“Aye. Although ‘tis nay good fer a laird tae be absent when there is evil afoot.” He gave a sad nod and, for the first time registered what could be a touch of sympathy in Halvard’s green eyes.
Although his spirits were low as he made his way to the chamber that was to be his, the hint of softening from Halvard kept his hopes alive.
After stripping off his kilt he slipped under the covers in the bed clad only in his shirt. After a sleepless night on the birlinn, holding Selene in his arms, he was asleep instantly, waking several hours later to a knock at his door.
Wrapped in his plaid he opened it to find a small maid standing there. “If ye’re awake, Laird Kenneth, the Lady Elsie has bid us bring water fer ye tae bathe. When ye’re done and dressed again she has arranged supper in the solar.”
He thanked the lass, smiling to himself at being wakened by the knock and then asked if he was awake. That was definitely Highland logic, if ever he’d heard it.
Moments later a series of scullery maids trooped through his room, emptying buckets of piping hot water into a large copper tub in the corner.
Now it was his turn to discover the wonders of bathing in hot water.
He sank into the tub, amazed that after only a few moments the aches in his back and legs eased and, by the time he’d thoroughly soaked and washed himself with a cake of clean-smelling soap, his aches had all but disappeared.
Mayhap there was something about bathing in this hot water, after all.
By the time the maid appeared to guide him to the solar he was feeling encouraged and hopeful. It was not in his nature to admit defeat and there was a growing certainty that no matter what, he would not deny his feelings of love for Selene.
He loved her and she was his. And the devil take the monstrous Aidan MacLeay if he should attempt to harm his lady. And, for that matter, the devil would be welcome to Halvard MacLeod if he continued to deny their marriage.
When he entered the solar, he found Selene and Elsie happily chattering by the fire. Selene’s face was glowing with happiness and his heart lifted immediately.
She was more beautiful than ever in a pretty blue gown with some sort of embroidery at the neck and sleeves. Her rich chestnut locks flowed free down her back and he longed to spin his fingers through those wayward tresses. His mind took him back to their last night together at Duntulm when he had pledged his love and they had slept, curled like puppies, in the soft warmth of the bed. He longed to be with her again.
He lifted his head. Soon, no matter Halvard’s objections, theywouldbe together, their troubles behind them, and a new life ahead.
Minutes later, a smiling Halvard joined them. At least, Kenneth noted, he seemed to have mellowed somewhat since the earlier frosty meeting in his study.
It was clear that Elsie had spared no effort in making sure that her sister’s first meal in Castle Brochel was nothing but splendid.
The table at the center of the solar was set with three silver candelabras, their many candles creating a soft glow in the room. The table was set with a fine damask cloth, with knives and differing sizes of silver spoons. There were crystal goblets and damask napkins beside each setting.
The meal was indeed splendid. It consisted of a selection of spicy roasted meats – venison, wild duck and goose – little game pieswrapped in delicate pastry, oranges that must have come from Spain, melt-in-the-mouth sweet custard fools, and small and dainty almond and walnut cakes,
All of this was served with lashings of claret from Bordeaux, and flagons of ale.
Kenneth recognized how much of Elsie’s heart had gone into the preparation of such an elaborate feast and his heart warmed to her. She truly loved Selene and both had that in common.
“Why this is a marvelous welcome, Lady Elsie, I dae thank ye most profoundly.”
Elsie threw him a shrewd glance, but it was clear she had softened toward him. He could only wonder what Selene may have told her.
They idled over the meal, taking the many servings slowly. It was leisurely and companionable.
After a glass or two of wine, Halvard was almost friendly, and Elsie’s and Selene’s stream of chatter kept them all smiling. It seemed Elsie would not entertain any dire news that would interfere with the convivial evening.
Even when they were replete and took to the fireside to allow their splendid repast time to settle, Elsie refused to permit them to rest.
“Now fer a game oftafl,” she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
“Tafl?” Selene queried. “What is that?”
“I ken of it.” Kenneth said. “‘Tis an old game our Viking forefathers brought with them tae the islands. I’ve long wished fer a chance tae try me skill at it.”
Elie clapped her hands. “’Tis great fun if ye wish tae play.” She cast Kenneth an enquiring glance. “A game of skill. A king tries tae escape, with the help of his men, from a besieging army.”
“’Tis played on a checkerboard.” Halvard added with a grin.
