One thing was for certain: She would not be happy with a man with whom she could not openly speak. Her parents had enough respect for one another that they spoke their opinions fully and frequently, even if they differed. Nay, she wanted a partner with whom she could converse and disagree and who would respect her interest in culture and art and music. She wanted to experience the world and its glorious offerings.
*
The image ofStirling Castle rising high above the plains below was a sight that would never tire William Graham. He’d visited this castle often with his father since his own home, Mugdock Castle was only twenty odd miles away. The setting sun at his back cast a long shadow of his horse and himself as they trotted through Stirling toward the castle. In the coming days this place would buzz with excitement as the king commenced his summer season of festivities. Long known to possess a penchant for the extravagant, the king tried to outdo himself every year and in the four years since William had been permitted to attend the balls, he could attest to the king’s efforts outshining anything else he’d experienced.
Since his father’s passing a few years back, he’d accepted all invitations from the king. But he had not for the most part allowed himself to be swept up, as others had, with the pressure of his title and family responsibilities. This season would be different. He’d finally secured a marriage for his sister to one Connor Munroe over the winter, not that there was anything wrong with his sister besides being rather selective. He would never blame her or force her into any arrangement to which she opposed, but he was relieved nonetheless and with only two much younger siblings to have wed at some point, these next fewweeks would be a reprieve for him. His sister’s husband was an unremarkable man, though he did come with lands of his own gifted to him from his father. She appeared pleased and that was all he could have hoped for.
William had hoped to convince his mother to join him and bring some joy back into her life as well. He’d nearly convinced her, but in the end, she chose to find comfort in her favorite spot in the garden to have her daily conversations with her husband’s stone marker.
Dismounting, he passed the reins to a stable hand and was met by the king’s chamberlain who greeted him with a cheeky grin that was commonplace for this man.
“Fin! I am unsure what has afforded me the lofty honor of your escort, but I am pleased it is so.”
“Aye, my lord. His Majesty offered me the choice of those I would assist upon arrival, and I was selective in doing so.”
“Then the honor is doubly mine. Even my father was only waited on by a gentleman usher,” he said and placed his thumb and finger on his chin, narrowing his eyes. “Unless you both are up to something.”
Fin raised his brows and shrugged his shoulders. “I am not privy to the king’s plans,” he said with a smile. “Now, if you will allow me, I will show you to your chamber. Would you like a bath drawn? The king will take his meal with the queen in their apartment this eve, but I am instructed to bring you whatever you would like for your own satisfaction.”
“Nice change of subject, Fin. But, aye, I am saddle weary and could do with a hot meal.”
“Right this way, my lord,” Fin said and led them from the courtyard through to the guest chambers.
There was plenty of hustle and bustle all around as chamber maids moved about with linens and ushers moved their respective guests to the assigned chambers. William’s chamberoverlooked the inner courtyard and housed a large four-post bed with a dark-crimson brocade cap. The dark wooden posts were ornately carved with thistles, roses, unicorns, and lions. He’d passed on the bath but now regretted it as the hours of riding had taken their toll. Fin had just gone to order a platter of supper when a knock sounded at the door. Upon direction, the door opened revealing several men carrying steaming buckets of water. Apparently, the king would see to his guest’s comfort whether they wished it or not. The men poured the water into the tub William hadn’t even realized was off in a smallish side chamber. He would have to remember that little trick for his own chamber at Mugdock Castle. It would save time and effort if the tub simply remained and only the water had to be transported. Did all the guest chambers at Stirling possess their own bath?
Before he had another moment to contemplate the king’s luxuries, Fin returned followed by two more servants who carried a platter filled with something aromatic and steaming and a tankard with goblets. Was all that meant for him?
“My lord, would you prefer to take your bath before or after your meal?” Fin asked.
He’d prefer to do both together, but was reluctant to be so bold in his host’s home, and so replied, “I will eat and then bathe. I am certain once I relax I will only want to retire.”
“Very well, I shall return after a while to assist you.”
Once the door closed, William turned his attention to the food. The aroma coming from the platter was undeniably intoxicating. He removed his belt and pulled his tunic over his head then removed his leine. Sitting by the hearth, he sampled the meat and sopped up some of the juices with the bread. Roasted boar, his favorite. He’d have to seek out the cook to ask how he’d gotten the skin so perfectly crisp with the meat so tender and juicy. He poured a goblet of the liquid into thetankard and was pleased it was a medium ale and not something light and with little flavor which seemed to be the growing preference these days.
After about an hour, Fin returned with two more steaming buckets of water. William had been so engrossed in his meal, he’d not thought about the water cooling.
Moving over to the tub, he kicked off his boots and untied the string holding his trews about his waist and then slipped them off.
The first sensation of the warm water was heavenly. He’d not ridden that distance in quite a long time and though he considered himself strong and healthy, riding all day would wear anyone out.
He sat back in the tub enjoying how the perfect heat soothed his aching muscles.
“Do you require any assistance washing, my lord?” Fin asked.
“Nay, you may attend your other guests. I will be in bed before much longer.”
“Do you wish the water removed this eve or in the morn, my lord?”
“In the morning is fine, Fin. Thank you for having the water prepared anyway,” he said. “You are quite proficient at your job.”
“Aye, I am,” he said with a chuckle. “Tomorrow will commence the festivities so sleep well, my lord. ’Twill be an early rise.”
“Thank you, Fin,” he said. “I look forward to it.”
“Oh, and my lord?”
William turned his head to look at Fin.
