“Aye.”
“Then I shall quietly consider it a blessing for Mary and her son.”
“Ye’re nothing like the women said,” Leah observed.
“Nay?”
“Ye’re kind, milady. Considerate. And beautiful.”
“I’m afraid yer kinswomen would be disappointed to hear it.”
The maid waved her hand in the direction of the door. “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve given them a reason to be unhappy with me. I care little for what they say.”
For such a young lass, Leah had a good head on her shoulders. “Who is yer father?”
“Adam MacKay.”
Keely’s head snapped up. “TheAdam MacKay? The famed outlaw?”
“Aye, the very one.”
“Then we have something in common, Leah. We’re both outsiders.”
The lass smiled. “Aye. Now can I serve ye some bread and cheese?”
“Have ye forgotten about the question ye asked earlier?”
Leah shook her head.
“Aye, it is true. I loved Alexander MacKay more than any woman had a right to.”
“But ye married Laird John.”
“I did. For reasons I canna share.”
“I understand, milady, and willna question ye again.”
Keely didn’t mind the presumptuous girl, in fact, she welcomed the company. Somehow, Leah had taken her mind off her present situation, making her feel welcome—even if that pleasure was fleeting, it eased Keely’s sadness.
“Ye are welcome to serve as my maid, Leah. Tell Alex I am grateful for his kindness.” Though she knew it had nothing to do with goodwill, she wouldn’t give Alex the satisfaction of seeing her upset. No, she must demonstrate her resolve in a way Alex would understand. Without losing control of her emotions, which meant no tears—no tenderness of any kind. She’d made that mistake already. It wouldn’t happen again.
The maid brought her a plate of food and refilled her cup with wine. Surprised by how hungry she actually was, Keely ate three pieces of bread with cheese, and finished a third cup of wine before she yawned.
“If ye will allow me to help ye,” Leah offered. She walked behind Keely and started to unbind her hair, running her fingers through the long strands. “After ye rest, I’ll see to getting some hot water and a tub so ye can bathe before the evening meal.”
“The bath is welcome, but I willna be taking food belowstairs.”
“Laird Alex has ordered ye bathed and properly dressed, milady.”
“Did he now?” Keely turned around, looking at the maid. “And what else has Laird Alex demanded?”
“To immediately notify him if ye refuse, so he can carry ye to the great hall if necessary. He made it verra clear that ye enjoyed being toted around like a sack of grain.”
Keely snorted, not at all humored by Alex’s pomposity. If he ever tried to carry her again, Keely would… well she’d… damn if she knew what she’d do. Pride and honor must be retained in front of his clan. Though she’d taken the MacKay name, underneath she was an Oliphant. And her people were stubborn and strong, too. No man would make demands of her, not in the way Alex suggested.
“Tell Alex I will join him for supper whenI am readyto do so.”
Chapter Seven
