anna, how did y e ken about that door?”
    “Everyone kens,