Standing in the library door, Devin gasped. The room was enormous, with floor to ceiling shelves lining three walls. The fourth wall was all glass with an enticing view of the lake. It was absolutely breathtaking. Leather chairs completed the décor, with afghan’s strewn about for added comfort. It would be a real treat to read and write in this room—a room that was designed to be used at all hours of the day or night, in all types of weather, no matter the cold or heat. Here you could lose yourself in the magic of reading, Devin noted by the sheer volume of books that adorned the shelves.
She pulled the ladder down the row, stopping at what looked to be a section of nonfiction books, judging by their titles. Land Ownership for the Untitled, The Castle at Rest, The Castle at Dawn, Swordplay for Dummies, Lordship for Dummies.
Devin laughed. Okay, so maybe there would be a book on etiquette here after all. Everything else seemed to be at hand. Climbing up, she steadied herself and started peering at the rows upon rows of books, squinting to see some of the tiny titles.
“Ah, ha, there’s one.”
Tucking the leather bound book under her chin, Devin shifted on the ladder in order to reach the next shelf. Somehow, staying perched on the fourth rung and keeping one’s balance was a lot harder than it looked in all the black and white movies she had seen on television. Devin looped her foot around the ladder support and precariously leaned to her left, her fingertips barely grazing the edge of the shelf. The book slipped out from under her chin and fell to the floor below with a loud thud.
Looking down, she grimaced and prayed the spine was still intact. Devin didn’t know how old any of the books were and with her luck, she had probably just destroyed a hundred-year-old masterpiece. For a brief second, Devin wondered if Mrs. Goode was keeping a tally of the things Devin had destroyed in her short time at the castle. Lowering her foot down a rung, Devin bumped into something warm, solid and definitely male.
“What the…” Peering over her shoulder, Devin came face to face with His Lordship.
“Good afternoon, Lady Noone. Catching up on your reading?” He inquired with a grin.
His cheery tone and devilish good looks did nothing to quiet the earthquake that rocked her stomach and the heat the seeped through her skin at the slight contact. Closing her eyes, Devin slowly counted to ten and took a deep breath, clinging to the ladder as if it were a lifeline to peace and serenity.
Say something, anything to show him you’re not flustered, Devin chided herself sternly.
“Lord MacLay, I trust you didn’t interrupt your busy day just to pop in and frighten me to death?”
Kyle threw back his head and laughed. “Not at all, milady. Just thought I’d pop in and see what you were doing.”
“Other than throwing books on the floor, not much,” Devin conceded, trying not to touch his body with hers.
“Allow me to assist you.” Kyle leaned around her and took two books from her hand. His touch immediately set off warning bells in Devin’s head. There was no way this was going to turn into a make out session like their last two encounters. No way at all, she firmly told herself.
“Thank you, but I can manage just fine.” Her tone sounded curt and she knew it.
“Very well, milady. As you wish.” Kyle handed the books back to her and vanished into thin air, leaving as quickly as he had come.
Devin let out a whoosh of air and fought back the urge to call out an apology. The room seemed suddenly chilled without him there. She didn’t mean to hurt his feelings, if that was possible with a ghost. She only wanted to keep things above board and on an even keel, as Rollie used to say.
Rollie. She bit her lip and willed the tears not to fall. She would be brave and strong. She would persevere just like he would have wanted her to.
If there’s no blood and no guts, then there’s no reason to cry, he used to tell Devin when they were younger, and sometimes when they were grown as well.
Climbing slowly back down the ladder, Devin picked up the fallen book and carried two back to her room. Scanning the titles briefly, she groaned. Etiquette for the Modern Castle, and Proper Scottish Protocol, sounded like very dry reading. But if she must, she must, and before she did that, there was the Easter Egg Hunt to plan. Running through her mental To-Do list, Devin crossed off the items she had covered. So far, that made one. Find books on how to behave. Everything else still loomed on the horizon. Pushing an unruly strand of hair off her forehead, Devin headed to the kitchen in search of Cook and Mrs. Goode. With their help, anything was possible.
****
June 4th, 1602
Diary: Oh my, how do I begin? I don’t know the words to write, the feelings I feel I must express, oh Diary, it was wondrous! Last night, the Laird returned from the fields well in his cups. The men were celebrating the completion of planting. The Laird was very happy, but very unsteady on his feet. He wobbled to and fro like a willow branch in the breeze. I assisted him up the stairs to his chambers and he dropped like a stone quite heavily upon his bed. As I was pulling off his boots, he grabbed me round the waist and pulled me down beside him. He kissed me, Diary and it was the most wonderful thing I have ever felt in my life. He kept kissing me and touching my face and hair. I didn’t know what to do. My hands were clenched quite tightly by my side, though I wanted to touch his body as he was doing to me. Then his hand slid under my skirts and he caressed the inside of my thigh. Oh, Diary, I felt as though my body were melting. I was warm all over.
Devin paused, closing her eyes. This did not happen. Lord MacLay did not come on to Elsbeth. She opened her eyes and lowered her gaze back to the page.
Then he touched me there, Diary, and I thought my body was on fire. It was very nice. All the time he kept mumbling how much he needed me, how much he cared about me. Things I had waited for so long to hear and now he was saying them.
Oh my, then he moved over me and pressed my body back onto the mattress. I felt my skirts being pushed up to my waist. I know I should have stopped him, but I couldn’t, I didn’t want to stop him. I wanted these feelings to go on and on. He fitted himself between my thighs and entered my body. There was a sharp pain but it was quickly replaced with a joyous pleasure. He moved slowly at first, then faster. Oh, Diary, I felt as though the heavens had opened up and allowed the stars to appear before my eyes. Oh, Diary, I am now truly a woman in every sense of the word. The heavens moved when we joined as one. I wanted to call out my joy from the rooftops and tell the world how joyous I feel, but alas there is no one I can tell. I never knew this is what it would be like between a man and a woman. Mother and Aunt Cecilia did not tell me of this great joy. When it was done, the Laird moved off me and fell asleep. I slipped from his bed and crept back to my own chambers. The next morn, no words were spoken of the previous night. I dare not bring it up for fear of upsetting the Laird. Diary, is it wrong to be pleased that this has happened? I truly hope not, for I know I would welcome his attention again and cannot wait to become his bride if this is what marriage will bring.”
Devin bit back a sob. This is what marriage would bring. If only she could find the same happiness for herself. But the Laird had made love to Elsbeth without knowing who it was in his bed. Not good. Not good at all. Shoving the diary under her pillow, she headed for the kitchen and away from the way her thoughts were running.
Walking into the kitchen, Devin’s taste buds were instantly assailed with the smell of freshly baked cookies. Chocolate-chip cookies to be exact. Following the delicious aroma, she stopped at the counter and peered over Cook’s shoulder.
“My favorite,” she said, inhaling the smell of chocolate.
“I didn’t forget, lass. Thought I’d pop a batch or two in the oven for you. Also made peanut butter cookies if you’re so inclined.” Cook pointed off to her side where at least three dozen cookies sat cooling on a baking rack.
“I’m in Heaven,” Devin murmured, selecting two off the pan. “All my favorites in one day.” She moved to the table, and took a seat.
“Your Ladyship, we all need help,” Cook said with a laugh.
“You know what I mean,” Devin began again.
“Aye, that I do. You want to know more about the Easter Egg Hunt, don’t you lass?”
“How did you know?”
“The Vicar called this morning, asked me to start on the food preparations so you wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. I hope that’s all right with you, milady.”
Devin nodded. “That would be wonderful. I didn’t even know where to begin.”
“Actually, Lady Noone, as Lady of the Castle, it will be your job to start the hunt in play.” Mrs. Goode replied, walking into the kitchen.
“And then what?” Devin questioned.
“That’s it; the children will take it from there, running here and there in search of the eggs.”
“But how do we boil all those eggs, and who hides them, and…” Devin didn’t know what else to ask.
“Heavens no, milady, we don’t use real eggs. They would spoil out there and all the little creatures would take them off to their own hidey holes,” Cook responded. “We use plastic eggs, with little candies and trinkets inside.”
“Oh.” Things were becoming clearer by the second to Devin. Plastic eggs, that made more sense.
“Gracious, Lady Noone. There wouldn’t be a hen left for five counties if we boiled all the eggs. My, my, what a thought,” Mrs. Goode chuckled.
Devin blushed, but soon joined in with their laughter.
“Milady, more cookies?” Cook inquired a while later.
“No, thank you. I think I’ve eaten two dozen by myself so far.”
“No one’s counting, Your Ladyship. Help yourself,” said Mrs. Goode, biting into a peanut butter cookie of her own.
Looking down at the list before her, Devin was pleased to see that between Cook, Mrs. Goode and herself many of her items had been crossed off. Enlisting their help was the smartest thing she had done. After being part of the castle staff for a combined total of thirty years, the two women could probably run the place on their own. She didn’t doubt they had on more than one occasion.
“Milady, good morning to you.” Jamie doffed his hat and smiled broadly at her. “Beautiful day for an Easter egg hunt, now isn’t it?”
“Jamie, it’s a pleasure to see you. It’s a beautiful day, indeed. Bring any more Americans to the countryside lately?” Devin queried.
He paused and scratched his head for a moment. “Not a one, your Ladyship. Would you be expecting someone? I can make a run to the airport with my cab if you so desire.”
“No, no, just checking that’s all. And who would these two be?” Devin looked down at the dark-haired little girl and boy peering out shyly from behind his legs.
“This would be Emma and Jasper, my niece and nephew of my brother’s. They’re four and both are eager to share in the Easter Egg Hunt. This is their first year, Your Ladyship. What do you say to, milady?” Jasper prompted.
Devin watched as Jasper came forward first, and bowed before her. Then Emma stepped out and gave a quick curtsey.
“These flowers are for you, Your Ladyboat,” Emma said in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Ladyship, Emma, not boat,” Jamie patted the small girl on the head and offered up an apology. “Sorry, milady.”
“That’s all right.” Devin knelt down before the girl, took the flowers, and smiled. “It’s a big word; sometimes I have trouble with it, too. You know, how about if you call me Devin. That’s a lot easier than the big fancy title, don’t you think?”
The children both nodded and Jamie had to hide a smile. “Your Ladyship, it wouldn’t be…”
Devin raised her hand and cut him off. “Devin.”
Jamie sighed. “Devin, it is then.”
“Thank you, Emma and Jasper. These are lovely. They’ll look beautiful in my bedroom.”
The children fairly beamed from her words of praise. Their flowers were going to go in the Lady’s bedroom.
“Come on, Jasper.”
Devin turned toward the sound, and saw the other children motioning to the boy. He looked up at his Uncle, who nodded. Running off, Jasper shouted a quick goodbye and headed for the crowd of children.
“You know, Emma, if you don’t have a partner for the Easter Egg Hunt, I would love to have you help me. I have no idea how to do this at all.” Devin turned to the girl.
“Really? Me, I can be with you?”
“If your Uncle says its okay, I would love to be your partner.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want her to be a bother to you.” Jamie stammered.
“Not at all. I would love to have Emma be my helper.” Devin smiled at Emma, who in turn offered up a quick grin.
“Of course, then. That would be wonderful.”
Emma tugged at Devin’s hand. “Can we start now?”
“Absolutely, let’s go get a basket, shall we? Oh, Jamie, I was wondering if you would mind checking on Mrs. Goode for me?” Devin asked as the man blushed. She knew there was something between the two, and she intended to see it furthered along. She took Emma’s hand and heading toward the rest of the children ready to start searching for eggs, they selected a brightly-colored wicker basket from the lawn and headed for the starting line.
Kyle watched from high atop the battlement. The small child with Devin was laughing and swinging the basket from her hand. He peered down as the child stopped and picked up a gaudy pink egg from the flowerbed and placed it in the basket. Devin clapped her hands and off they went again, searching through the flowers.
Would a child of theirs look like that one, he wondered? Ringlets of curls and rosy red cheeks. Would she have a laugh that sounded like tinkling glass upon the wind? Or maybe a boy, like the one who suddenly ran up to Devin to show off his green egg. Kyle watched as she patted the boy on the head and made a fuss over his find. She was very good with the wee ones, he decided. She would make a wonderful mother to a child.
Devin stopped and looked up, as though feeling his eyes upon her at that exact second. His gaze narrowed as she lifted her hand in greeting to him.
He nodded, remembering years past when Rollie had hosted the hunt. Rollie had gone to the extreme length of dressing up as a large gray rabbit and hopped about the back lawn. At one point, he lost his balance and almost tumbled into the icy waters below. Kyle grinned at the memory. Such a character, Rollie was, one who was sorely missed.
Staring back across the yard, Kyle intently searched out the guests for Devin. Finding her, he settled his gaze upon her and never looked away for the remainder of the day.
“Who’s that?” Emma asked.
“Who do you mean?” Devin stopped walking and turned toward the child.
Emma pointed. “That man up there with the funny clothes.”
Devin looked in the direction Emma pointed.
Kyle.
Emma was pointing to the top of the tower and to the man standing there. No doubt about it, the child could see him. And just as plainly as she herself could, it seemed. Her gaze lingered.
“Do you know him?” Emma asked.
“Yes, I do. That’s Laird MacLay. He used to own the castle a long time ago before I ever came here and way before you were even born.”
“Is he nice?”
Devin smiled. “Yes, he’s very nice and very kind, too.”
“Can he come down and play with us here?”
“I don’t know if he can, but how about if you wave to him. Maybe that would make him smile.”
“Okay.” Emma waved with both hands to Kyle, who grinned and waved back at the child.
“He saw me.”
“I know.” Devin’s insides turned to mush at the giant smile on Emma’s face.
“I’m going to tell my Uncle Jamie I waved to the man on the tower today.”
“All right.” Devin wasn’t sure if that was a good idea or not, but figured since Jamie himself had seen the Laird what could it hurt?
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“Come on, children, time to eat.” Cook’s voice rang out across the lawn, halting the children in their tracks at the thought of food.
“Hungry? I hear Mrs. Goode has prepared all sorts of wonderful things for us today.” Devin asked the small girl beside her.
“Uh, huh. I like her cookies.”
“Me, too. Well, then, how about we go eat?”
“Okay,” the child agreed, placing her hand in Devin’s. They headed back to the castle and towards the other children who swarmed around Mrs. Goode and the kitchen staff.
****
June 20th, 1602
Oh, Diary, I have done something so very wrong. I met Lord MacPherson in the storeroom. It was only to be a quick stop as I wished to see the place the serving girls all speak of. We went in the late afternoon, passing through the kitchens. There is a door that leads from the kitchen to the storeroom. My lord was out with his guardsmen, patrolling the border land.
While Lord MacPherson was the perfect gentlemen, I must admit, I had the secret wish to have him kiss me there. So that I could see what the fuss was all about, as the serving maids say he is the best. But then they do not know about Lord MacLay’s kisses. At least, I don’t believe they do as I have not heard any gossip regarding the Lord in that form. The storeroom is a cold and dreary place, no lights save the lanterns on the walls. The peat is stacked quite high for fuel and the place smells musty and dank.
Then it was as if Lord MacPherson read my mind. He reached for my hand and pulled me to him, kissing me gently on the lips. So soft, as though a butterfly had delicately brushed my skin. But it felt wonderful, Diary. I wanted more. I asked him to kiss me again and he laughed, then bowed low before me and said he would do anything to please his lady. He called me his lady, Diary. Oh, my. The second kiss was better than the first. This time, I felt his tongue touch my lips, and he whispered to me to open my mouth. It felt scandalous, but I did as he bid.
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