When they finally arrived at Inverness Castle, she was glad for the brief reprieve to be attended on in her chamber but found herself feeling empty without his nearness. So much so that when a knock sounded at the door signaling the evening meal, she practically leapt at it.
On the other side was a neatly trimmed and well put together William holding out a single bluebell for her.
She’d opted to change into her favorite plain blue velvet gown which was more comfortable than the complicated gowns gifted her by the queen. This one was squared off around her neckline with long floor-length sleeves that were fitted to her elbow and then cascaded downward. She debated between herlinen shift and the silk one and in the last minute decided on the latter. She hoped the garment would not prove too distracting.
He on the other hand seemed dressed to perfection with his hair pulled back and tied at his nape wearing his shiny black tunic, perfectly set over a fresh white leine. He wore leather trews and tall boots with his clan’s sash across his chest. She felt far less formal.
“Are we dining with the king and queen this eve, my lord?” she said with a smile only partly jesting.
“Nay, my lady. But we do have cause to celebrate.”
“Do we now?”
“Aye.”
“And what are we celebrating?” she asked taking his arm as they strolled through the hallway toward the great hall.
“You shall see,” he said and placed his hand atop hers giving her a little squeeze.
Any part of him that touched her sent shivers racing through her body. She became aware of the heat and strength in his hand and now regretted the silk. She would not survive this night without wanting to straddle him and kiss him until they were both breathless.
When they entered the hall, her breath caught. The table had been adorned with bunches of fresh flowers and tall candles with dancing flames. The hearth with its ornately decorated stonework depicted a stag head staring hard out from within as though the beast had gotten caught inside while trying to escape.
The walls were covered with various tapestries depicting battles and more stag’s heads than she’d ever seen. The table was set for two at the far end. She looked up to William to find him grinning down at her.
“Is all this for me?”
“Aye, Agnes. Will you enjoy a meal with me?”
She answered by moving to the chair she assumed was meant for her which was to the side of the head of the table.
William helped her onto her seat just as servants entered with platters of fish and rabbit and boar. Bread platters followed by pastry and cheese taking up about a quarter of the table.
“Are all the king’s guard joining us?”
He laughed. “No, it is just us. The family are away and the servants are under strict orders to treat us well. The Gordon and I go back a long way. Standing orders at Mugdock Castle as well.”
“A little warning would have helped, my lord. I feel underdressed for this elaborate display,” she said as she pointed at some perfectly prepared trout when prompted by a servant. The fish was complemented by cheese, bread, and a savory blueberry duff. The meal was fit for a king, but she’d happily take it. She was not accustomed to feasts like these as an everyday occurrence.
“Would you prefer ale or mead?” he asked.
“Mead, please. If I drink ale with this food, I will be asleep on my trencher.” It was true she did not prefer ale and even mead only on occasion. She much preferred the light wines her father had brought over from France on a regular basis. The other beverages were much heavier than her liking.
Once the meal was finished, he asked, “Would you like to sit by the fire with me, Agnes?”
She noticed a comfortable bench had been brought in that wasn’t there when they’d entered.
“I would enjoy that, William.”
He pulled back her chair and reached out his hand to her. She placed hers in his and together they sat on the thickly padded wide bench facing the hearth. The fire wasn’t overly large considering the warm summer weather, but it did keep theair from gaining a chill from the stone walls. The ambience was comforting.
Everything about the evening had been perfect. And how here she sat, with the handsome earl and no place in the world she would rather be.
“May I ask you something?”
“Aye, William, you can ask me anything.”
“Earlier today, when I kissed you,” he said.
