by Dobsyn, Aury
“For this eve, you can. A more permanent arrangement can be made on the morrow, since I will not allow Fin to use her hands until they are fully healed.”
Turning her attention back to Fin, she asked softly, “Has the pain lessened?”
“Aye. Thank ye, Milady.”
Ualan, disturbed by the woman’s bold suggestion, just stared at her in bewilderment. Before he could argue, she made her way behind the counter and donned an apron that hung on a hook by the ovens.
“I should warn ye, I possess mediocre cooking skills at best,” Ella stated. “But, I listen well, if Fin would be good enough to instruct me.”
Fin saw her determination then glanced at Ualan, whose expression displayed utter disbelief. Trying to hide her giggle, she said, “Ualan, she has been trained in the kitchen. I believe-”
Ella cut in, “To be honest, I have not been trained in the kitchen.”
“Oh, I thought that all English ladies trained in the kitchen,” Fin assumed.
Shame washed over Ella as she explained, “Aye, you have the right of it. My. . .my duties at Greystone are. . .um. . .they are. . . of a different nature than the norm for English ladies.”
Fin and Ualan exchanged a look, then he walked over to Ella and said, “I would be proud to have ye assist me this eve.”
“You may feel quite differently in a few hours.”
“We shall see,” he said with a smile.
*
Over the next hour, Ualan and Fin learned that Lady Ella had not exaggerated her lack of culinary skill. This became painfully evident when it took her three attempts to make manchet bread.
On her first attempt, she forgot to add the yeast. On her second attempt, she added three times the amount of salt needed. Thankfully, on her third attempt, she managed to make an edible loaf of bread.
Giddy from the pain medicine, Fin’s laughter filled the kitchen. Ualan cared little about Ella’s numerous mistakes. His main concern centered on Fin, and when he heard her contagious laughter, he too found amusement.
Although Lady Ella could not bake bread to save her life, she could cook rabbit, not well, but acceptable.
“As a child, my father often took me hunting. He taught me how to prepare and cook any game we brought down.”
Seeing Lady Ella’s pain filled expression when she mentioned her father, Ualan attempted to lift her spirits. “’Tis my belief he would be verra proud of what ye cook this eve. As for what ye baked. . .” He then pointed to the flatten bread beside the salt-rich bread.
With a mischievous grin, he suggested, “I’m thinking Tavish would be delighted to taste the bread made with a wee bit more salt than usual, especially when I make him aware that Lady Ella slaved over the oven to produce such a fine dish.”
Both Fin and Ella laughed at his outrageous suggestion, but their mirth ended when Tavish and his mother walked into the kitchen.
Lady Esme had been ready to storm into the kitchen and rescue her new daughter from the beastly cook, when a servant explained that the normally surly, discourteous man now acted with the patience of a saint. She and Tavish did not believe it, but upon entering the kitchen, they quickly noticed the easy amity between Ella and the cook.
After asking how Fin fared, Lady Esme commanded the lass not to lift a finger until she healed. The long-time mistress of Doran Castle then turned her gaze on Ualan and Ella. “My compliments for an excellent meal.”
Keenly aware she did not deserve such praise, Ella decided to reveal her inadequacies in the kitchen to Gavin’s mother. Her shoulders stiffened as she took a hesitant step forward, but before she could speak, Ualan responded to the older woman’s praise.
“Thank ye, Milady.” Turning to Tavish, he said, “Ye are a lucky man, for Lady Ella made ye a special treat.”
More than pleased by this announcement, Tavish looked at Ella and said, “Thank ye, I truly appreciate the kind gesture.”
“Tavish, I am not sure. . .”
Ualan nudged Ella, then said, “Now, lass, let the man enjoy the most delicious bread in all of Scotland.”
Handing the bread to his laird’s brother, he added, “I assure ye, Tavish, ye have ne’er tasted anything like this before.”
“I can hardly wait,” he exclaimed then took a monstrous bite. The look of true enjoyment disappeared like a flash of lightning.
He refused to chew, until his mother said, “Go on and finish it. I’m sure it’s wonderful.”
A pleading look crossed Tavish’s face as he slowly shook his head. Realizing his actions would hurt Ella’s feeling, he reluctantly began to chew. The distasteful bread remained in his mouth until he swallowed it whole, then the foul creation sat heavily in his stomach. Assailed by guilt, he looked up and noticed Ella, Ualan, and Fin’s animated expression. Dawning quickly fell upon him.
Not one to be outdone, Tavish turned to his mother and said, “How inconsiderate of me to nae share this delightful treat with ye.” With a smile on his face, he handed her a piece of the unpalatable bread.
Smiling at her thoughtful son, Lady Esme lifted the savory treat to her mouth and took a bite. Shocked and unprepared for the horrific taste, she instantly spit the odious bread onto the counter.
“God Almighty, ‘tis the worst bread . . . Ella, ye are my daughter now and I love ye, but lord in heaven, ne’er have I . . .” Due to the vile taste lingering in her mouth, she did not finish, instead, she rushed to drink a goblet of water.
To the amusement of those watching, the sweet and delicate older woman swirled the liquid around in her mouth, and then in a most unlady-like fashion, spat it onto the ground.
Peals of laughter rippled through the air while the victims of the tomfoolery washed their mouths out. Both Lady Esme and Tavish thought it a great jest, but were more pleased that Ella no longer opposed their company.
Ella stood mortified as Ualan went on to explain her first two attempts of making bread, which clearly defined her lack of culinary skill. She soon discovered that even with her faults, they still accepted her. Not once did they berate her efforts or criticize her scant knowledge of cooking. Instead, they merely jested with her, but did not expect her to rectify her limited education in the kitchen.
“I'll find you in the morning so I can tend to your hands,” Ella told Fin before retiring to her chamber.
“Thank ye, Milady.”
“And Ualan, if you need my help again, I’d be more than willing.”
“Lady Ella, ye have many fine skills, but cooking is nae one of them,” he chuckled. “Ye are more than welcome to visit us in the kitchen, but if ye take one step near me ovens, I‘ll put ye over my shoulder and throw ye into the loch.”
Ella giggled at his threat, knowing that a bond formed tonight between her and the two cooks.
Moments later, Lady Esme helped her new daughter undress and don her bedding attire.
“I have ne’er seen Ualan behave in such a manner as he did this night.”
“Aye, you said he is usually quite difficult,” Ella commented as a lightweight, knee length chemise slipped over her head. “Actually you said he is a beast of a man.”
Lady Esme tucked her into the bed, and then explained, “He is usually apoplectic with rage at the slightest provocation.”
“Because of his injury?”
“Aye, his rancorous behavior developed once he accepted that his life as a warrior had come to an end.” Esme kissed the young lass’s forehead and whispered, “A restful sleep awaits ye, my daughter.”
Comforted by the maternal love that radiated from the gentlewoman, Ella smiled in response, but doubted sleep would come easy. As usual of late, when alone amidst the darkness of the chamber, her mind drifted to Gavin.
She often tried to imagine him riding through the gates of Doran Castle with a proud smile on his devastatingly handsome face. He then would glance over his shoulder at Lady Eleanor and Sir James riding in his wake. Sobbing with relief and joy, Ella would run across the bailey to embrace her
aunt and uncle.
Gavin would watch a short distance away, enjoying his wife’s reunion with her family. Ella would then leaped into the arms of the man who risked his life to save her family and kiss him they way a woman kisses the man she loves.
She prayed that the beautiful scene her active imagination created would soon become a reality. Unfortunately, the years at Greystone taught her to keep a loose grip on hope to prevent the pain of watching her dreams destroyed.
8
The next morning Ella arrived in the kitchen at dawn, pleased to see Fin sitting on the stool while Ualan hand fed her apple slices. The tender scene reminded her of what she noticed last night, that the boorish cook cared deeply for Fin, mayhap even loved her. Curious by nature, Ella intended to learn their story.
“Good morrow, Ualan, Fin.”
“Aboot time ye were up and seeing to yer duties,” Ualan snorted.
With a smile, Ella replied sarcastically, “It amazes me that people call you a cantankerous old man. I, for one, could never agree with such slander, especially after that joyful greeting.”
After putting her satchel on a nearby table and taking out what she needed, she walked over to Fin.
“And how are you feeling this morning?”
Ualan took a menacing step towards her and spat, “Canna ye see she’s in pain? Ye will ease her suffering or so help me-”
With a raised hand, Ella stopped his tirade and stated, “Your threat is unwarranted since you know very well that I will do all in my power to help her.”
“Your hands look to be healing quite nicely,” she confirmed a moment later, after she unwrapped Fin’s hands and saw no sign of infection and minimal swelling. She then put the burnt limbs into the basin of cool water Ualan pushed towards them and asked, “When did you start feeling pain?”
“A few moments ago,” Fin replied softly.
“I will make you another drink to alleviate the pain. I will leave Ualan with the herbs needed so he can make it for you around mid-day.”
After finishing the god-awful drink, Fin asked, “How will he ken the amount needed, Milady?”
She handed Fin a small drawstring pouch. “The exact amount needed for one drink has already been measured. Just add the contents of this pouch to a goblet of mulled wine and stir.”
“Thank ye, Milady.”
“Please, call me Ella.”
“Oh nae, Mil. . . . We canna call ye by yer given name, ‘tis disrespectful,” Fin declared. “Would ye prefer Lady Ella?”
Although disappointed, Ella said, “Aye, I just hoped . . . well never mind that. If you are more comfortable calling me Lady Ella, then please do so.”
Ualan recognized her need to remove the rigid structure and formality that divided the social classes. His respect for the laird’s new wife increased, realizing that she wanted to belong because of the person she was, not the title she holds.
He also noticed the pain and vulnerability that surrounded the young lass. Aye, he knew her story, as did all the Macleods. When he had first heard the depressing tale of Lady Ella’s life at Greystone, he cared naught. She was an English Lady, bred to be vain, conceited and worthless.
Yet, Ella possessed none of those qualities. Her genuine concern for others was like a breath of fresh air. He had honestly enjoyed her company last eve, even though she spent most of the time breaking his dishes or making food that even the dogs refused. Normally, he would have kicked the useless twit out of his kitchen, but his patience with her grew when he saw her earnest desire to help and the amusement in Fin’s eyes. Aye, she won him over.
“Ella, when ye are finished fussing over my wee Fin, ye will break yer fast.”
Her face immediately brightened when he addressed her as ‘Ella, rather than ‘Lady Ella.’
“Dinna think I nae notice how little ye eat,” he added gruffly. “Yer too thin and I see I’ll have my work cut out for me trying to fatten ye up.”
“Ualan, ye will apologize this instant,” Fin quickly reprimand. “Dinna turn yer back on me ye crotchety old man!”
Ualan turned and faced the two beautiful women sitting side-by-side on the opposite side of the table. They had contrasting hair color and petite frames. They were also the only two females in the castle that did not fear him.
With a smile, he winked at Ella and then set his gaze on Fin. “Ye could do with some more flesh as well, my wee viper.” Placing a trencher of warm bread, eggs, and fruit in front of the two women, he continued, “Now, neither one of ye will be leaving this table until ye finish that trencher.”
Ualan turned his attention to making the morning meal, but he was not deaf to the feminine giggles that followed his command. He was thankful that the pair could not see the delight in his expression.
The following hour, while Ualan cooked, Ella and Fin chattered away as they broke their fast. Fin’s pain lessened and she became quite lively when she told Ella the story of how she came to work with Ualan in the kitchen.
“After Ualan was grievously injured five years ago, he refused to stay in the castle and insisted that Laird Gavin take him to his own cottage. Instead of complying with that ridiculous request, our laird brought him to my cottage, or rather, my father’s cottage. I was often alone, since my father frequently traveled south for long periods to sell the Macleod cattle. I saw to Ualan’s meals and Lady Esme came each day to clean and bandage his wounded leg.”
Ella asked, “Why did he not stay in the castle?”
Glancing over at Ualan, Fin saw him standing by the ovens, oblivious to their conversation. Only then did she reply, “He did for the first few days, but then he demanded to stay in his own cottage. I think he realized that he would nae recover from his injury enough to continue as a warrior for the Macleods. He dinna want to see the pity in the faces of the men he fought alongside for so many years.” Fin lifted her chin and said with pride, “He was one of the finest warriors to fight for the Macleods, ye ken. In Laird Macleod’s blackguard as well.”
“He looks every bit the warrior to me,” Ella acknowledged.
Fin graced her with a warm smile, and then in a hushed tone went on with the story. “The first month I cared for him, his petulant behavior and peevish remarks made me want to rip out my hair. His irritable mood lessened only during mealtime. He soon became interested in how I cooked, started asking questions and before long I was nae longer cooking for him, but with him.”
“What a wonderful way to befriend someone. Please continue, I am eager to hear the rest of this tale,” Ella said as she ate the remainder of the eggs.
Fin pushed the empty trencher away with her bandaged hands, and then leaned into the table. “My father was livid when he came home and learned that his young daughter had been living under the same roof with a grown man. However, since our laird dictated the arrangement, my father could nae protest. He did, however, suggest that I bring Ualan’s meals to his cottage each day, so my reputation wouldnae be damaged.”
“Ualan could walk by then, nae well mind ye, but sufficient enough to make his way back to his own cottage. Over the next sennight, I brought Ualan meals once in the morning and once in the evening. And since my father ne’er cared for my company or me for that matter, I began to spend more time with Ualan.”
Shame crossed Fin’s features as she divulged her painful past. “My father is a verra cruel man and blamed me for my mother’s death. She died birthing me and for that, he gave me neither love nor kindness. One night, after drinking for many hours at his friend’s cottage, he returned home full of rage and accusations. He called me a whore for trying to seduce Ualan, and that he would punish me for my sins.”
“How old were ye?”
“Four and ten.”
“You were so young. How did he punish you?”
Fin’s eyes drifted to the floor as she recounted the horrific night. "He beat me continuously for the next few hours, sometimes with his fist, other times with his belt, and only halted long enough to drink more wh
iskey. When my dress hindered the belt from breaking skin, he stripped me completely naked, and then whipped me until I bled. My father said I was vain and wicked, and that he would see that nae man looked at me with lust in his eyes ever again. He then found a pair of shears and cut off all my hair. Because he couldnae stand the sight of me, he locked me in the pantry.”
“That monster,” Ella growled. “How could he do that to his daughter, his own flesh and blood?”
Tears welled in Fin’s eyes as she continued, “Locked away, I could still hear him ranting and raving, bent on destruction. He took the shears to all my clothes and broke every item I possessed. Sometime later, he fell asleep. Through cracks in the pantry door, I saw the morning light fade into the afternoon, then it was dark once again, and still my father dinna let me out.”
With love shining in her eyes, Fin glanced over at Ualan then turned back to Ella. “The next morning I woke to Ualan’s angry shouts demanding to ken where I was and that he would nae leave until he saw me. My father told him I was unwell and dinna want to see him. Ualan pushed his way into the cottage and searched for me without success. Cold and in pain, I manage to scratch at the pantry door. Ualan threw open the door, and then stood frozen with shock at the sight of me. My father screamed that he had every right to punish his daughter any way he saw fit. Ualan beat my father, almost to death, before he limped over to the pantry, wrapped me in his plaid and carried me to the castle.”
“And do ye ken what the fool lass said to me?”
Startled by the deep masculine voice, both women turned to Ualan and noticed that his eyes remained on Fin.
“She told me to put her down so I would nae hurt my leg. She weighs less than a bag of grain, and I was nae about to let her go.”
Turning to Ella, Ualan said, “Lady Esme insisted that we both come live in the castle, and Laird Gavin banished Fin’s father from the clan. I took over as cook while Fin recovered, and after she healed, she joined me in the kitchen.”