Page 62 of The Highlander's Pirate Bride

Mildred hung the gown on a peg outside the garderobe. It was made of fine linen, in a russet brown that was almost the color of Aileen’s hair. Around the bottom of the dress was a series of embroideries in greens and browns representing animals, trees and wildflowers of the woodlands.

“’Tis beautiful, Mildred. Thank ye fer yer thoughtfulness. Please thank Lady Raven on me behalf. Will I meet with her soon?”

“Aye. She is most delighted her braither has returned and wishes tae meet wi’ ye in the solar as soon as ye’re able.” She paused.“I explained that ye and the lord Maxwell were both a mite tired and ye’d been travelling fer a long while. She sent ye a message that, should ye wish tae rest, she will understand.”

Mildred turned to go, stopping to collect Aileen’s soiled clothing. “I’ll see to these. The laundry maids will wash them and sponge yer cloak and tabard and have them back tae ye in nae time.”

Aileen felt her cheeks burning. She was not used to such kindness, nor was she used to being called ‘milady’ and treated to the courtesy of a meal brought to her and a warm bath provided. At Dunrobin she was no better than a servant, although she was made to lie in Sutherland’s bed and play the role of his mistress. She shuddered at the memory of his cruel touch, something she tried hard to push into the furthest reaches of her mind. Beside her sat her trusty ebony rod and her dirk.

Snug as she was by the fire, wrapped in the warm robe, sleep was overtaking her. Before she closed her eyes, she made a grim vow. If she ever saw Sutherland again and if he should attempt to place his hands on her, she would take out his heart with her dirk.

Waking refreshed from her brief sleep, Aileen made up her mind to make it her business to explore the castle and discover what she could about the ways it could be defended. She was under no illusion. Sooner or later Sutherland’s men would launch an attack. He would never rest until he had punished both herself and Maxwell for their audacious defiance.

Dressed in the kirtle and blouse that Mildred had left her, she brushed her newly-washed hair, allowing it to flow over her shoulders and down her back in a red-gold cascade. Taking her newly sponged-clean cape, she left the chamber and progressed along the corridor in search of the stairs.

She’d not gone far when she encountered one of the chambermaids going about her duties. She paused. “Pardon me, lass.”

The maid curtseyed and keeping her eyes downcast, nodded. “Aye, milady.”

“Can ye tell me where I may find the Lady Raven? I believe she is waiting in the solar.”

The maid lifted her head and cast a curious gaze at Aileen. “Why yes. Follow me.”

They descended the staircase and entered another small passage, passing the first two doorways. She halted at the third door. “This is the solar, milady. D’ye wish me tae knock?”

Aileen nodded and the maid rapped on the door with her knuckles. “Enter,” was the faint response. The lass opened the door and Aileen entered.

Raven was seated on a chair by the fireside, her wee lad on her lap. Aileen saw at once, from the rounded belly, that she was with child. She stood when Aileen entered.

“Dae join me, milady. I am so pleased to meet ye. I am Raven,” she said with a smile.

“Pleased tae meet ye, milady. Please call me Aileen,” said Aileen, bowing her head.

“It is a pleasure, Aileen. And please call me Raven. This is me son Thorsten. Say hello little lad,” she said to the boy in her arms.

“Hello…” he mumbled shyly, hiding his head in his mothers embrace.

“Hello Thorsten, lovely tae meet ye,” smiled Aileen.

Then, with a flurry of kisses on his rosy cheeks, Raven handed her little boy over to Muriel, his nursemaid, who gathered him in her arms and left them.

“I have heard only a little of yer story related by Ranald Dunbar, but I would love tae hear a full account of yer travels.”

Aileen took the chair beside Raven’s. “First, I wish tae thank ye fer yer kindness, and fer this bonny dress.”

Raven smoothed back a lock of dark hair. “There will be other gowns I can find fer ye.” She chuckled, patting her belly. “Me shape doesnae permit me tae don most of the gowns I used tae wear.” A frown creased her brow. “I heard ye have naught but the clothes ye wore when ye arrived wi’ me braither. I long tae hear your tale.”

Aileen gave a short laugh, recalling how the demise of her blue gown had saved their lives. “Me clothes were the least of me worries. Escaping from our enemies was me foremost concern. It was such a great joy when at last we entered the sanctuary of Bàgh á Chaisteill and I set eyes on Kiessimul Castle fer the first time”

“Dunbar gave me only the briefest of details. He said ye were attacked?”

Aileen took a deep breath.Where to begin?She looked at Raven’s fresh, open features and the sparkle in her amber-colored eyes, and it was clear she was waiting with great anticipation for the story to begin. Yet it was not a story she was altogether proud of, the details of her years as Sutherland’s mistress not a good memory.

Raven must have sensed her hesitation.

“Dinnae feel shy of telling me. I have me own story of travail, murder and heartache and the life I lived before I met me beloved husband Arne. Even so, I was forced to leave him and me sweet wean, Thorston, fer a time.” There was a faraway look in her eyes as she reminisced. “But, in the end, right prevailed.” She reached a gentle hand and took Aileen’s hand where it lay in her lap. “And it will be the same fer ye. Ye’ll find nae finer lad than me braither, Maxwell.” She laughed. “Unless, of course, it is my braither Everard. Of those two lads, I can never tell who is the finest.”

Aileen nodded. “Aye, Maxell is the finest lad I ken.” The heat rising in her cheeks surprised her. The feelings she held for Maxwell were unlike anything she’d ever imagined.

---