From what her father told her, some four centuries ago, a MacRae woman eloped with a Shaw in the lowlands. Was life in the clan so terrible that she felt the need to escape?
“Might I interest ye in me wares?” The elderly woman’s words jarred Lainie from her thoughts. The woman’s arms were spread, and she gave a low bow. Her curly, gray hair, tinted with red, fell down her back; her eyes were dark and mysterious.
“Why, yes. What have you got?” Lainie liked the idea of playing along.
“Come and ye shall see. There are many a good trinket for such a lovely lass.”
Gooseflesh rose on Lainie’s skin. There was something about this woman that gave her the creeps. The air around her suddenly seemed to turn almost ominous.
Lainie studied the peddler for a moment before entering the cottage. The woman was old and reminded her of what a medicine woman, or a palm reader, would have looked like. Surely, she was harmless. Probably just a really great reenactor.
The cottage’s interior was small, lit by a peat fire and candles. Lainie loosened her scarf a little as warmth flowed over her. The small windows didn’t allow much sun to filter through, and it took a second for her eyes to adjust to the dim light.
Set out on table after table were little artifacts. Some were undoubtedly antique while others were newly handmade. Lainie let her fingers glide across a few until she stopped on an intricately carved chest about the size of a small jewelry box. Its wood shone a deep mahogany. Carved on top of the lid was an ancient Celtic symbol. The same patterns and designs wound around the bottom.
“This is beautiful,” she muttered.
What a great keepsake. Placed on her dresser, she could look at it every morning when she awoke. Remember the enchanting sites, scents, and memories of her time in Scotland. Maybe escape back to this blissful country for just a moment.
“‘Tis a special box.” The woman stared intently at Lainie. “Meant for someone truly extraordinary. ’Tis said the wood remembers,” the woman murmured, her gaze distant. “Cut from the tree that once grew near the stone circle at MacDuff’s Hill. They say the box chooses its keeper when the time is right.”
“Chooses?” Lainie asked, half amused.
“Aye. Not all who open it are ready for what lies within.”
Was she trying to say Lainie didn’t deserve such a treasure? “I see.” She couldn’t help the small bite her tone inflected.
She turned to leave. There would most probably be another little shop with a similar box.
“My dear, ‘tis perfect for ye.”
Lainie’s gaze shot up, and she stared at the woman who gaped at her in awe.
“One must be careful with such a precious item.” The old woman’s gaze flickered to the box.
“It’s an antique?”
“Aye, nearly four hundred years old. Carved by the MacDuff himself.”
“The MacDuff?” Could it be the same man in the painting? Her heartbeat quickened its pace.
“Laird MacDuff. The box has been in my family for many generations.”
“Oh, then, I couldn’t buy it from you. You must keep such a treasured item.” Disappointment washed over Lainie. The box was probably on display, not for sale.
“Nay lass, there is notta one left of us. I can see in your eyes that ye would take care of the precious antique, just as carefully as I have.”
Lainie contemplated the offer. She really did want the box. Not only was it beautiful, but if what the woman said was true, it would be amazing to have such an artifact. She was drawn to the box, her need to have it almost overpowering. Perhaps the desire to possess it had something to do with the intense feelings the image of Laird MacDuff evoked in her…
“Yes, okay. I’ll take it.”
A wide smile crossed the woman’s face, and Lainie couldn’t help but return the gesture. Why was the woman so excited for her to buy the little box?
The woman ran behind one of her tables and sifted through another box. She drew out an old key with the same symbol as the one on top of the box.
“This key will open the box for ye. Be careful of what’s inside. Only open the box when ye’re ready…and alone.”
Lainie raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but smirk a bit. The woman truly did put on a good show.
