So she did notice it.Ewan smiled before sneaking a kiss on her neck.
“I don’t know, but it suits you. It doesn’t sound like anyone else’s name.”
“Thank you,” Allyson nodded as she looked at the ground. “I appreciate that.”
Ewan wrapped his arm around her waist and guided them onto the path. They strolled through the gardens until Eoin informed them the noon meal was about to be presented.
Chapter Seventeen
Eoin overhead the Elliots speaking to Allyson and Ewan, and it stunned him how they degraded Allyson. When she and his brother stepped outside, Eoin insisted that he and Ewan use the tower chamber and Allyson remain in the keep. When Allyson left to bathe and rest for the afternoon, Eoin and Ewan slipped away to talk.
“You heard what they said to her.” Ewan’s words were a statement, not a question. His twin’s expression mirrored his shock and disgust. “I can only imagine what they’d say if we hadn’t been there. I understand what Cairren meant about the lack of attention, but it’s more than that. It’s a complete disregard for Allyson, as though she isn’t even a member of their family.”
“I know she’s the youngest in the family, but I still can’t imagine speaking to a sister or a daughter like that. I wouldn’t speak to a servant like that,” Eoin glanced back at the keep.
“People at court assume Allyson seeks attention, and that’s why she’s a flirt, but she came into her own when she arrived at court. She finally found a place where the attention wasn’t always negative, so she clings to it; thrives on it.”
“Aye. I went to that tower chamber, and while it might be fine for you and me, it’s not fit for a lady. There are no comforts to speak of, and it’ll be draughty at night.”
“Have you noticed how little Allyson looks like her mother or father? How she doesn’t look like the brother and sisters we met?” Ewan asked as he checked over his shoulder to ensure they didn’t have an audience as they headed to the tower. “She even commented on not looking like the rest of them. Do you think there’s a reason for it?”
“Do you mean, do I wonder if she’s not really a member of their family?”
“Or mayhap not a full member of their family?” Ewan cocked an eyebrow. “She is several years younger than her next oldest sister from what she’s said. And it appears like the rest came one after another in quick succession. Could she be illegitimate?”
“You mean, did her mother engage in an affair? There’s no way she’s her father’s bastard. There would’ve been talk if a baby arrived, and Lady Elliot hadn’t been expecting.” Eoin shook his head in disbelief.
“If she isn’t Laird Elliot’s daughter, that would explain why they sent her to court and why he’d be eager to marry her off before her sisters wed.” Ewan reasoned. “It would also explain Elliot’s detachment from her.”
“It was odd how little Kenneth seemed to know of Allyson. I noticed it, too.”
“I don’t know what to make of any of it, to be honest. I just know I don’t like it. Before a sennight ago, I never thought ill of Allyson, and she was a happy young woman. She’s wilted in the hours we’ve been here. She was like a different woman in the gardens. Distracted, uncertain, lost,” Ewan explained.
“I’m curious to see how things play out this evening. We still haven’t met the other sister or brother.”
“You mean Alice?” Ewan scowled, then nodded at Eoin’s surprised expression. “Aye, Alice and Allyson. According to Allyson, she was such an afterthought that when someone suggested it, her mother accepted a name similar to one they’d already used, so she wouldn’t forget it.”
“She believes that?”
“She does, and from the way she said it, so flat and accepting, she’s heard it plenty of times over the years.”
“Could she have done something in her past that set them against her? Is there a family secret, and that’s why they sent her away to court?”
“Mayhap, but I doubt it. If there was a shameful truth, the queen wouldn’t have accepted her. The ladies-in-waiting might run wild once they’re at court, but the queen demands a pristine reputation to accept them. I suppose we can only wait and see.”
* * *
Allyson couldn’t believe her misfortune. She lifted one gown after another and stared at the holes in each of them. She’d been unprepared to take the chamber next to Mary’s after her mother’s offer to Ewan. She’d taken a nap, then a bath and waited for her chests to arrive. When the servants set them on the floor, Allyson noticed someone hadn’t shut the lids properly. Now she wanted to cry as she looked at the kirtles she’d brought with her. They were all wrinkled and needed laundering, but she had little choice if she was going to attend the evening meal without appearing in rags. She hurried to dress and brush out her hair before descending the stairs to join everyone in the Great Hall. She spotted Ewan and Eoin as soon as she entered. Women flocked around them, offering them food and drink or unabashedly flirting. Running back to her chamber before anyone caught sight of her crossed her mind, but Ewan’s head turned in her direction as though he sensed her arrival. He broke away from the gaggle of women and crossed to stand with her.
“You look refreshed, my lady,” Ewan smiled, but it faltered when Allyson muttered a thank you but stared at the dais. Ewan observed Margaret usher Eoin to a seat while the other family members took their places. They left two seats open; one between Allyson’s sisters, Mary and the woman Ewan assumed was Alice. The other seat was at the end of the table, away from the family and among the retainers and their wives. Ewan wrapped Allyson’s arm around his and escorted her to the dais, but Allyson’s step faltered when Margaret rushed toward her.
“I expected you to dress properly for the evening meal, Allyson. Go and change,” Margaret demanded.
“Mother, I haven’t aught to change into. Whoever packed my clothes failed to shut the lids to the chest. There are moth holes in all the woolens, and mouse bites in all the other items. I found mouse droppings, too.” Allyson kept her eyes down, and Ewan found it frustrating that Allyson acted as though it were her fault.
Looking much aggrieved, her mother relented, but not without a stinging retort. “You’ll borrow something from your sisters, but it’ll take time to take in the gowns at the bust.”
“Yes, Mother.” Allyson wanted to melt into the floor while Ewan’s hand covered the one that rested on his forearm.
