She held the gown up to her body and turned toward the mirror. Her dark hair had been pinned up for comfort during the journey, but she pulled the pins out and let her tresses cascade around her shoulders. Fin was right; it was like this gown had been designed perfectly for her.
“How did the queen know which colors to choose?” she asked as she gazed into the chest to see many other dark and dramatic colors that she could envision would also match her well.
“We intercepted the missive your uncle sent to the seamstress in town and what can I say is, her majesty’s seamstress is exceedingly talented at her job. Now,” he said as he held out his hands for the gown, “let me hang this, and youare to let Cora here assist you with a bath and a rest up as the evening meal will be just a few short hours away and you will be her majesty’s particular guest this evening.”
“Thank you, Fin,” she said trying to hide the nervousness threatening to let loose.
“You will be fine, Lady Agnes,” he said and bowed to her before leaving the chamber.
She turned to Cora who wore a shy smile. “This way m’lady.”
Agnes wasn’t used to such a distinction between servants and the family. They were much more informal at Grinigoe, but she understood the necessity in this setting.
Cora helped her out of her traveling gown, which was mostly wool for warmth, though it was much warmer here at Stirling than up north. Beneath her gown she wore a linen shift and stockings. It was good to have it all removed and when she sank into the bath, she let the past days drain from her body. The maid washed her hair and limbs and though Agnes had bathed herself regularly, she was grateful for the assistance, having not quite realized just how tired she was.
At some point she drifted, but a little nudge from Cora roused her. “M’lady, if you are finished, I can dry you and turn back your covers. You have plenty of time for a nap and a respite before the evening meal.”
That was the best thing she’d heard all day. Once Cora wrapped her hair in cloths and helped her with her dressing gown and into bed, she pulled the covers up and said, “I will return in an hour to work on your hair.”
Agnes was convinced she’d just closed her eyes when Cora returned. She held a tray with cheese and bread and a goblet and tankard.
“Come to the fire, m’lady, and I will make you ready. I have brought some food for you in case you are hungry.”
It appeared she knew what Agnes needed more than she knew herself. For as soon as she spied the platter her belly rumbled.
Taking a seat near the hearth, she gave herself over completely to Cora’s preening. She’d always taken care with her appearance, but the way this maid curled and pinned her hair after brushing was somewhat fascinating. After a while and once her hair had dried fully, Cora removed the pins to reveal beautiful curls that hung around Agnes’s shoulders and back. She then swept her hair from the sides of her face and pinned those curls loosely at her crown. The look was simple but elegant. She then took tiny gold beads that were strung together and pinned them to her hair forming a wreath.
When her hair was finished, it was time to begin the arduous task of getting dressed. Agnes usually dressed herself and was grateful for Cora’s presence today, for she was not quite sure she could don this gown on her own.
From the tall wardrobe, Cora selected a shimmery garment and held it out to her. Agnes nearly gasped as she accepted the shift and felt the silky fabric; she was sure it would be like heaven on her skin. Slipping it over her head she tried to hide her excitement as the fabric caressed her curves. She turned from Cora as her nipples hardened. She’d never worn anything like this and wondered if all the ladies at court wore these.
“Is aught amiss, m’lady?”
Turning back to Cora, she said, “Nay, all is well. I just caught a chill, is all.”
Cora’s cheeks were pink and Agnes wondered if she understood the effect the garment had on her.
Moving more quickly now Cora helped Agnes step into first the under skirt and then the heavy outer skirt, securely tying them at her waist. Then came the rigid bodice which tied tightly at her back and pushed her breasts upward, and finally the outerbodice which formed a deep V at her waist with long sleeves that flowed with the folds of her skirt.
Just as she fastened a fine sapphire necklace around her neck, a knock sounded at the door and Fin entered.
His mouth opened wide for a moment before he composed himself and straightened his back. Holding out his arm, he said, “Lady Agnes, it is my pleasure to escort you to the great hall.”
The time had come and taking one last look in the mirror, Agnes drew in a deep breath and accepted Fin’s arm then left the chamber.
The gown was the heaviest she had ever worn and she prayed the hall was not too far away, lest she’d need a rest in between.
They meandered past all the chambers and down the stairs, through the still bustling inner courtyard, and then to the great hall. Its ornately decorated outside was nothing compared to the inside. At the head was a large tapestry of a unicorn and lion surrounded by dozens of roses and thistles. Below that was a large dais with a long table she was sure could seat half of the king’s court. Long tables were also set perpendicular to the head table, and some people had already gathered and were standing in random groups conversing among themselves.
Agnes scanned the hall as Fin guided them through the beautifully decorated crowd. That was the only way she could think of them with their tall headdresses or hoods and more jewelry than she’d ever seen a single person wear. She noticed the abundance of flowers and decoration, her eyes drinking it all in. Her attention was drawn to the head table. The king and queen were not yet in attendance, and she was surprised when Fin led her to that table where a man stood, waiting.
Her breath caught in her throat. His eyes were bright and fixed on her. She could not tell the color, not quite brown, not quite green, but they were intense.Hewas intense as he held her gaze.
When they were just before him, she tilted her head up to see him, and Fin said, “Lord Montrose, may I introduce Lady Agnes Sinclair. Lady Agnes, this is Lord William Graham, the Right Honorable Earl of Montrose.”
Agnes’s breath was still caught in her throat. She wasn’t sure she could speak for she’d never encountered a man who had such a presence about him.
“Lady Agnes,” he said in a deep voice that reminded her of the way her silk shift had caressed her skin. “It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
