“Only the laird’s word. Even though the same thing was happening all over Scotland and had happened over and over before our turn came, Da never thought our laird would do it.”
“Greed can be a powerful persuader.”
Robbie nodded. “One soldier was a good fellow and let my mither and Iain get a few things before they set the place on fire. To keep us from sneaking back in, they said. She grabbed a few of my da’s paintings, his painting supplies, his sword from when he was in the army, and a few other small things. Nearly lost Geordie because he had run back in to get something. Iain went in after him. Got him out but it was close. See, Da had a tunnel under the house. He said that with reivers and soldiers always wandering through, it would be useful. Iain got singed but he brought Geordie out. We also saved our money, which proved useful. Passage was costly. Did ye hear nothing of the clearing of the lands in Scotland?”
“Not much, I fear. Females are not to be troubled by such things. Too weighty for our tiny female brains,” she drawled, and Robbie laughed. “Perhaps the men think we will riot or some such nonsense. I did hear a bit but nothing to tell me it was so harsh. Tenants usually have some agreement with the man who owns the land. The paper they sign gives them a little protection from just being tossed out or so I was told.”
“If Da had a paper he did not ken what it said. And Lady Vera, the laird’s new wife, got angry over how long my mother was taking to get her things and ordered it stopped. They set the place on fire before Iain and Geordie could get out. When they did get out we picked up what little we had saved and headed to a city where we might find some work. We did but Da had also heard about this land and wanted to come here.” He frowned. “So, yes, I would like to learn how to read. I have seen how it can cause one trouble if you cannot read.”
“Well, we will see what others wish to do, and then settle on a time to do it. It takes time, you know.”
“Most learning does from what little I have seen of it. I would like to get good at it. I want to read a book.”
A simple wish, Emily thought, and she was determined to fulfill it. She then thought on what they had suffered, what had driven them from the land they were born in. It was sad and so very wrong. Now she also had a clue as to why Iain would go from being warm to acting cold around her. As the eldest his memories would be the clearest about what the gentry had done to them. He was convinced she was gentry even though she had yet to confess to it. It was wrong for him to blame an entire class of people for what had happened but she could understand it. Sad to say a lot of her ilk would be just as cruel to their tenants if it brought them money.
She winced. It made her even more reluctant to tell him the truth but she knew she had to. Emily had almost convinced herself that her actions since coming into his home would show him she was nothing like the ones who had hurt him and his family when Robbie stopped the wagon.
Emily started and looked around. There was one large store that was called the Trading Post. The sign hanging on the wall of the building indicated it was also a tavern. Robbie’s glances at it and faint blush told her it was probably a place that offered some other services men sought. Her opinion of that was confirmed when they stepped inside. As Robbie hustled over to a door at the side she glanced up at the upper floor and saw a man stepping out of a room as he adjusted his clothing. A scantily clad woman stood behind him. Her expression was one of utter boredom.
Then she was inside what looked to be a perfectly normal store. She glanced to the front of the building and noticed it too had an entrance. Then she looked at Robbie but he was blushing so brightly she did not have the heart to tease him. A big woman came out from behind the counter, walked over, and rapped Robbie on the head.
“Mabel!”
“Idiot! You don’t go bringing some proper woman in through that tavern.” She pointed at the door. “We have a door. Next time you bring her here, use it. Now, can I do anything to help you?” She turned and smiled at Emily.
“Yes, please.” Emily proceeded to ask for what Mrs. O’Neal wanted and followed the woman as she marched around the store collecting up everything asked for.
Emily took the time to look over the goods offered and was surprisingly impressed. As the woman piled the goods she asked for on the counter, she checked over a few dresses, some shirts, and even looked at the skirts. Her things saved from the cabin were not meant for riding around outside and she decided she could use a simple cotton outfit. Checking what she had for money she picked up a pretty little dress and walked back to the counter only to find Robbie getting candy.
“How nice of you to pick up some sweets for the children.” She nearly laughed aloud when he gave her a narrow-eyed look.
“That is a good idea. I think I will pick some other candies up for them.” He finished filling the bag he held and grabbed another.
Feeling a little sorry for him as she had no idea of how much money he had, she slipped him a couple coins. “Include some from me as well. Neddy loves lemon drops.”
As Mabel added up what they had bought, Emily looked around for a lady’s saddle. The woman hurried over to her and asked, “Do you want one?”
“Actually I was looking for a lady’s saddle.”
“Huh. Never have understood how some ladies sit on those things let alone ride about.”
“It does take a lot of training. Do you have one?”
“All I have is some used ones. After living here for a while a lot of ladies give them up for a normal saddle.”
“Fear I am not ready to do that. Is there a way I can look some of them over?”
“Sure can. Come with me. We keep them in the back room with some other things people got tired of. Maybe you will see something else you have a liking for.”
Emily shook her head when the woman turned and started to walk away. She had to marvel at the woman’s skill at selling things. Her remarks about the type of saddle she was looking for did sting though. Emily was not sure she could ever change to ride as the men did.
The cost of the saddles quickly put her off. They were priced well for being secondhand goods but it was still more than she could afford. She was stroking the fine embossed leather of one when Robbie walked in.
“That is one of those funny saddles ladies ride.” He stroked the leather. “Thinking the woman didnae use it much. Nice work on the leather though.”
“It is but it is also too rich for me. That little table is cute though. I wonder why someone would get rid of it.”
“I bet Matthew could make you a little one if you want it.”
