Siena needed to pinch herself to prove she wasn’t dreaming. Married . . . something she’d never thought would happen to her. She smiled, then stretched her arms overhead. Again, she wondered about the flowers. Could she have made a wish and it simply came true?
Agatha swept into the room, with a big smile upon her face and a tray full of breakfast. “How was last night, milady?”
“D--Different, I think,” Siena responded as she slipped out of bed. “Let’s sit at the table and eat. I’m starved.”
After they sat down, Agatha filled both cups with warm, spiced milk. They each buttered half a bannock before Agatha said, “Well? Are you sore this morning?”
Siena sipped her delicious milk before answering, “We didn’t make love last night or I don’t think we did. We just kissed.”
“What!” Agatha’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “A strong strapping man like that forgo his husbandly rights – why I never.”
Siena smiled at the shocked look on Agatha’s face. “He is giving me lessons.”
“Well, I never.”
“I can’t believe he is so considerate.” Siena sighed. “I sensed there is more, but I was scared last night, and I think he could tell. You know, Roderick isn’t anything like his reputation of being merciless.
“So I’ve seen.” Agatha sipped her warm milk. “Indeed, there is more to lovemaking than merely kissing. All women are frightened on their wedding night because they lack experience. “I must say, you don’t find many men who are considerate enough to wait.”
Siena nodded as she sat her mug down. “I want to ask you about the flowers. Did you put them in the church?”
“Nay, milady. Where would I get flowers? I was a bit surprised myself when I saw them. They were beautiful and filled the church with the best smell.”
“Roderick said he didn’t know anything about the flowers either. Now I’m left wondering if I did it myself.”
“I cannot answer that, milady.” Agatha shook her head. “Everyone says that you are gifted . . . maybe you are.”
“I don’t know if what they say is true, perhaps time will tell. However, I’d love to have some control of these magical things that I do.
“Oh, I forgot to mention to Roderick that I had a vision of his son, Michael when Roderick mixed our blood together in the church. I must remember to tell him. I think the child is alive.
She placed her napkin on the table. “Let’s get dressed. I’m supposed to meet the kitchen staff today.”
* * *
Cook Alva Scottswung a pot over her head, then slammed it down on the counter. She was more than ready to take on the English lass. No one was going to run her kitchen when she’d been doing fine for the last two years.
“I need to set her straight, right away,” Alva told Mary, her assistant, who was filling a large cauldron with water. Mary knew better than to express her opinion. Alva was fuming and Mary didn’t want something tossed at her head.
Siena appeared in the doorway, almost as if she’d been conjured up. Alva jumped and grabbed her chest. Mary wanted to laugh but didn’t.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, but Laird Scott ask me to speak with the head cook,” Siena said as she looked at Mary.
“That would be me,” Alva said as she dried her hands on a towel.
Siena noticed the belligerent tone of Alva’s voice. “I’m Lady Siena and your name is?”
“My name be Alva and I run the kitchens. What do ye need?”
Siena could tell Alva wanted no part of her new mistress. “Actually, I need nothing. My question is what do you need?” Siena almost laughed at the surprised look on the cook’s face. At least she had her attention now. “I also would like to see what you have planned for dinner.”
“I—I need,” Alva stuttered. “I dinna ken, lass.”
“Are there any supplies that you need or maybe more help in the kitchen? I’m sure running the kitchen must be difficult feeding so many.”
“Aye, milady. I could use one more to help with the preparation of meals and perhaps two more to serve the men at meals.”
“Then I shall see that you get someone.” Siena smiled. “I’ll speak to Laird Scott tonight.”
