"Sometimes," Anna replied, forcing a casual smile. She didn't share that she barely slept the night before and finally gave up on resting when the sun crested the distant mountains. "Today was just an early day, I suppose."
"And it was a late mornin' for yer husband," Eilidh sighed. "I swear, I couldnae find either of ye when I was lookin' for ye."
Of course, Hugh slept in. He spent half the night pacin' his room.
"Anyway, I was hopin' to find ye. We have to finish our tour," Eilidh continued when she came to Anna's side. "And I think it's about time someone talked to ye properly about how to be a proper Scottish lady."
"I suppose English ladies behave differently?" Anna asked, allowing the older woman to hook their arms together.
"Well, I daenae ken. For all I ken, the roles are the exact same," Eilidh laughed, a carefree sound that relaxed Anna. "But it'll give us somethin' to talk about while we walk through the gardens."
"That's what I'm most excited to see," Anna said as they began their stroll to the courtyard. "This castle is so much bigger than it seems. I was surprised at how much we saw yesterday."
"Aye," Eilidh confirmed. "I thought the same thing when we moved here two years ago. It took me nearly six months to stop gettin' turned around here."
"I'm afraid it may take me twice as long," Anna said. She nodded at a servant who opened the door for them. "The manor I grew up in… It was fairly straightforward. I feel as if there are so many twists and turns here."
"There are," Eilidh said, slowing their pace as they came to the edge of the perfectly manicured space. "And so many dark corners. It's why I told ye to keep yer door locked."
"I understand more and more with each passing moment," Anna said, leaning forward to inhale the light, floral scent of the white flowers blooming in front of her.
For a moment, Eilidh allowed her time. Then, she said, "I wanted to tell ye that ye're goin' to be a great Lady McDonald.What's most important is that ye daenae take sides in the issues that the people bring to ye. When ye mediate, ye should speak to both parties as though they're equally correct. Which is admittedly more difficult than it may sound. Sometimes someone is clearly the winner of the argument."
"I'll do my best," Anna said, the thought of having people come to her for help in personal affairs a bit overwhelming. "I don't have much experience with people, so I'm a bit nervous I'll make a mistake."
"I promise it'll get easier once ye've done it." The older woman patted Anna's bicep affectionately. "I'm sure ye'll be a natural."
"Your belief in me means the world," Anna said honestly. "Is there anything else I should know?"
"Truthfully?" Eilidh asked, cocking her head to the side. "I daenae ken. Hugh asked me to ensure ye got yer full tour and to give ye advice. I've never been the lady of a castle meself, so I can only tell ye what I think is important."
"Well, if you think it's important, I'll keep it at the forefront of my mind," Anna promised.
With a shared giggle, the women continued through the gardens. Anna was a little disappointed that only the autumnal flowers were blooming. This was her home now, and she would get to see the way this area looked in winter, spring, and summer, too. It would be such a treat to watch this space transform with the seasons.
They took the better part of a morning to make it through the garden. When they reached the entrance of the castle once more, Anna wanted to resist entering. If she weren't trying to impress Eilidh, she might have insisted that they spend more time.
She decided that soon, she'd come back on her own. She'd be able to take her time finding the perfect flowers to press. If she so desired, she could sit outside quietly without having to worry that she was holding herself properly. Perhaps she'd even bring one of the books that Hugh had picked for her and read it beneath the flora.
"It's nearly time for lunch," Eilidh remarked as she guided them toward the kitchens. "And we skipped this part of the tour yesterday since ye werenae feelin' well. I'm sure we can taste a bit of what they're preparin'."
Despite not feeling particularly hungry, Anna couldn't deny that there were dishes she was eager to sample again. So, she went along with Eilidh, happy to listen to her chatter as they walked. There was a maternal energy radiating from her mother-in-law that both put her at ease and made her aware of her behavior.
It's because I don't want to let her down. I can tell she's taking a chance on me.
When they entered the kitchens, rich and savory scents wafted around Anna. The staff was loud, laughing, and talking as they finished their work. Even when they spotted her, they didn't stop.
"Ach, look! It's our new Lady."
"Would ye like somethin' to eat, me Lady?" a woman stirring a pot over the fire asked. "I can get ye a bowl. This is just simmerin' now."
"If ye daenae want the stew, I can make ye somethin', me Lady!"
"Oh, I…" Anna began, feeling a bit flustered at being the center of attention. "You don't have to go through all that trouble for me."
"Nay, we wish to, me Lady," one of the cooks replied, stepping away from her station, bringing a small pastry along with her. "Try this, won't ye?"
Anna couldn't fathom refusing, not when the savory loaf was still warm from the oven. So, she took it. When she bit into the flaky bread, a symphony of fresh herbs danced over her tongue. A small sound of appreciation emitted from her chest.
