"If only I kent who was really in charge while I was gone," he muttered to himself, beginning to do the arithmetic once more. "Then I'd ken who to ask about all these discrepancies. Perhaps it's time I ask me maither."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
There was frost on the ground this morning, and Anna was sure that she could see her breath as she was pulling on her gown. Unlike her home in London, which seemed to hold onto heat, the castle welcomed the cold of the environment.
When she left her room, shuffling into the corridor, the temperature improved slightly. The chill was still heavy in the air, but the rooms surrounding the hallway seemed to act as insulation. If she were dressed properly, she doubted that she'd be bothered.
I should have insisted on seeing the seamstress yesterday. I need something more suitable for the weather as soon as possible.
She rubbed her hands against her biceps, trying to create warmth. Even though she wasn't in a hurry, her footsteps were faster than usual. The increased physical movement did wonders, warming her from her core to her limbs.
"Are ye all right, me Lady?" Emelia asked, breaking away from the other maid she'd been talking to. "Ye're movin' quite quickly."
"I'm just fine," Anna assured her. "Though I'm a bit cold. Moving faster is helping me warm up."
"Ach, it is a bit cool this mornin'," Emelia agreed. "It should warm up soon. We're nae in the throes of winter just yet."
Anna laughed as she guided them toward the great hall, dreaming of a hot cup of tea and something warm to put in her belly. "I suppose that I should be thankful for that, then."
"Do ye nae have any thicker dresses?" Emelia said, dutifully walking with Anna. "Ye should have a few made of wool and warmer undergarments as well."
"I don't," Anna admitted. "I brought some of my clothing from England, but nothing is truly suitable." She gestured at the dress she was wearing. "This may be the warmest gown I own."
"And our Laird hasnae done anythin' about that?" Emelia said, aghast at the thought that her charge was being neglected. "He should ken better than anyone that the cold is unforgivin' here."
"He's intended to take me to the seamstress since we arrived," Anna said, feeling strangely defensive of her husband. "Had we not been so busy with the villagers yesterday, he would have taken me to get what I needed."
"Good," Emelia said, hooking her arm in Anna's and leading her into the great hall. Most of the castle was here, eating and talking. There was so much laughter and revelry that Anna couldn't help but grin. "Until we get ye proper clothin', let's keep ye warm with some food and drink."
Anna allowed herself to be led to the head table. It was a pleasant surprise to see Hugh there. Even though she'd had a proper meal with him in the village the day prior, she hadn't been able to speak with him.
"Ye look pale," Hugh said as she settled into her chair to his right. "Ye're nae goin' to faint again, are ye? Ye'd cause quite a scene in front of everyone if ye did."
Anna stifled a laugh. "I won't faint again, Hugh. I had been shocked when you showed up at my door. Something like that had never happened before."
"Then why do ye look as if ye're barely holdin' onto life?" Hugh asked, already loading her plate with an assortment of foods. "Ye're shakin'. Are ye cold?"
"I'm a bit chilly," Anna admitted, smiling up at Emelia when she poured a cup of tea for Anna. "I'd like some new gowns. I'm a bit regretful that we weren't able to see the seamstress. I don't think I'll be able to survive this cold much longer."
"I'll talk to me maither about findin' ye somethin' for now," Hugh said, looking Anna over. "And I'll send word to the village today. I'll ask after the seamstress's schedule. We may be able toget her here today to get yer measurements. We willnae let ye be cold any longer."
Anna giggled softly, taking a sip of the strong black tea she'd been served. "Thank goodness. I wasn't sure what I'd do if we didn't fix the problem."
"I will fix any problem ye have," he said with conviction. "The clothes are easy."
His care washed over her. It was fierce, a declaration of his devotion. Her breath stuttered in her chest. The sensation was overwhelming, but not unwelcome.
Every time I question if he truly wants me around, he proves to me that I'm overthinking.
"Eat yer food," Hugh instructed, not looking at her. "Get a wee bit of color back into yer cheeks."
There was no way Anna could ignore that directive. It was a command born of care and concern. So she ate, sipping her tea and letting the warmth wash over her. While the food and tea helped dull the sharp edge, she still felt the chill deep in her bones.
"Daenae worry," Hugh said as their meal began to draw to a close. He sopped up the leftover juices on his plate with a bannock. "Ye'll have yer measurements taken in the next two days, I promise ye that."
He grabbed hold of her hand, his eyes locked on hers as he brought it to his mouth and pressed a lingering kiss to the back of it. Anna's breath caught, and she blushed deeply at the public nature of the display. Then, before she could say or do anything, Hugh rose and stalked out of the great hall.
The men were training in the courtyard, the same as they always were. Hugh approached them, watching as they ran through their drills. It was clear to Hugh that the transition back to his orders was smooth. Despite the flaws of his council, Hugh's men were always sharp. Even with the abrupt changes to their training structure, they were just as effective as before he left.
