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would soon end. No man wanted such on old wife. She rose to go to her pallet when a large hand grasped her wrist in an iron hold.
    "Who are ye, lass? Where am I?"
    Staring pointedly at her wrist, Meg replied, "Is this the manner of treatment ye give when offered a helping hand?"
    He released her instantly. "Forgive me, m'lady. I was nae clear-headed when I awoke."
    "I am Meghan MacCauley and ye be in my home. Are ye hungry...thirsty? I have stew over the fire if you are of a mind ta have some Sir...?"
    The old knight studied her for a moment, wondering if he should trust her with his name. Grunting, he allowed for some leniency. "William, my lady, and aye, I would welcome some sustenance." As she bustled around preparing his meal, William rose cautiously and sat at the table. "Where be your husband?"
    She stiffened. "Lachlan was killed just two years past. I have nae bothered with another."
    Placing the fare before him, Meg retreated to the hearth. "Tell me, Sir William, how did ye come ta be on MacCauley land without so much as a steed?"
    His brow arched. "Ye did nae find my mount?"
    "There was naught but ye in the place where my children found ye. Your horse must have run off."
    "Tis just as well. The auld nag and I did nae see eye ta eye. Tis the cause of my current predicament." His eyes twinkled with merriment.
    Meg glanced away uneasily . He was a big man and as stout as they come. She was alone, save for the bairns, and no match for this man if he decided to a ssault her. She twisted her fingers as she tried to figure out where to let him sleep for the night. The lean-to that served as a stable was out of the question as the winds howled outside the door. It wasn't even fit for their horse!
    William studied her beneath his brow as he ate. It did not take an astute man to see her dilemma and know the cause of her anxiety. He would leave as soon as the weather cleared.
    "Ye have naught ta fear, lass. I would nae harm ye."
    "I do nae fear ye," she lied. "I was simply figuring out where ta let ye rest. There is nae helping it though, y e will use my bed and I will retire with the bairns in the loft."
    He leapt to his feet. "I would nae push ye from your bed, my lady! I can use the loft...or the stable."
    She shook her head. "Ye would nae fit in the loft, and the stable is nae fit for man or beast. Nay, my solution is best."
    Seeing that she was right, he acquiesced. Settling back in the chair, he sipped his ale. "Tell me, Lady Meghan, why do ye live out here all alone? Ye are a beautiful young lass who could have your pick of any man. Why hide out in the forest?"
    "Ye are mistaken, Sir William. I am neither young nor a lady...who would want me? I was wed to a knight once and it was nae pleasant. Why would I wish ta repeat that? At least now I can do as I please and answer ta nae one but God. Besides, nae man of worth would ever look my way when he sees only a widowed healer with two young children. Nay. I do nae have a need for that."
    "I can nae agree with your assessment, lass. I ken nae your late husband, but he was a fool ta mistreat ye. As for the other...when ye near my age, then ye may call yourself auld. I would say ye are in the prime of life right now, naught more."
    Meg yawned. It had been a long day for her and morning came early. Pulling her tartan closer about her shoulders, she walked to the ladder.
    "I will nae argue the point with ye, my lord. I find that I am in need of some rest so I bid ye good eve. If ye need anything feel free ta fetch it."
    "I thank ye for your hospitality, my lady. Rest well."
    Nodding, she retired for the night.
    William perused her small hut. She needs much but I believe her pride refuses aide. I must repay her kindness in some manner. But how? A wide grin spread across his l ips as a solution came to mind. Ahh...tis good ta be king!
    William rose before dawn to the sound of horses in the yard. Upon venturing outside he found his entourage approaching, leading his wayward steed. He