“From what I’ve seen, the keep and the kitchens are run perfectly well. I dinnae want to get in everyone’s way, but I’m just wondering what I will do here all day.”
“Do ye sew, me Lady?” Astrid asked.
“Nay, I am all thumbs with a needle, unless it’s to stitch someone up.”
“Well, there ye have it!” Nellie replied enthusiastically. “Our people need a healer, and ye are a healer. Word will get out, and ye willnae have time for anything else.”
Skye sat up straighter, happy to hear that she would be of some use in her new home.
“And the keep is yers now, me Lady. Ye can change the window curtains, buy new furniture—ye ken, make it yer home,” Nellie added.
Decorating was not something Skye knew much about, but she might want to make a few changes here and there.
“Arran plans to take me to Aberray today. We leave in about an hour.”
Astrid clapped her hands together. “Abberay ye say?” Skye nodded. “That is a bit of a trip. I will pack ye some food and a waterskin in case ye stay longer than expected.”
Skye finished her breakfast and then inquired after her mother.
“Lady MacKeith rose early and is now sitting outside in the courtyard,” one of the maids informed her.
Skye found her mother in the courtyard, working quietly on her embroidery under the shade of a tall, flowering tree. She was glad to see her at peace.
“It’s a fine morning, is it nae, Maither?” she asked.
Helena looked relieved to see her daughter. “Skye, good morn!” she greeted and then made room on the wooden bench she was sitting on. “Ye look well. Are ye feelin’ well, Skye?”
Skye knew what her mother was hinting at, and she answered honestly, “Aye, Maither, I am well. Arran was gentle with me. I am nae hurt in any way.”
Helena looked relieved.
“What about ye? Did ye rest well?”
“Very well, Daughter. It’s been a long time since I slept safely inside castle walls.”
Skye’s heart swelled at her words.
Me maither is safe.
“Come, Maither. Let’s walk for a bit.”
She linked her arm in her mother’s, and they turned toward the end of the courtyard that led to the gardens.
The garden entrance was a beautiful arch of English ivy, with an untamable vine of delicate morning glory flowers twining up the sides. The wild vines, greenery, and flowers had Skye thinking that she might find a fairy within once she stepped through the archway.
The garden took her breath away with its beauty, but she noticed there was no medicinal garden. She made a mental note to plant one right away.
I can grow much of what I need.
“Married life agrees with ye, Skye,” her mother noted as she looked at her whimsical expression.
Skye looked down in embarrassment. “Arran is treating me well, Maither. I feel safe here. I’m nae sure what the future holds, but right now, at this moment, in this place, I am happy.”
She opened her arms wide. “Look, Maither, it’s beautiful—nothing like Castle MacKeith. And Arran is taking me to Aberray this morn. We will shop for clothes and such. He’s very generous.”
Helena nodded warily. “Be careful, Daughter. Other than kidnapping ye, Arran does seem honorable. I watched him just moments ago reprimand a man for making a mistake in his training. He was firm but nae cruel.”
“His men respect him, Maither.”
