Father Brude is indiscreet

“No one in here but us mice!” Catan cried, giddy for no reason that Flann could see.

“That sounds more like a cat to me!”

Flann sucked in her breath and clutched her sewing to her breast. She would know that voice anywhere. Her body hummed like a sympathetic bell.

“Who’s there?” Cat giggled. “It’s not a dog, is it?”

“Father Brude. May I enter?”

“Come in, but don’t mind the carnage.”

“The carnage?” The priest’s gaze only flickered over Flann as he stepped into the little sewing room. He smiled at Cat and waved at the piles of linen beside her. “Here are the bandages, but no blood do I see.”

“Flann pricked her finger at least once,” Cat said.

Now he stood nearly between the girls, so he was able to send Flann a fond glance without showing his face to Cat. Flann folded up her work with hands that trembled already.

“What are you ladies sewing so late in the evening?”

Flann shuddered. She could not bear to lift her eyes to his face, so she could not know what he was thinking. There was a tenderness in his warbled words that made her wonder whether he believed she would be sewing a dress for her baby.

“What an indiscreet question!” Cat gasped and then laughed merrily. “Suppose I said we were sewing our underclothes?”

“Then I would be able to say that I have seen Catan’s underclothes, and all the young men of the valley would suddenly find themselves called to join the priesthood.”

Cat sniffed. “If you must know, you impertinent man, we are sewing up very boring linens for Mouse, since she will have a new house soon, and if I’m not mistaken, she would rather sew little dresses than towels at the moment.”

“And who will sew up your boring linens, young lady?”

“Mouse will be in her own house before I shall,” Cat shrugged. “Won’t you have a seat, Father? What brings you all this way on such a rainy evening? And on Candlemas too!” she gasped. “Does Egelric have some candles he needs blessed? Lo, will a Mass finally be celebrated in this chapel?”

“I already celebrated two Masses today,” the priest said, “so unless you are forearmed with a dispensation, I’m afraid I shall have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Egelric will never allow it anyway, the old pagan,” Cat snickered. “Flann! Move your things so he can sit down!”

“In fact,” Father Brude said gently, “I have come to speak with your sister, if you would be kind enough to leave us alone for a little while.”

Cat hesitated. “Did you…”

“I spoke to your cousin Maire.”

“I see.” Cat tossed her sewing aside and stood. “I shall leave you alone with her, Father, but I pray you keep in mind what everyone seems to forget: the man is more to blame.”

“Cat!” Flann whispered angrily.

“I assure you,” he murmured, “it is ever at the front of my mind.”