by Katy Baker
Before Lucy could reply, Mona marched from the room, pulling the door shut firmly behind her. Lucy got a brief look at the guardsmen standing outside but this time there was no rattle of keys or the turning of the lock. Even so, she knew she wouldn’t get out until Harris decided to let her out. She'd never been a prisoner before, albeit a well-treated one and she didn't like the experience one bit.
"Would ye like me to help ye undress, my lady? Um, Lucy, I mean," asked Aniss.
Help her undress? Wasn’t she going to leave her to it? After a moment, it became apparent that the maid had no intention of leaving Lucy to it. Perhaps this was how it was done in old Scotland.
"Um, no. Thanks. I'll be fine," Lucy answered.
She took off her jewelry and set it on the dresser and then shrugged out of her evening gown, letting it pool on the floor. Aniss’s eyebrows pulled into a frown at her irreverent treatment of her clothing and she quickly scooped it up and laid it out on the bed.
Lucy gazed at the tub of hot water. Now that she saw it, she realized that a good long soak in a hot bath was exactly what she needed. The scented water looked highly inviting.
She climbed into the bath still wearing her bra and panties and only took these off once she was under the water. Aniss watched her quizzically as though her prudish behavior was a little unusual but didn't comment. Instead, she gathered up garments that Lucy handed her and wrapped them in a large cloth like a towel.
“I'll take yer clothing to the laundry," she said. "And I'll make sure they take good care of yer dress. It is a mighty fine piece of work. I dinna recognize the material.”
Lucy laid back in the hot water, allowing its warmth to seep through her muscles. "It's not expensive," Lucy said. "I picked it up at a shop in Edinburgh. It's chiffon, I think."
Aniss’s expression showed that she had no idea what this was. The maid knelt behind Lucy and rolled up her sleeves. She took a bar of something from her apron pocket and lathered it in her hands before beginning to gently wash Lucy's hair. Lucy didn't protest. Quite the opposite in fact. As Aniss’s fingers kneaded her scalp, Lucy found her eyes sliding closed.
“You've obviously done this before," Lucy mumbled. "Boy, you're good. You'd do well as a masseuse, you know that?"
Aniss laughed lightly. "Ye do say the strangest things, Lucy. Half the time I've no idea what yer talking about."
Lucy arched an eyebrow. "You telling me you don't have masseuses here? I don't believe it. Well, if that's the case, perhaps you can corner the market. I'll certainly be a patron."
"There ye go again. Does everyone speaks so where ye are from?"
"If you think I'm bad, you should meet my Aunt Helen. She could talk the hind leg off a donkey."
Aniss burst out laughing and after a moment, Lucy joined in. There was a slight edge of hysteria to Lucy’s mirth but she didn't care. It felt good to laugh, to release some of the tension that had built up inside her.
"Ye are from America, right?" Aniss said as she began rinsing Lucy's hair. "What's it like there?"
The question made Lucy pause. A wave of homesickness rolled over her. She thought for a moment before she spoke. "What is it like? Before today, I probably would've said it's ordinary. Nothing particularly special about where I live. There are shops, bars, traffic. And people. Lots and lots of people. But I miss it. I miss the noise, the bustle. It's so quiet here. It’s kind of weird."
"Aye," Aniss said, her voice subdued. "It is quiet in Dun Arnwick these days but it wasnae always so. In days gone by the whole clan would eat their evening meal in the Great Hall. The young ones would gather there three times a week for lessons. The warriors would hold tournaments in the bailey and we would play games down on the beach. It used to be a very different place."
"So what happened?"
But Aniss only smiled. "Ye have lovely hair, Lucy," she said, obviously avoiding the question. "If ye lean forward I'll scrub yer back."
Lucy did as she was bid. She found herself relaxing and her earlier inhibitions melted away. Aniss was friendly and easy-going. After her experience with Harris, she’d not expected much kindness.
"What about you, Aniss?” Lucy asked. "Do you live here in the castle? Do you have a family?”
"Aye," Aniss answered. "My ma and da have a croft up on the hill. My brothers and their wives help them with the farming but Lady Harris, the laird's mother, took me on as a maid when I was fifteen. Lord, that seems a long time ago now! I've lived and worked in the castle ever since.”
"So you work closely with the laird?” Lucy asked. She wanted to know more about the man she was dealing with. What she’d experienced so far didn’t fill her with much confidence.
"Aye, I do. He's a good master, really. He just lets his temper get the better of him sometimes."
"And are you married? Do you have children?"
Aniss blushed to her hairline. "Nay, neither although I hope to have both someday."
Lucy narrowed her eyes at Aniss. "There's somebody special isn’t there?”
Aniss grinned. "Aye, I do have my eye on someone."
Lucy loved a good gossip as much as the next person. "Well! Don't keep me in suspense! Who is he?"
"Ye promise not to tell a soul? Especially Mona. If she knew there'd be no stopping her from trying to match-make and I'm nay sure that he feels the same way about me. “
"Cross my heart and hope to die," Lucy said. "Now tell me!”
Aniss glanced around in a comic fashion, checking they were alone, even though they were clearly the only people in the room. Then she leaned close and whispered, "I think ye've met him. His name is Donal. He's the captain in the laird's garrison."
Lucy's eyebrows rose. "You mean the guy that brought me up here?"
Aniss nodded enthusiastically. "He's a mighty handsome man is he not?"
Lucy considered this. She'd been so disorientated that she taken little notice of Donal.
“I'm sure he is," she said. "And he's a very lucky man."
"Do ye reckon? I doubt he believes so. He barely seems to know I'm alive.”
“Then make him notice," Lucy said. "If you want him, tell him."
Aniss’s eyes widened. "I canna do that! Tis the man’s job to woo the lady, nay the other way around.”
Lucy had to stop herself from making a retort. She must remember that things were done differently in this time. And besides, she was hardly the best person to be giving this kind of advice was she? When it came to love, she was an utter failure.
"And ye, Lucy?” Aniss asked. "Are ye married?"
"No," Lucy answered quietly. I’ve learned my lesson there, she said silently. Garth shattered everything and I'm still trying to stick the pieces back together. I'll never marry. Never.
“Well,” Aniss said. “There are many fine lads in the Harris clan. Perhaps one might catch yer eye. Our handsome laird, perhaps? He seems to have taken quite a shine to ye."
Lucy gaped. "You can't be serious! He's locked me up! If that's how he treats people he's ‘taken a shine to,’ I can’t imagine how he’d treat people he dislikes!"
Aniss shook her head. "I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding and will be sorted out soon. And then I can introduce ye to the clan!” She clapped her hands, looking excited. "It will be good to have another woman around!”
Lucy found herself grinning at Aniss’s enthusiasm. Despite everything, she thought she might have found a friend.
Chapter 8
ANDREW HELD THE HORSE’S hoof between his knees and inspected it, just as his father had taught him to do. The huge warhorse stood patiently and allowed Andrew to examine his foot.
Yes, the horse was obedient, unlike most of his people, Andrew reflected. Mona and Aniss had barely concealed their disapproval when he’d explained the situation with Lucy and sent them to tend her. Even old Dougie had pressed his lips together in that way of his that said he disapproved.
He reached for a tool and began gently tapping the horseshoe, checking it over. As ex
pected, it was fitted perfectly. He set down the hoof and straightened. Malcolm, the farrier, held the horse’s bridle whilst Andrew ran his hands over the horse’s shoulders, inspecting his condition. Malcolm looked apprehensive, just like most people did when dealing with Andrew.
He could never quite work out whether it was fear or respect or a mixture of both. And worse, he could never quite figure out which he wanted it to be. His father had been well respected but his enemies had also feared him. The trouble was, sometimes Andrew had difficulty telling who was friend or foe. It made him edgy and short-tempered but he thought it better to keep everyone at arm's-length. A laird shouldn't form strong attachments to his people. He should lead them well and make decisions based on rational logic, not on emotional ties.
Then why hadn’t he done so with Lucy Jennings? Donal was right. She should have been taken to the cells. Anyone else accused of such a crime would have been. And yet Andrew found himself ordering her to a guest room instead. He still wasn't quite sure why he’d done that.
But even this small mercy didn't satisfy Mona and Aniss. He clenched his teeth, suppressing a growl. Didn't they realize it was his duty to take care of the clan? Didn't they realize that he couldn't let a suspected criminal, a possible threat to his people, go walking free as though she'd done nothing wrong?
He finished his inspection of the horse and turned to the anxious Malcolm. "Good work. The animals are in top condition.”
Malcolm broke into a relieved smile and dipped his head. "My thanks, laird."
Andrew nodded then left the stables. He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket, the long list of duties that Dougie had written for him. He’d diligently worked his way through it all afternoon and now he'd come to the end of the list. There was only one more thing that required his attention.
Andrew swallowed. His stomach tightened in apprehension as he read the final instruction. Dougie had offered to go in his place of course, just as he always offered. And just as he always did, Andrew had refused. This was his responsibility. Nobody else could do it for him.
Straightening his shoulders, he walked purposefully across the bailey and entered the grounds of the tiny chapel that was built right on the edge of the headland. A small stone wall marked the boundaries of the graveyard and hardy coastal plants grew along its edges. Andrew made his way around the outside of the white-washed building but didn't go inside. He hadn't come here to pray. He’d come to pay his respects.
He paused long enough to pick some flowers then approached the row of graves that sat along the back wall, placed here deliberately so that the rising sun would shine on them. Andrew came to a halt and looked down on the four beautifully carved wooden crosses that marked each grave. Names were carved on each cross but Andrew didn't need to read those names to know who was buried here. In the center his father and his mother, to either side his two younger brothers.
Andrew went to his knees in front of his mother's grave and placed the flowers on the mound of grass that marked her final resting place. He swallowed thickly. Today would have been her nameday.
Whenever he came here, memories threatened to overwhelm him. His mother singing to him when he was a child. He and his brothers practicing their sword work under the watchful eye of their mentor, Ewan Murray. Trailing his father as the laird did his rounds of their holdings, soaking in every word his father said.
And then screaming, flames, the stink of burning...
He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as the familiar wave of shame, guilt and anger rolled over him. "Why?" he said through gritted teeth. "Why did ye have to do it? Why did ye trust me? I wasnae worthy. I'm still not worthy. Look at what yer trust in me brought."
As always, there was no answer to his questions, only the crashing of waves and the haunting cry of seabirds. He stood and gazed out over the headland. Ahead of him stretched miles of endless ocean. What lay out there? he wondered. As a youth, he’d dreamed of sailing those waves, exploring the infinite horizon. Of finding adventure and fame. But now? Now it seemed like nothing but the selfish dreams of youth.
With a sigh, he turned back towards the castle. He pulled shut the little metal gate and made his way back into the bailey. He was walking along, lost in thought, when a voice cut through his reverie.
“There ye are!”
He spotted Mona striding towards him. He stifled a groan. He recognized that look on her face. It was a look that suggested someone was in for a tongue-lashing. And that was usually Andrew himself.
Mona marched up to him and gave a brief curtsey. "My laird, might I have a word with ye?"
Andrew forced himself not to scowl. "What is it, Mona?"
"I wondered when ye were planning on letting Lady Jennings leave her room?"
"As soon as I know she's not a criminal."
"And when will that be?"
"When I say!" Andrew snapped. "I wasnae aware I had to explain my decisions to ye, Mona."
Mona's expression hardened and she crossed her arms. "Now listen here, Andrew Harris. Ye canna go around locking up lasses, be ye the laird or no!”
"I can and I will," Andrew growled back. "It's my duty as laird to deal with criminals. She's lucky she’s not in one of the cells right now!"
"What makes ye think she’s a criminal? Anyone can see she had naught to do with the horse rustling. Didnae she give ye her word? She’s a lady, not some brigand!"
"Aye, that might be what she looks like. Appearances can be deceptive, Mona. And until I know otherwise, she’ll remain my prisoner. I willnae risk her bringing danger to the clan. Dinna push me on this, Mona. My decision is made.”
"So ye’ll keep her locked up like some petty thief? Do ye really care so little for the reputation of the Harris clan?"
Andrew bridled. "What do ye mean by that, woman?"
"What do ye think the other clans will say when they hear that ye imprisoned a noble lady?"
Andrew ground his teeth as his temper began to rise. “I care naught for what others think.”
“Aye, don’t I know it! But consider yer people. They need a laird who’s fair, not just one who’s strong.”
"Fine!” he exploded. “What do ye suggest?"
"A compromise. Isnae that the best way to solve problems?"
ANISS WAS BUSY BRUSHING Lucy's hair when Mona knocked on the door and backed in carrying a tray. She set the tray down on the dresser and turned to Lucy and Aniss.
"Something to keep ye going until dinner," Mona said. "How are ye feeling now, my dear?"
"Better," Lucy said, surprised to find that she meant it.
After her bath, Aniss had helped her into a long violet dress then rubbed her hair and Lucy had donned her jewelry. All the while they had chatted and gossiped about this and that and Lucy had discovered that there wasn't that much difference between them after all. They were close in age and seemed to share the same kind of outlook on life. Aniss had a quick wit and quirky sense of humor which Lucy liked.
"I'm mighty glad to hear ye say that," said Mona. "Now, can I pour ye a cup of mint tea?"
A beautiful aroma wafted from the tray. Lucy saw a platter of ham, a big wedge of cheese, soft white bread, and a jug of tea. Her stomach growled.
"I’ll do it,” she said. "You’ve both done so much for me already."
She reached for the pottery jug. Mona and Aniss looked at her in horror.
"Nay, my lady," said Mona. "It's nay right for ye to do that! Aniss will pour for ye!”
“No she won’t,” Lucy disagreed. "Aniss will take a break and enjoy a cup of tea. As will you, Mona. I've told you both that I'm not a lady. Where I come from we don't have servants to do everything for us. So I'll pour us a drink and then we'll have some of this food. Agreed?"
Mona and Aniss shared a look. Aniss shrugged. "I am a little hungry."
“Aniss, ye are incorrigible!” Mona cried. Then she grinned. "Although I must admit, a drop of tea wouldnae go amiss."
Lucy smiled. She poured tea i
nto small wooden cups and placed a selection of the food onto a trencher and passed it around. They seated themselves on Lucy's bed and tucked into the unexpected snack.
“So," Lucy said. "Tell me about Arnwick. What's it like here? The landscape is very beautiful."
“Aye," said Mona. "It is that. And wild at times. But ye'll be able to see that for yerself."
"Hardly," Lucy said. "All I can see from my window is the courtyard below."
Mona gave a strange little half-smile. "Well mayhap that willnae last for too much longer.”
“What do you mean by that?"
But Mona just shook her head. "Ye’ll see."
There was a knock on the door. Mona and Aniss scrambled to their feet. The door opened and to Lucy's surprise, Harris strode in. He’d changed and had a bath. His damp hair fell in lazy tangles on his shoulders and there was a slight flush to his cheeks. He startled when he saw Aniss and Mona, obviously expecting to find Lucy alone. He took in the three cups and half-finished meal and frowned.
"Dinna the two of ye have work to be doing?”
Aniss and Mona curtsied then quickly gathered up the dishes and headed for the door. Mona looked back over her shoulder and gave Lucy an encouraging smile before pulling the door shut behind them.
Lucy stood up slowly and faced Andrew Harris. She was a good head shorter than he was but she’d face him on her feet, dammit. She felt a little nervous in his presence. He was so big and glowering that he seemed to dominate the room.
"Can I help you?" she said in a frosty voice.
His gaze took in her gown and her freshly washed and brushed hair. "I...um... hope my people are taking good care of ye?"
"Yes. Mona and Aniss have been very kind.” She hoped he understood the unspoken implication, unlike you.
"Good. That's good." He shifted his feet awkwardly and then cleared his throat. "I've been told that I've shown a lack of manners towards ye.”
Lucy said nothing, unsure where this was going.
He rubbed his cheek. "I've also been told I might have been a little hasty in my decisions. Do ye still claim ye had nothing to do with that horse thief?"