Unable to hold in all the questions she had, she looked up at Duncan. “Are you sure Duncan, that your chief will not care that you’ve brought me with you?”
“Now lass, we’ve told ye before he’ll no’ mind.” He could understand her worry and could not fault her for it.
He studied her face more closely. The swelling had gone done a good amount, but still had far to go. He found himself looking forward to seeing what her face would look like without the welts and bruises.
“Do you think Duncan,” Aishlinn said as she looked out at the land before them, “that if we can’t find my own people, that your chief would allow me to stay with yours?”
“Aye, I do.” He had no doubt of that. Angus was a good man and he’d not turn someone away who needed help. And if anyone needed help it was this young lass.
Aishlinn’s brow furrowed as her mind raced. She wasn’t really listening to him as she chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m a good worker. Perhaps he’d allow me to stay if I promised to work hard. I can do many things. I could tend the animals or work in the kitchens. I could even work the fields.” Her voice trailed off as she thought of all the things she was quite capable of doing.
“Do you suppose he’d allow me to stay if I promised to do those things?” she glanced up at him, looking for reassurance.
“Nay,” he told her.
Her eyes grew wide with apprehension. “But you just said he would let me stay.”
“Aye, I did.” He was being playful with her.
“But-” she began before he cut her off.
“I said he’d let ye stay, Aishlinn. But he’ll no’ be putting ya to work in the fields. Mayhap the kitchens, but no’ the fields, or with the animals, or building things.” He let the words sink in for a moment. “He’ll let ye stay Aishlinn, that I promise. But no one will be expecting ya to work like a man.”
Her first instinct was to protest. Why on earth were these men so insistent that there were certain things that only a man could do? She thought about it for a moment and then realized perhaps it wasn’t that only a man could do them, but that he should do them.
Her mind went back to the night with the earl. He had told her that she had to bed him as payment for him allowing her to live and work in his castle. The earl expected it from all the women who lived there. It was payment for the enjoyment they had in living such a fine life behind his castle walls. If one could call working from sun up to sun down for no coin and a thin pallet upon the floor an enjoyment or a fine life. Fear began to rise in her at the possibility that Duncan’s chief might expect the same things from her.
Very quietly she asked, “Duncan? Will your chief be expecting certain things from me?” She was afraid of what his answer might be.
Duncan smiled, knowing full well what she meant but deciding to be mischievous about it. “Aye, lass, I’m afraid he will.”
He felt her shrink with dread the moment the words left his mouth. He had expected she’d protest and become angry, but instead tears welled and he immediately regretted toying with her. Mayhap there were some things that a man should not jest about. “Lass, ‘tis no’ what ya think.”
She looked up at him and the tears intensified the dark green of her eyes. He felt like a toad and told himself he would never do that to her again. He would not jest of such things and he would never bring tears to her eyes.
“He’ll only be asking for yer respect and honesty and nothing more.” He wasn’t sure if she believed him and his guilt grew with each tear that fell down her cheek.
“The chief be a happily married man.” He hoped that knowledge might quell the fear he was now certain filled her heart.
“I promise lass. I’d no’ let another man do to ya what the earl did.” He searched her eyes for some sort of acknowledgement to his promise. “I’d kill any man who tried.”
Aishlinn did not know at first that Duncan had been toying with her. But when she looked into his face she could see the sincere guilt he had felt. When he looked into her eyes, and promised he’d never allow anyone to hurt her again, she knew he spoke the truth.
She felt thankful and relieved to know that someone cared enough to keep her safe. She knew it be a common, brotherly sort of promise he had made her and nothing more than that. But she was glad for it all the same.
******
None of them slept well that night as they camped hidden in a very small grotto at the base of the mountain. They had built a fire, but it did nothing to help warm Aishlinn’s aching and tired bones. The cave was damp and frigid. Mists of gray formed with each breath they took. No matter how many plaids she had upon her, the cold from the damp floor wicked up through her skin and caused her teeth to chatter. When Duncan woke her a few hours later, he had a look of great worry upon his face. “Have ya a fever, lass?” he asked as he placed his hand upon her forehead. Her skin was cold and clammy.
“Nay,” she told him through chattering teeth. “The ground is so cold.”
Duncan immediately scooped her up and carried her to where his men waited. ‘Twas Manghus he handed her to today while he mounted his horse. Once Duncan had her upon his lap, he wrapped two plaids and a blanket around her shivering body. “It won’t be long now Aishlinn, and we’ll have ya a warm bath and a soft bed.” She fell asleep almost immediately, glad again for his warm chest and arms.
They rode hard and fast. Duncan’s only concern was getting Aishlinn to the safety of his people and the castle walls. The sun was high to the west when they made their way through the valley that opened up to the land belonging to Clan MacDougall. Aishlinn woke when she felt the horses come to a stop at the top of a large hill.
The grandeur of Castle Gregor was more beautiful than she could ever have imagined. An enormous thick wall made from large gray stones that seemed to stretch on forever, surrounded the keep. Within that was another equally imposing wall of stone that encircled the immense castle, its stables, courtyards and various small buildings. Five square towers stretched tall above the four-story castle. It all lay sprawled near a very large loch that glistened gold in the afternoon sun. The sight was as beautiful as it was imposing.
Numerous cottages spread throughout the rolling lands as light smoke billowed from their chimneys. Heather and gorse dotted the land and grew thicker as it traveled up the mountainside, seeming to fight for space among the trees. Tears came to her eyes as she looked upon the majesty of it all.
Excited to be home, Duncan gave her a slight hug. The gesture, she was certain, meant nothing to him, but it sent another curious shiver up her spine when he had hugged her. She was not used to being hugged by anyone, let alone a man. She shook the feeling aside and convinced herself that he was simply glad to be home.
The men let out loud cries that announced their return. Aishlinn held on tightly to Duncan as their small group raced down the hillside and in through the wooden gates that had been thrown open. They came to a stop on the west side of the castle and within moments they were surrounded by dozens of very happy people. Shouts of glee went up through the crowd and although she could not understand the language they spoke, their smiles and cheerful faces told her they were glad for the return of their men.
Duncan leapt from his horse and was immediately pounced upon by children and people of all ages. They were drowned in a flood of hugs, kisses and pats on their backs. Aishlinn remained on the horse, smiling nervously at the sight before her.
After allowing his people time to welcome him home, Duncan turned to Aishlinn with a broad and beaming smile. He reached up, grabbed her by her waist and carefully lifted her down. But instead of immediately placing her upon the ground, he held her for a very long moment as he looked into her eyes. The sunlight glinted off his chestnut colored hair and beard and she thought he looked quite handsome. If the strange feeling in her stomach did not cease and desist immediately she thought she might faint. Still holding her, a curious smile had formed on his face before he spoke. “Welcome home, Aishlinn.”
Duncan decided he rather enjoyed holding her and chose not put her down. He liked the way she felt in his arms when he held her. Within moments they were swept away into the sea of excited people who shouted at them. Who be the lass? Why is she wearing trews? What is her name? Is she yer bride? Duncan understood the questions but would not answer them now for he had to get Aishlinn into the castle so that she could be tended to.
Manghus bid them good day, anxious he was to return to his wife. Rowan led Duncan around the castle to the doors of the kitchen. He threw open the heavy wooden door as Duncan whisked her inside. They stood in a very large kitchen that was alive with all manner of people who had stopped to see what the commotion was about.
A rather stout and auld woman let out a gasp when she saw the lass in Duncan’s arms. Wiping her hands upon her apron, she walked quickly to them. “Duncan McEwan! What happened to her and why be she wearin’ yer trews and tunic?”
Although the woman spoke in the Gaelic, the look on her face said enough; she looked a frightful mess! Duncan told the auld woman that Aishlinn spoke no Gaelic and to please if she could, use the English.
“Ye be English?” The auld woman asked, looking quite horrified. Rowan chuckled and shook his head. “Nay!” he told her.
“She be a fine Highlander!” Duncan said. He bent low and spoke in a hushed tone so that only the auld woman could hear. “She be an orphan, raised in the lowlands, no’ blessed with being raised to ken her own language.” He shook his head as if terribly saddened by it. “Tis a sad story indeed Mary. One I hope to one day share with ya. But for now, could we no’ have a hot bath for the poor lass?”
Mary studied Aishlinn, her face holding a sad and pitiful expression. “Ya poor thing!” Shaking her head she began racing about with the speed and command of someone half her age. She grabbed a young boy and told him to fetch someone named Bree. She told another to grab more young lads and tote tubs upstairs. While she belted out orders and rushed about the kitchen, Duncan looked at Aishlinn with a smile upon his face.
“Aishlinn, that be our Mary. She be in charge of the kitchens. And anything else she’s a mind to take over!”
The auld woman stopped and gave him a stern look. “I’ll have none of yer lip this day lad! Just because ya be a man now does no’ mean I can’t still give ya a skelpin’!”
Duncan laughed at her, before he turned to look at Aishlinn. “Mary helped to raise me. She’s probably the only woman in the world I be truly afraid of!” Aishlinn turned her lips inward to keep from giggling. The thought of Duncan afraid of anyone, let alone this sweet auld woman was laughable.
“Well don’t stand there like an eejit!” Mary scolded him. “Take the lass up to Bridget’s auld room. I’ll have baths and a hot meal ready shortly.”
Duncan gave Mary a wink before he raced from the kitchens and carried Aishlinn up three flights of stairs.
Rowan led the way to a bedroom at the end of a very large open hallway and opened the door for them to enter. The room was large and well lit by two very tall windows. A large fireplace stood to their right while a beautiful bed sat to their left. The bed was adorned with luxurious looking blankets and pillows and a large wooden trunk sat at the foot of it.
A small table that held a brush, combs, and tiny glass bottles rested between the tall windows. Ornate tapestries hung on the walls and thick rugs lay upon the floor. Aishlinn had never seen such a beautiful room before.
“Duncan could you please put me down now?” she whispered. “I am feeling better and I see no rocks on which I could trip.”
Duncan carefully set her down and stayed near in case she was not as well as she said. “This’ll be yer room, lass,” he smiled at her.
“Who else stays here?” she whispered. She was wondering who her roommates might be and would they mind sharing their room with her.
“None. Ye’ll have it all to yerself,” he replied.
There was no hiding her surprise. She had never had a room all to her own before.
“Be there a problem lass?” Duncan asked.
“Nay,” she told him breathlessly. “It’s a grand room.” Inwardly, she thought, far too grand for someone such as me.
Duncan enjoyed the look upon her face. “Ya even have yer own privy!” he said, as he walked to a door near the bed and opened it. “Ya won’t have to scurry about in the middle of the night to find one.”
Aishlinn was stunned for she had never enjoyed such comforts before.
“Rowan!” Duncan barked. “Let Angus know we’ve returned and that I need to speak with him immediately.”
Rowan nodded, bid Aishlinn good day and left the room quickly.
Duncan stood with his arms crossed over his chest as he watched Aishlinn look about the room. As her eyes fell from one object to another, he found himself wishing he knew what she might be thinking. He was about to ask her that very question when a very beautiful young woman with long black hair and green eyes walked into the room.
“Duncan!” she exclaimed as she ran up to hug him. Aishlinn remained standing near the fireplace and suddenly felt quite uncomfortable. The young woman was dressed in a very fine green gown. Her thick black braid reached to her very tiny waist. Aishlinn was surprised when she felt a tad jealous of not only the young girl’s beauty but of the big hug she was now receiving from Duncan.
“Bree,” he said as he finally let go and turned her to face Aishlinn. “I would like ye to meet Aishlinn. Aishlinn, this is me sister, Bree.” He introduced them with a broad smile.
“Bree, she speaks only the English.” Aishlinn was slightly confused for she thought all of Duncan’s family had been killed long ago. Perhaps the lass was not a blood sister, but instead a foster sister. She would ask Duncan of it later.
The young woman’s smile had quickly disappeared when she saw Aishlinn’s face. “Lass! Ya do look a fright!” Bree said. Her honesty made Aishlinn want to crawl away and hide.
“But no worries! Yer bath will be here soon. We’ll take good care of ya.” The girl was a whirlwind of movements as she rushed out of the room and yelled at someone in the hallway.
Soon the room was a flurry of men who brought a tub and sat it before the fireplace. Young boys rushed in carrying buckets of hot water and poured them into the tub. Someone set a dressing screen in the corner as more and more water was brought in. A fire was lit while Bree rushed from the room only to return a moment later. “Duncan, yer bath be ready now! Be gone and let us have some privacy.”
As the last of the hot water was poured into the tub Bree took Aishlinn’s hand and led her behind the screen. Not knowing of the injuries to Aishlinn’s back, Bree quickly began tugging at the belt and tunic.
“Bree,” Aishlinn began, “I knew you mean well, but I’ve bandages on my back.”
A puzzled look formed on Bree’s face as she let go of the tunic. Aishlinn turned and carefully pulled the tunic over her head. She winced when she heard Bree gasp.
“Lass! What happened to ye?” she asked. She was appalled at what she saw.
“Tis a long story, Bree.” Aishlinn told her as she quickly removed the trews and woolens and left them lying on the floor. She grabbed a linen that hung on the screen, and wrapped it around her waist and chest, and left her back exposed. “Could you undo the bandages for me?” Aishlinn asked, keeping her back to Bree.
Bree gave a quick nod of her head and untied the long strips. She could not hold in her surprise when she began lifting the bandages from the cuts. “Och” She shook her head repeatedly as she removed each bandage and tossed it to the floor with Aishlinn’s clothes.
“A man did this to ye, dinna he?” Bree was smart enough to figure out the cuts were made by a belt or strap of some sort. What she couldn’t figure out was why she had been beaten.
�
��Aye,” Aishlinn said through gritted teeth. She took a deep breath as she felt the last of the bandages tug away.
The scent of lavender wafted through the air as it clung to the steam rising up from the wooden tub. Aishlinn had never taken a lavender scented bath before! Had never taken a scented bath of any kind before, for that matter.
Bree led her around the screen and to the tub. Aishlinn held on to Bree’s hand for balance as she slowly stepped into the gloriously hot water and carefully sat down. She let out a long, steady, blissful sigh; ‘twas heaven.
Bree brought the stool from the table and sat down next to the tub. The puzzled look was still painted across her face. Aishlinn knew she probably had a hundred questions, but was too polite to ask them.
“How old are you Bree?” Aishlinn finally asked.
“I’m ten and six.” Bree told her as she dipped a cloth into the water. Aishlinn took a deep breath, dunked her head under the steaming water for a few moments before coming back up. Aishlinn decided that Bree was old enough to hear most of her story. There were, of course, certain parts she couldn’t have shared with an adult woman, let alone someone as young as Bree. Aishlinn would carefully walk around those bits and pieces of her life’s story. She’d lie if she needed to.
While Bree lathered the cloth with soap, Aishlinn began her story, starting first with her mother’s death and then Moirra’s. Bree listened intently as Aishlinn told of how she had ended up at Castle Firth. She decided to leave out the part of the earl’s death, instead telling the young girl that he had had been so drunk from whiskey that he passed out before he could complete the reprehensible deed.
The water was tepid and Aishlinn had been scrubbed from head to toe twice and her hair washed three times before she ended with their arrival today. Bree helped her from the tub and carefully wrapped the linen around Aishlinn’s shoulders.
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