An Inheritance Chapter Sixty-One
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
He hates this, hates having to tell them they have to see them. With a sigh, he goes to get them from Geillis. Claire offered to talk with them with him. But Brian hasn’t settled since he woke with a wail in court. Does he know? It wouldn’t surprise his daddy, as close as his children all are. “Thank you baby but you sort Brian. I’ve this.” She gave him a gentle look and a kiss before heading to their room.
Geillis raises her eyes and he shakes his head. She frowns. He knows Claire will fill her in later. He calls his children to him. They come with excitement.
“Daddy, we had so much fun with Auntie Geillis and Rowan.” Faith enthuses. He smiles and hugs her to his side.
“I am glad. How about you son? Did you have fun too?”
Willie shrugs. “It was okay daddy but I have more fun with Wee Ian.” Jamie grins and pulls him to his other side.
“It is the way at this age.” He thanks Geillis for watching them then takes them outside. “Come loves. I’ve something to discuss with you. Let’s take a walk.”
They walk towards the fields. Quiet for a bit. How does he begin to tell them. He decides to start with Isobel. “Did I tell you that you have another aunt?”
“The sister of your first mam. Her name is Isobel. She has been away at university but is back and wishes to meet you guys.”
“Is she nice?” Faith asks. She holds her daddy’s hand tight. She is the most perceptive of the two. He kneels in front of them both. He will tell them what he recalls of her.
“She was a few years younger then Geneva. Shy but sweet. Polite and kind. I really believe you will like her.”
“Alright daddy. We will see this new auntie.” Willie says. Faith nods.
“Good,” now the hard part, “Your grandparents would also like to see you. Your Auntie Isobel will be there and they will be seeing you here, at Leoch.”
Both children get still and quiet. “It is arranged, isn’t it daddy?” His daughter glares at him. He feels he has betrayed them even though he has done all he can to prevent it.
“You know I try to do all I can to protect you? Your mammy and I, as well as Uncle Ian, did all we could to stop this. But the Crown Court thinks it is a good idea. We have to allow it.”
“What do they ken! It isn’t fair! We don’t wanna!” Willie stomps his foot. Usually such displays of temper would be dealt with but as his daddy agrees.
“Your right son. Your absolutely right. I am sorry.” Willie’s lip trembles and Faith’s eyes flash.
“Daddy, we just won’t go!” she looks at her brother and her own eyes fill up. “Stay with mammy and you.” He draws them into his arms.
“Sorry, so sorry.” He whispers as he holds them and cries with them. They will go. None have a choice. But they will continue to fight against it.