by Kenovay
"Ach, get away with you!" Catriona Macleod was smiling. "Well, if that's what you want to do on your second to last night in the Toddays then far be it from me to stop you."
"Tomorrow night, Catriona, eudail, I'll sit up with you until three in the morning reminiscing and swearing to write two postcards home a day. I promise. Och, even four in the morning." Norman stepped into the sitting room and flung his arms extravagantly wide. "Maybe even - mind, I can't swear to this - maybe even five."
Catriona laughed. "Why is Duncan B�n wanting to watch fairies with you? I thought that honour was reserved for very special people."
Norman shrugged. "I'm off to the RAF day after tomorrow, and we've always got on."
"Aye. Well, off you trot, then. Who's taking you?"
"The Biffer. He's taking the Kittiwake across with some Minnie for Snorvig."
"And tomorrow morning?"
"Och, someone'll be there."
"He's a very handsome man, is Duncan B�n. Those eyes, and he always glows, like a wee lamp," Catriona murmured. Norman glared sharply at her. She held up her hands. "Norman, truaghan, you're my brother. I'm not asking you to tell me about your sins, but I'd be happy to... to forward letters."
"Aye. Well. My sins are my own."
"Aye." Catriona suddenly smiled. "Come, eudail. Enjoy your last night with him. I'll see you tomorrow."
Norman kissed her cheek and left the cottage, palms slightly clammy. Catriona had guessed, but she was his sister. Would the Biffer be able to see it painted across his forehead? This man loves Duncan B�n? Had he been too free and easy about telling people that he never wanted to get married? The first time Duncan had been there, and the warm, flustered smile he had received had been worth the half hour that people had spent explaining why a young man such as himself really should find a nice Todday girl. After that it had just been habit, bravado.
The sail across the Coolish was peaceful, and Norman felt little desire to talk. The Biffer was also silent, contenting himself with a muttered "Fe�rr" when the Kittiwake slipped into Snorvig. With thanks and farewells, Norman hurried off on the three-mile walk to Tigh nam B�rd.
