Inside, however, a thought tugged. She could handle two wild bairns and a stubborn dog. But one glower from her husband had nearly undone her last night.
Finn slipped his hand into hers. “Is the man from last night still here?” he asked.
Her stomach flipped. “He is tired,” she said. “We will speak about him later. Today we play. Maggie, sit.”
Maggie sat at once.
Anna applauded and shouted the dog’s name as if she had cast a spell.
They circled the apple tree and counted bees at the rosemary bed, which Finn declared soldiers on patrol. Kristen laughed along with them. Still, the castle felt changed, as if a new door had appeared, and the mere thought of walking through it weakened her.
When the bell for breakfast rang, she kissed them both on the brow. “To the kitchens,” she instructed. “Wash first. Eat everything ye can. I will come soon.”
Moira led them away, with Maggie in tow, and Kisten climbed up the stairs to her chamber. Inside, she turned the lock and opened her chest, then pulled out two gowns and laid them on the bed. After a moment’s thought, she pulled out a third one.
She held the blue gown to the morning light. It was simple and well-cut. She touched the seam Davina had mended and felt strength in the neat work.
It will do.
“Help me, Elsie,” she demanded when the maid came with warm water. “I am late.”
Elsie laced up her gown and smoothed the sleeves. She paused once as if a question had grown heavy on her tongue, then seemed to let it go. “Shall I fetch yer ribbon box, me Lady?”
“Nay,” Kristen replied. “The plain comb will do.”
She pinned her hair back. It looked nice enough. Then again, she was not trying to catch a certain someone’s attention.
Because if there was one thing she refused to do, it was seek Neil Adair’s attention. A little color on her lips and cheeks, but not much. It should not matter what she wore before a man who had not looked at her for five years.
The thought stung.
Would he finally explain his absence, or would he simply vanish into his tower and leave her to face the questions alone?
“Shall I bring the gray shawl?” Elsie asked.
“Aye,” Kristen said. “The hall is draughty.”
A second maid appeared, her cheeks pink. “Me Lady, they are ready for ye in the Great Hall.”
Kristen let out a breath, then smoothed down her gown and straightened her back.
The corridors were busy with quiet work. Boys carried trenchers, and maids walked past with laundry from the previous day. The door to the Great Hall stood open, letting out the smell ofporridge and fresh bread. She squared her shoulders and went in.
Faces turned, as they always did. She felt eyes swivel to her and slide away. She made for the table, keeping a slow pace.
Davina twisted slightly as Kristen took the seat beside her. “Ye look tired, lass,” she murmured. “Long night?”
“Only a busy one,” Kristen answered. “The children were bees, and I was the flower.”
“That sounds like them,” Davina laughed. She poured a small measure of ale and passed it over. “Eat.”
Kristen thanked her and reached for the bread. Her glance drifted to the high table. The chair at the end waited. She looked away before hope could flare in her breast.
“Will Anna wear blue ribbons?” Davina asked.
“She will claim them,” Kristen snorted. “Finn will help her, and nothing will be straight.”
She dipped a piece of bread in honey and popped it in her mouth. Then she cut a pear and put a slice on Davina’s trencher in a bid to keep her hands busy.
