Behind the woman, two small heads bobbed like curious little birds, peeking from behind her flowing skirts. Maisie's gaze softened as she saw the boys and gauged that one must not be more than five years old and the other around three. Their bright eyes were wide with curiosity.
Maisie followed the woman out of the study, her skirts brushing the polished stone floor, heart hammering in her chest.
They stepped out into the garden, the cool night air brushing Maisie's cheeks and loosening the tension in her shoulders. Moonlight spilled over the castle gardens, casting silvery light on the carefully trimmed hedges and flower beds that scented the night air.
The scent of night-blooming flowers filled her nose, mingling with the crisp tang of sea air drifting from beyond the castle walls. Silence stretched over them, punctuated only by the soft rush of waves and the gentle scuff of small feet on the gravel paths. Maisie's nerves coiled tighter as she realized:
She must ken of the kiss with Caiden. That is why she has asked to speak with me in private. Och, how I dread this conversation.
A tug at her skirts drew her attention downward, and Maisie knelt to see the little boy holding out a beetle he had found along the path. Her lips curved into a smile despite herself, reminded instantly of her own nephew and the games they used to play together.
She crouched lower, examining the tiny creature, and the boy's giggles made her laugh softly, the sound light and freeing. Soon, the more boisterous elder boy joined them, and the two boys scurried around her feet, chasing shadows and offering their finds with proud excitement.
Maisie felt herself relaxing further, the tension of captivity and the fear of Caiden's temper easing in the night's calm.
She made gentle teasing noises as the boy tried to put the bug back, and the three of them erupted into laughter, the joyous sound echoing faintly in the quiet gardens.
Maisie realized she had not laughed this freely in days, not since leaving her home, and the moment filled her with a bittersweet ache.
They wandered deeper into the garden, moonlight glinting off the intricate stone fountain at the center, water glittering like scattered diamonds. Maisie noticed the skillfully carved statues that lined the pathways, each a tribute to the McGibb ancestors, and felt awe at the castle's beauty even at night.
She stole glances at the woman walking beside her, noting the gentle authority in her posture and the warmth in her voice as she guided the children. Maisie's curiosity about the woman grew, though it mingled with unease. She wondered how much the lady knew and what she would say when they came to that subject.
Maisie's hands twisted nervously in her skirts, her breath catching as the lass before her gave a kind smile. The beauty of the woman unsettled her, for her eyes shone like clear summer skies and her hair gleamed as though kissed by gold. Maisie felt plain, tall, and clumsy by comparison, her jealousy pricking like needles. She swallowed hard, unable to stop the heat rising in her cheeks.
The woman tilted her head, speaking softly. "The lads daenae take to strangers so quick, ye ken. They've their own ways, and ittakes time for them to open their hearts." Her voice was warm, gentle as a lullaby, but it carried a quiet strength beneath the sweetness.
Maisie, startled by the kindness, realized she had been like a fool without offering a word. The shame settled heavy upon her chest.
Flustered, she blurted, "Och, I've been rude as sin. Forgive me, I dinnae mean to ignore ye so." She lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening together, desperate to find the right manner. The words spilled awkwardly, tumbling over themselves in her haste. Her heart hammered with a mix of regret and humiliation.
The woman's lips curved in a tender smile, and she shook her head gently. "Think nothin' of it, truly. Ye've a great deal on yer mind, I can see it in yer eyes." She reached out, lightly touching Maisie's arm in reassurance. "There's nay offense taken, nae at all."
The kindness in her voice made Maisie's throat ache, for she had expected sharpness or scorn. Instead, she found grace and warmth, which only deepened her guilt. Her envy softened into confusion, and she fought the urge to look away. It unsettled her more than anger would have.
"I am surprised they have taken to ye so easily. Why, young Arran's a tender soul, though he hides it behind silence. Truth be told, he keeps his distance from his own uncle. I suppose a laird could be a frightenin' presence to be held." Her eyes flicked with something unspoken, a hint of sadness.
Maisie blinked, startled, the words bursting from her lips. "Keeps his distance? From the laird, ye mean…?" Her brow furrowed in disbelief. "But… I thought ye were his mistress?" She stopped herself too late, the shame already burning hot on her tongue.
The woman's eyes widened, then sparkled with amusement before a laugh slipped free. It rang through the chamber, bright as bells. "Och, heavens nay! His mistress? That's what ye thought?" She shook her head, still laughing, her cheeks rosy.
Maisie's face burned crimson, her throat tightening as she stammered, "I-I… aye, I did. Isabelle had spoken of some woman, and I…och, I let me mind run wild." She buried her face in her hands for a moment, wishing the ground would swallow her whole. Never had she felt so foolish.
The woman chuckled again, though gently this time. "Nay, lass. I'm Norah. I am Caiden's sister-in-law…" Her smile softened, touched with memory, yet it held no bitterness. "I am here for the bairns' sake, nae for scandal."
Maisie froze, her heart sinking. Isabelle had indeed mentioned a sister arriving. How had she not seen it? Her mind had been clouded with suspicion, all her thoughts consumed by Caiden's imagined betrayal.
Shaking her head, Maisie whispered, "Och, I'm a fool. It should've been plain as day, but I… I couldnae think clear." She lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting Norah's. "Ye must think me daft."
Norah reached across the table, her hand brushing Maisie's gently. "Nay, lass. I think ye're human. And humans doubt, and they fear. It means ye care, else ye wouldnae feel so fierce about it."
Maisie's heart tightened at the words, for they struck truer than any blade. She thought of Caiden's kiss, the heat of it still fresh in her mind, and her heart ached with both anger and longing. That kiss had stirred every doubt, every whisper she'd heard. Yet here was proof she had judged too quickly.
She murmured, "Ye're kinder than I deserve." Her voice trembled, for she could not hide the mix of relief and embarrassment swirling within her. She had been ready to despise this woman, ready to guard herself against betrayal. Instead, Norah offered only understanding.
Norah leaned back, her eyes shining in the firelight. "Ye're young, Maisie. Ye've the look of a lass still learnin' where to place her trust. But let me tell ye, Caiden's nae the man folk make him out to be. He bears his demons, aye, but his heart is strong."
Maisie listened in silence, her envy ebbing into reluctant admiration. The woman's beauty still dazzled her, but her spirit was gentler than Maisie could have imagined. The weight of her earlier mistake pressed heavy, yet the warmth of Norah's words began to ease it. Still, doubt gnawed at her soul like a restless hunger.
