The chamber was spacious and, other than the huge bed, devoid of furnishings. A small hearth, an extravagance for Struan, was built into one corner and vented outside by a metal hood built into the wall over it. There were freshly woven rushes on the floor and he could smell herbs in the air. Hethrew his bag in an empty corner and took his heavy winter cloak off and hung it by the door.
“I will have a chest and table brought in for you. I was not certain....” She paused.
“Certain what?” He probed for an answer.
“Where you would work. There is a small chamber on the main floor near the kitchen. That is where I keep the records and do most of my work. I was not certain if you would rather work here or there.”
“It would seem more efficient to work nearer to the supply rooms and kitchen. I will follow your example.” She sounded as if she knew what she was doing. Usually the lady of the castle supervised in an advisory way, but Lady...Anice seemed to be a practiced steward.
“Is this chamber to your satisfaction?” She wouldn’t meet his glance—her eyes darted around the room from her position by the open door. He then noticed she had not even entered the room.
“Aye, Anice, ’tis a fine room. Do ye think ye could find me some clothes to put in that chest? I brought only what’s in that bag, I’m afraid, and what’s on my back.”
“We always have extra clothing available; I will find some for you.” She paused and her gaze roamed over his body.
Robert put his hands on his hips and turned once in a circle. When he faced Anice again, he saw the deep red hue spreading up her face. She was blushing! Well, ’twas a far better thing than looking so pale all the time.
“Well, can ye tell my size now?” he teased her, smiling at her bashful expression.
“Ye are almost the same size as Alex. There are still some things I made for him that should fit you.”
“Alex?”
“He is... was... a distant relative who... ah... stayed here the summer before last. I’ll look in the linen room to see what’s there.” She rubbed her hands on her tartan skirt and cleared her throat.
“Whatever ye have will be fine with me. Beggars canna be choosy.”
“Do ye wish to see yer faither now?” She took a step backinto the hallway.
“Aye. But, ye dinna have to take me, just tell me the way.”
“He is in the sickroom on the floor below us. Turn into the right-hand corridor and it is the third door on your left.”
“Thank ye, my... Anice, for all of this.” Robert gestured at the warm, clean room.
“It was no problem, Robert. I hope your stay is a good one for you.”
“Ah, Anice?” He didn’t want her to go. She had changed before his eyes from a scared child to a capable woman. Who else could she be? “Would it be possible to get some food and drink afore the evening meal? I have been on the road most of the day wi’out breaking my fast.”
“Oh, Robert,” she gasped. “I completely forgot to offer you some refreshments. Please, pardon me while I see to them.”
She started to leave so he grabbed her arm to keep her. The tensing of her whole body in reaction to his grasp surprised him into releasing her. She shook off his touch like a dog shaking off water after a swim in the loch. As she stepped away, she pulled her heavy shawl around her shoulders in a protective motion.
“Nay, do no’ hurry. I will come to the hall after I see... Dougal.”
“Very well, Robert. I will have something ready for you at the high table.”
“I would rather eat in the kitchen... if ye dinna mind?”
“I will have it ready in the kitchen, then.” She nodded to him again without meeting his eyes.
Realizing that she didn’t mean to move from her spot, he walked past her back towards the tower steps. He slowed his pace on those steps, dreading what was to come now. If he was lucky, Dougal would not wake while he was there.
She walkedto the next room and sank onto a small bench, her legs turned to jelly. The babe started his kicking andmarauding in her belly, so she put her hand on top of the motion and waited for it to pass. Leaning her head back, she rested it on the cold wall and closed her eyes.
How did she think she would ever be able to work next to this man? At least she knew those in the clan already; she had done most of her growing up here with them. Struan, Calum, Brodie. Even the younger ones didn’t bother her so much anymore. But this man?
She saw his form from where she sat by the hearth in the great hall long before she could make out any details. Tall, muscular, flowing wild black hair. The rest of him was finely formed, the arms and legs of a warrior, not a steward. He was built as Alex MacKendimen had been built—strong muscles, long legs, but not as big and bulky as Brodie.
