“’Tis all well, Uncle,” Anges said with as much of a comforting tone as she could muster. “I am certain the king knows what is best for his guests.”
“Your usher will be here momentarily and will see to your every comfort as well, sir,” Fin said.
“My chamber is adjacent to my niece, I expect?”
“Lady Agnes’s chamber is near the queen’s apartment along with the other ladies in waiting. I have prepared you comfortable accommodations in the men’s wing,” he said and then raised his hand to urge someone their way.
“Archie, see to it that Laird Sinclair is situated in the chamber we have set aside for him.”
Archie appeared wide eyed and shook his head ever so slightly it was easy to miss if one were not paying attention.
“’Tis the one near Montrose,” Fin offered and then to her uncle, he said, “Archie will see to your every need and will advise you of activities and mealtimes. There is already a copper tub in your chamber, and you may request to have it filled at any time.”
Fin then bowed to her uncle with a little bit of a flourish clearly indicating dismissal. Did Fin know her uncle and dislike him? There appeared a hint of something that made her more valuable than him. Or was that just the way of things based on her status versus his? Sure he was still considered gentry, but with no formal title, though plenty of his own land, he was seen as lesser somehow. She didn’t quite comprehend the inner workings of it all, but she knew enough that some people were treated differently depending on their name.
John owned untitled lands, making him a laird and allowing him to engage freely with gentry and nobility alike. But she didn’t miss the underlying implication in this greeting.
Once her uncle left with Archie, Fin turned to her. “Now, Lady Agnes, let me have a good look at you.” He sized her up and down and nodded. “My lady, you’re a fair one for a catch,to be sure. I think plenty heads will turn at your entrance at tomorrow’s ball.”
“Thank you, Fin. I admit, I am a wee bit out of my element here. We don’t hold festivities quite this elaborate.”
She looked around them. The inner courtyard was filled with what could be described as a market, but ’twas like none she’d ever encountered. The entire perimeter was filled with carts topped with fabrics and jewelry and pies and so many pastries her stomach growled loudly, though no one would hear with all the activity. Musicians played lively tunes and ladies wearing hundreds of beads danced around them. All her senses were on alert to the colors and textures and aromas enveloping her.
“There will be plenty of time to explore the market, later,” Fin said beside her. “For now, let me show you to your chamber so you can rest up and pick out your gown to meet the queen at the evening meal.”
“Will my chest be brought up this quickly?”
“Not quite,” he said and grinned.
When he didn’t offer any further detail, she didn’t ask. If there was a surprise waiting for her, she didn’t want to ruin it. She was certain of two things at that moment: She was grateful for the respite from her uncle, and she liked Fin. He was kind and funny, and something deep within her told her to trust him. She couldn’t say the same about Uncle John.
They passed through the guest portion of the castle set aside for accommodations and on toward a separate wing Fin described as the king and queen’s apartment. Within was her chamber along with the other five ladies with whom she would be responsible to entertain the queen and keep her company at times when the king was occupied with other duties or interests.
“But truth be told, his interest of late is very much all about her,” Fin said with the side of his hand almost covering his mouth.
“And that’s a good thing, aye? That they are in love. They are supposed to be, are they not?”
“Lady Agnes, you will soon learn that love stories are not always possible among the elite at the king’s court.”
Well, that was disappointing to hear.
“Oh, but not for you, Lady Agnes. I am certain you will find a perfect match.”
His words were kind as was his expression, making it seem sincere, but somehow it appeared there was so much more he could tell her. Should she ask about the gentry? Would that be inappropriate considering she should know all about them?
“Now here we are, my lady,” Fin said and opened the door wide. With a broad sweep of his hand he said, “This will be your chamber for the next several weeks. What do you think?”
What she thought was that her own bedchamber was a fishing stage compared to this one. Bright colorful tapestries adorned the walls in hues of the sky and of a stormy sea. Here and there pops of bright yellow and orange caught her eye until finally she spied the largest bed she’d ever seen with four thick pale wooden posts and a shiny blue cap. She resisted the urge to throw herself upon it.
“I can see you approve. In here,” he said leading her to a side chamber with a copper tub lined with sheets of linen and a long table and bench. On the table were various vials in all shapes and sizes with many different colors and apparent textures; some were thick and pink, others were watery and purple. She could imagine the baths she would take here.
“Her Majesty enjoys being pampered and expects the same for her ladies.”
“Fin?”
“Aye, Lady Agnes?”
“What is she like?”
