“Come, Selene, let me take ye tae yer chamber. Leave our two lairds tae deal with their business. Ye need a warm fire and some breakfast.”
A small gray-haired woman appeared from a nearby passageway and hurried over to them.
She bobbed a curtsy to Elsie. “Milady, the chamber is ready fer yer sister and I shall direct the maids tae bring water fer her tae bathe.” She nodded toward Kenneth. “I shall direct Laird Kenneth tae his chamber when he and Laird Halvard are ready.”
Selene smiled to herself. It came a surprise to see her wild young sister in the role of lady of the castle. But it suited her.
“Come Selene, I shall show ye tae yer room.” Elsie tugged at Selene’s sleeve.
Before she walked away Selene shot a quick glance at Kenneth. He was already deep in conversation with Halvard, but glanced up. Their eyes met in unspoken agreement. He must deal with Halvard while she would spend time with her dear sister. There was so much to catch up on.
The bedchamber was warm and sweetly scented with herbs and just the faintest drift of lavender.
Selene luxuriated in a wonderful hot bath, entertained by Elsie’s tales of life on Raasay.
“How did you ever manage to convince your people to provide hot water to bathe?” Selene lay back while Elsie lathered her hair with rose-scented soap.
“At first, when I insisted on really hot water, they thought I was mad,” Elsie said with a laugh. “But as I am the laird’s wife, I was able tae get me way. Of course, it wasnae easy.” She giggled. “Yet even me darling Halvard has come to enjoy the delights of a warm bath.” Her cheeks flushing a delicate pink, caused Selene’s head to fill with thoughts of the pleasures that might be shared when bathing.
After she was thoroughly clean and had dried off on several voluminous linens, she donned her gown and sat by the fire while Elsie brushed her hair.
“Ye’ve had many adventures and faced many dangers since I last laid eyes on ye, Selene.” Elsie studied her. “But ye are looking well despite yer ordeals.” She paused. “And Laird Kenneth? He’s a fine-looking lad, and he looks at ye as if ye’re the feast he’s been waiting half his life tae devour.”
“He is that,” Selene said dreamily.
“Ye’re in love! I see it in yer eyes,” Elsie proclaimed gleefully.
Selene dipped her head, suddenly reticent. “We’re… at least… I am hoping…” She trailed off.
“What?” Elsie was almost jumping out of her skin. “A wedding?”
“That may be, sweet sister, but your husband’s blessing on my union with Laird Kenneth is what he wishes.” Selene’s mouth turned down. “I fear Halvard may not look kindly on our marriage.”
“Och, aye.” Elsie shrugged knowingly. “These kinships are taken so seriously by the Highlanders. A marriage between ye two would bind the MacLeods of Raasay to the MacDonalds of Duntulm and Halvard might nae agree tae that.”
“That is what I fear, Elsie.” Selene fiddled with the tie on her robe, gazing into the flames in the fireplace, sighing deeply.
“Dinnae fash, lass. That means don’t worry, sister. If Halvard daesnae approve I shall persuade him. He cannae resist me when I want something. And I dae want ye tae be as happy as I am.” She gave Selene’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Now, ‘tis time fer ye tae don yer gown. I wish tae show ye around me castle.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Halvard ushered Kenneth into his study. It was a large, somewhat somber, room with shelves burdened with books and overflowing with rolled parchments. A fire burned in the grate and Kenneth was grateful to warm his hands and dry the remaining dampness from his kilt.
“I am grateful fer yer hospitality, Laird Halvard, and I welcome this opportunity tae discuss the problems of our fishing rights.”
Halvard strode across to a cabinet containing an assortment of crystal glasses and goblets. “Would ye care fer a dram? The whisky will warm ye better than the flames.” He smiled drily as Kenneth nodded and poured several generous fingers of the amber fluid into two glasses.
“Thank ye,” Kenneth took the whisky in his cold fingers and raised the glass. “Slàinte mhath, Laird Halvard, I wish ye good health.”
Halvard also raised his glass. “Slàinte mhathtae ye.”
After Kenneth had warmed himself sufficiently, he took his seat in the chair next to Halvard.
“Before we turn our attention tae the matter of fishing, I wish tae provide ye the details of how the Lady Selene came tae be in me care.”
Halvard grunted. “Aye. I received news that me ship had been set on fire and all me men had perished. I was dire afeared me sister-in-law was among them. When I received her message and yers, we greatly rejoiced.”
“It was pure luck that brought us tae yer birlinn. Heavy fog had taken us from our route, but Selene’s screams guided us.”
