He nodded.“Aye, twins, and ye are their new maither now.”
He gesturedtoward the bed and said, “Rest, Gracie, I will sleep elsewhere this night,” then turned and walked from the room.
The door closed softlybehind him, leaving the chamber hushed but for the fire’s gentle crackle. Gracie stood alone amid silk and stone, her emotions tangled and aching. She felt confused by his kindness and wounded by his distance, warmed by his presence and chilled by his words that she was simply a means to an end. A woman that was brought here simply to raise children, not to be… loved.
Sittingon the edge of the grand bed, she whispered to the empty room, “I'm uncertain whether this marriage will be me salvation or me greatest trial.”
5
Gracie stirred beneath soft linens as her mother’s urgent whisper reached her ears.
“Up, lass, up,”Margaret said, pulling back the curtains as pale morning light spilled into the chamber. “We’ve nay time to waste, Gracie, the ceilidh is in six hours and ye must begin readyin’ at once.”
Gracie groanedand buried her face in the pillow.
“Six hours?”she mumbled. “Mama, I can dress in less than one, surely that is enough.”
Margaret sether hands upon her hips and said, “Nay, child, there is much to be done, from yer hair to yer gown, and every detail must be perfect. Waitin’ for yer hair to dry alone takes hours.”
Gracie peeked out and replied,“It is only a celebration, nae another weddin’.”
Margaret shook her head briskly.“This is yer first ceilidh as Lady McMillan, and every eye will be upon ye.”
Gracie sighed and said,“Let them look, I am still me, nay matter how long ye primp me.”
Her mother softened and answered,“Aye, ye are, but tonight is special, and ye deserve to feel it.”
Gracie finally pushed herself upright,knowing resistance was futile.
With a resigned breath,she allowed herself to be shepherded from bed by Margaret and April. They led her through the sitting chamber where a great tub steamed before the hearth, its surface rippling with warmth.
April smiled and said,“Daenae fash yerself, me lady, the Laird has told us he will nae come to these rooms while ye are made ready.”
Relief loosened Gracie’s shoulders.
“I am grateful for that,”she murmured, feeling shy even at the thought of him near while she was so undone.
She slippedfrom her robe and stepped into the tub, the heat wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. Scented soaps rested on a small table, their fragrance of lavender and heather drifting through the air. As she sank into the water, a long breath escaped her, carrying away the tightness of the past days.
Margaret kneltbeside the tub and dipped a cloth into the water. “Ye have been so brave, Gracie,” she said softly.
Gracie closedher eyes and replied, “I daenae feel brave, Mama, I feel lost.”
Her mother brushedher cheek and said, “Every new life begins that way, but ye will find yer footin’.” The water lapped gently, as though agreeing.
April workedthe soap into Gracie’s hair, and the rich scent bloomed around her. The heat eased the ache in her shoulders, and for a moment she forgot castles and lairds and expectations. She remembered being a girl in a smaller keep, bathing in wooden tubs and laughing with her mother. That girl still lived within her, no matter the title she bore.
“Ye look happier already with a blush,”Margaret teased lightly.
Gracie openedone eye and said, “That is the water trickin’ ye.”
Her mother laughed.“Nonsense, ye have always glowed, and now ye are radiant.”
Gracie feltwarmth rise in her cheeks, unsure how to accept such praise.
As April rinsed her hair,Gracie whispered, “Mama, do ye think I shall be a good Lady?”
Margaret answered without hesitation,“Aye, for ye have kindness in yer heart, and that is what a castle needs most.”
