The maid proceeded to help Keira with her attire, her skilled hands making the dressing process a swift and seamless affair. The morning gown flowed elegantly over Keira’s frame, fitting her perfectly. The simple yet refined design accentuated her natural beauty without overshadowing it.
“Now, yer hair.” Winona urged Keira to sit down at the vanity table, where she proceeded to gently brush Keira’s hair with a soft-bristled brush, her movements caring and soothing.
Keira sat still, appreciating the calming rhythm of the brush gliding through her locks. The gentle strokes untangled any knots, allowing her hair to cascade down her shoulders like a waterfall. It was obvious that Winona was a very skilled lady’s maid.
Only, that really wasn’t what Keira wanted to find out. She was more interested in their enigmatic laird.
“So, have you been working long here at the castle?” Keira asked, endeavoring to sound indifferent, almost as if she were merely chatting to pass the time.
“Aye.” Winona nodded, focused on Keira’s hair. She spoke without lifting her gaze, but that didn’t diminish her focus. “Ever since Laird MacCurtney saved me and me family from that ship.”
“He saved you?” Keira gasped.
This man was a hero on top of everything? Keira couldn’t believe it. What else was she going to find out about him?
“Ye ken, he risked his life to save us.” Winona nodded pensively, but the more she spoke, the more questions arose in Keira’s mind.
Keira glanced at the young woman’s reflection in the looking glass. She could see Winona’s eyes lighting up with gratitude as she continued to braid her hair.
“He is a brave and kind-hearted man, he is. He has been through a lot, more than a single man ought to go through. And I dinnae care what anyone else says… He didnae deserve what happened to him.”
Keira nodded, though she couldn’t really make much sense of what Winona was saying. It was hard to reconcile the image of the man who had saved lives with the playfully arrogant soul she had glimpsed during their encounters. She felt an ache of sympathy for his pain and a desire to understand him better.
She was desperate for more information about this, about all the complexities of Raphael’s life, because she was starting to see the man behind the image he was presenting to everyone. His stoic exterior hid a man struggling to find his way, to reconcile his past and his present. Only… she didn’t know what that past held.
“And this ship, Winona, what—” Keira started, but she was interrupted by another knock on the door. “Yes?” she called out.
The door opened promptly, and Raphael’s mother appeared. “Oh, I have interrupted yer mornin’ preparations, dearie.” She smiled at Keira.
“No, no.” Keira shook her head. “We are almost done.”
“Aye.” Winona nodded, pulling away from Keira and marveling at the coiffure she had created.
Keira’s golden tresses were artfully woven into a crown of braids that adorned her head. The main braid, intricately done, encircled her crown like a regal wreath, showcasing her radiant face. Smaller, delicate braids intertwined with the main one, enhancing the intricate design. Some wisps of hair were left loose, framing her face in a soft, flattering manner.
“It is marvelous, Winona.” Keira beamed. “I love it.”
“I am glad ye do, Milady.” Winona seemed even more proud now.
“It seems that ye are all ready to come to the dining hall with me and join me for breakfast,” Elspeth said, her tone expectant.
Keira immediately got up and walked over to her. “Yes, all ready.” She nodded, a little apprehensive but at the same time excited.
They made their way to the dining area, engaging in conversation. Elspeth was a charming woman, but Keira could sense that there was something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. After a moment, she attributed it to her own whirlwind of emotions.
It is all in your mind, Keira.
But that was easier said than done.
“You have a lovely home, Lady MacCurtney,” Keira commented as they passed by portraits of their ancestors staring stoically at whoever dared to look them in the eye.
Keira suddenly remembered Winona’s words.
“… saved us from the ship.”
What ship? Saved them how? From whom?
There were so many questions about this mysterious man, and she wanted answers to all of them before her time here was up. She wondered if asking him directly would bear fruit.
