by Aury Dobsyn
“Are ye as daft as that severing wench, Fin? Ye threw the bread tray on the counter-” Ualan’s words were cut off by a petite woman entering the kitchen, fuming like a banshee.
“Enough!” Ella roared at the insensitive man, who had not even noticed that the girl he was screaming at was hurt.
“Can you not see that she is hurt? You will quit your tirade this instant or I will give you something to rage about!”
Just then Ualan noticed Finella doubled over with her back to him, but clearly trembling with pain. Instantly, he was at her side, his anger replaced with genuine concern.
Ella quickly ran around the counter to see the extent of the girl’s injuries, while Ualan stood next to her, with his hand on the small of her back.
“Fin, what has happened? Are ye alright?” Ualan’s demeanor completely changed when seeing his wee Fin in pain.
“My name is Lady Ella and I am a healer. May I see your hands?”
When the girl saw the laird’s new wife crouched down in front of her, words failed her. Instead, she opened her hands and showed the kind, young women her burnt flesh.
The burn extended to both palms and all her fingers, and Ella was immensely glad that her new medicinal satchel was still slung over her shoulder.
“I need a basin of cool water, now,” she said to Ualan before turning her gaze back on Fin. “Come, have a seat on this stool, while I tend your hands. The cool water will alleviate some of the pain.” Pausing for a moment, she then asked, “What is your name?”
“Finella, but everyone calls me Fin.”
Opening the small chest that housed her medicinal jars, Ella took a pinch of common comfrey, daftodi and mandrake, then added it to a goblet of mulled wine.
“This fowl tasting tonic will alleviate your pain for many hours.” Since Fin’s hands were submerged in a large bowl of cool water, Ella assisted with the task.
The dark haired girl complied with her request, even though her face showed her distaste of the warmed concoction.
Ella quickly made a salve of yarrow, white willow, and marigold, then said, “If I may, I will apply this paste directly to the burns. Your hands may feel numb, but I assure you that it will also kill any infection and speed the healing process. Then your hands need to be bandaged.”
“Aye, Milady. Do as ye see fit. I have heard ye are a verra skilled healer and trust yer judgment.”
When Ella finished applying the salve and wrapping her hands, a serving maid appeared and asked, “When will ye-”
“Get out!” Ualan bellowed as loud as he could at the young maid, who turned on her heels and ran from the kitchen.
Both Ella and Fin looked at Ualan as he explained in a gruff manner, “The meal will be served when I am good and ready to serve it, and only after I ken Fin is well.”
Ualan’s profile spoke of power and enormous strength, but it could not hide the pain in his heart seeing Fin suffer such misery. The transformation in Ualan was like night and day. Gone was the boorish cook, and was replaced by the most tenderhearted man in the Highlands.
The former warrior knelt by Fin’s stool, taking both her bandaged hands in his and said, “Forgive me, please. I ne’er should have yelled at ye. If I could, I would take yer pain in a heartbeat.”
Ualan’s eyes did not mask his love for the petite woman, half his size.
“I ken ye would,” Fin said softly before her expression changed abruptly to one of concern. “What about the evening meal?”
“Dinna concern yerself with such trivial matters,” he began, “I will have one of the maids assist me in preparing the meal.”
“How will they be able to help when they fear to be near ye?”
“I dinna need their help anyway. Witless wenches all of them.”
“But Ualan,” Fin cried.
“Enough, I will-”
“I can help.”
Both Ualan and Fin turned to look at Ella, realizing that they were not alone.
The ill-mannered cook faced her and said, “I have learned much about ye these last few days and have come to respect ye, even though ye are English.” He spat the last word, then continued, “For that, I canna let ye-”
“For this eve, you can. A more permanent arrangement will be made on the morrow, since I will nae 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 was fairly disturbed by the woman’s bold suggestion, but 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,” she stated. “But, I listen well, if Fin would be good enough to instruct me.”
Fin saw her determination then glanced at Ualan, whose expression was one of utter disbelief. Trying to hide her giggle, she said, “Aye, she has been trained in the kitchen, so it will nae-”
Ella cut in, “To be honest, I have nae been trained in the kitchen.”
“Oh, I thought that all English ladies were 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 were. . .um. . .they were. . . 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.
50
Over the next hour, Ualan and Fin were flabbergasted that she 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. But thankfully, on her third attempt, she managed to make a loaf of bread that was actually edible.
Fin was quite giddy from the pain medicine and each time Ella made a mistake, her laughter filled the kitchen. Ualan cared little about Ella’s mistakes, which were numerous. His main concern was for Fin, and when he heard her contagious laughter, he too found amusement.
Although Lady Ella could not bake bread to save her life, Ualan learned that she had been taught at least to cook rabbit. Not well, but somewhat palatable
“My father often took me hunting when I was young and taught me how to prepare and cook any game we brought down.”
Ualan saw the pain and sorrow when she mentioned her father and he 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, which was next to 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 was interrupted when Tavish and his mother walked into the kitchen.
Lady Esme had been told of Fin’s injury and that Lady Ella had offered to help with the meal. She had been ready to storm into the kitchen to rescue her new daughter from the beastly cook when a servant explained that the normally surly, discourteous man was actually acting with the patience of a saint. She and Tavish had not believed it, but upon entering the kitchen they were quick to notice the easy amity between Ella and the cook.
After asking how Fin was faring and assuring the lass that her duties would be taken care of until she was healed, the long-time mistress of Doran Castle turned her gaze on Ualan and Ella. “The meal was excellent, my compliments.”
Heat crept into Ella’s face, keenly aware she was not worthy of such praise. Deciding to reveal her inadequacies in the kitchen to Gavin’s mother, she stiffened he
r shoulders and took a hesitant step forward. But, just as she opened her mouth to 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 has made ye a special treat.”
More than pleased by this announcement, Tavish looked at Ella and said, “Thank ye, ‘twas verra kind and I appreciate the gesture.”
“Tavish, I am nae 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 need to spit out the distasteful bread was so great that he swallowed it whole. The foul creation sat heavily in his stomach, and he was assailed by guilt momentarily. Then dawning fell upon him when he noticed Ella, Ualan and Fin’s animated expression.
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 lingering taste in her mouth, she was unable to finish and 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 was mortified when Ualan went on to explain about her first two attempts of making bread, which clearly defined her lack of culinary skill. But, her embarrassment was a fleeting emotion, and she soon discovered that even with her faults, she was still accepted. They did not berate her efforts or criticize her scant knowledge of cooking. And she was elated that they continue to jest with her and 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 had formed tonight between her and the two cooks.
Moments later in Ella’s bedchamber, Lady Esme helped her new daughter undress and don her bedding attire.
“Ne’er have I seen Ualan behave in such a manner as he did this night.”
“Aye, you said he was usually quite difficult,” Ella said as a lightweight, knee length chemise was pulled over her head. “Actually you said he was a beast of a man.”
When she was tucked into bed, the older woman explained, “Aye, 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. But, ‘twas long ago.” Esme kissed the young lass’s forehead, then whispered, “A restful sleep awaits ye, my daughter.”
Ella was doubtful that sleep would come, but comforted by the maternal love that radiated from the gentlewoman. As usual of late when she was 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 as he glanced over his shoulder to see Lady Eleanor and Sir James riding in his wake. Sobbing with relief and joy, Ella would run across the bailey and then embrace her aunt and uncle.
Gavin would be watching a short distance away, enjoying his wife’s reunion with her family. But Ella would not ignore the man who risked his life to save her family. She would race over and jump into his outstretched arms, and then 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, so it would hurt less when her dreams were destroyed.
51
The next morning Ella arrived in the kitchen at dawn and was 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 was determined 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, “And to think they said you were 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, then 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 that will alleviate pain for a few hours. 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 and is in the pouch. Just add the contents to a goblet of mulled wine and stir.”
“Thank ye, milady.”
“Please, call me Ella. When I hear, ‘milady’, I think of my Aunt Eleanor, for everyone referred to her thusly at Greystone.”
Ualan asked the obvious question, “And how were ye addressed?”
“Lady Ella, but Aunt Eleanor and Uncle James called me Ella. I much prefer the latter of the two.”
“Oh nae, mil. . .Lady Ella. We canna call ye by yer given name, it would be disrespectful,” Fin declared.
Ella’s disappointment was obvious when she 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 her rose when he realized that the laird’s new wife wanted to belong because of the person she was, not the title she was born into.
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 de
pressing tale of Lady Ella’s life at Greystone, he cared naught. She was an English Lady bred to be vain, conceited and utterly worthless.
Yet, Ella possessed none of those qualities. Her genuine concern for others was like a breath of fresh air, but it did not outshine her natural wit and charm. 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 had won him over.
“Ella, when ye are finished fussing over my wee Fin, ye will break yer fast.”
Her face immediately brightened at being addressed as ‘Ella’ and not ‘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 was quick to 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. The contrast of their hair was like night and day, but their wee size was so similar they could be twins. And both held not a pittance of fear of 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.