“Milady,” Miran said, setting her work aside and standing. “Ye doona need to feel ashamed. I have seen ye naked before.”
“But…”
“Ye are a woman now and think it has changed ye?”
“I feel verra different.”
“All the women agree ye were the most beautiful bride. And Master Jamie, the happiest groom.”
A tub with steaming water had been set up near the hearth. How had Helen slept through servants hauling the tub into her bedchamber? A fresh tray of food had been placed on the bedside table. Just seeing the food set her stomach to growling.
“Ye are hungry?”
It wasn’t until Helen stood that she felt the soreness between her legs. Jamie had loved her a second time after they awoke just before sunrise. The fresh memory heated her insides—how he kissed and caressed her everywhere, his thick manhood filling her, pleasing her more than she’d ever imagined possible.
Miran approached with a fresh sheet. “Let me drape this around ye so ye can sit and eat comfortably.”
Helen agreed and let the maid wrap her in the soft material. Then Miran poured her a glass of wine and offered her fresh bread, boiled eggs, and smoked fish. As Helen ate, she watched Miran strip the bed, including the blood-stained sheet. When Miran separated it from the other linens, Helen said, “What are ye doing?”
“Laird Alex wishes to spare ye the embarrassment of hanging yer bridal sheet in the great hall, but I must take it to him where he and several other witnesses will attest that ye were a maiden.”
“My husband can speak to my innocence. I willna allow it!”
“Ye must let me do this, Lady Helen. Please. Tis tradition and a point of great pride for our people.”
“And what of my husband’s innocence? Will he suffer the same humiliation?”
Miran chuckled. “Men doona have virgin blood.”
“Ye are a maiden, Miran, but know so much about marriage.”
“I have served many ladies.”
“Yet ye are not truly a servant.”
Miran gaped at her. “Who told ye?”
“Jamie.”
“He should have kept my secret.”
“He cares for ye, Miran. As do I.”
“I know.”
“Which is why I beg ye to come with us.”
“The decision has already been made. Lady Keely has ordered me toSands Airgid.I am yer wedding gift from her.”
Helen shot up and rushed to Miran, embracing her. “Ye willna regret it, Miran, I promise. And I willna call ye my maid any longer. Ye are my companion.”
“I am pleased to go with ye. Now that Jamie has been made a laird, I seeSands Airgidas part of my home.”
A little later, dressed in her warmest wool gown and boots, Helen and Miran went belowstairs. Everyone in the great hall clapped and wished her happiness. As for the bridal sheet, Miran quietly disappeared with it to Alex’s solar.
Petro arrived not much later and invited Helen to join her husband in the solar. “I trust your wedding night was a joyous occasion?”
“I am a verra happy woman.”
