Page 20 of The Guardian's Witch

“I hope Eve was one of them. Mother said she was the best cook she ever had.”

“I saw her at the market yesterday. She asked about a job in our kitchen. I’ll speak to her and see what I can do.”

“Wonderful. If she agrees see if she can start with tonight’s dinner. His Majesty and his court plan to visit Glen Kirk. They will be here in two weeks. And Ann, Lord Alex’s family is traveling with them.”

“Oh dear, there isn’t much time.” The woman rubbed her hands on her apron.

“No, there isn’t. When was the last time these rushes were changed? And the windows cleaned? And the furniture polished? Where did we put the cushions for the chairs?” The more she looked, the more she found lacking. “No.” She held up her hand to stop Ann before she could answer. “No, no matter. What does matter is this room must be cleaned. Get someone to clear out these rushes and bring new ones in.”

She pushed the rushes aside with her foot. A foul odor wafted up and made her dizzy. She grabbed the table to steady herself. “We need to scrub the floor before new rushes can be laid. Water Ann, we need buckets of water and scrub brushes to clean these stones.”

Ann’s face broadened into a bright smile. “Yes, m’lady. I’ll see to it.”

Several hours later she stood at the door to the Great Hall. Her back ached. Her arms and legs screamed from the strain. She looked around the room at everyone’s accomplishments and let out an exhausted sigh.

With legs that felt as heavy as boulders, she climbed the stairs and entered her room. Her trunk, still packed, stood by the door where the soldier had left it weeks ago. She chuckled at the thought she would be here only a short time. Where was the chambermaid? She slumped in the chair, drained from the afternoon’s activities.

“M’lady? I’m Alice. Ann sent me to see to your needs.” The maid entered the room.

“Alice. Well thank you. Empty the trunk and help me organize this room. I’ll be here longer than I first thought.”

The sound of tramping feet caught Lisbeth’s attention. She bent her head to see its source. Two men stood at her door. Alice took control.

“Put the tub by the hearth and light the fire.” Alice turned to Lisbeth. “I’ll organize the room and your things. I’ve ordered a hot tub for you, m’lady, to soak some of the grime off.”

Boys arrived with buckets of hot water and splashed them into the tub.

“Careful now.” Alice scolded the boys. “Don’t go making a mess.” The boys left and closed the door behind them.

Lisbeth stood there staring at the tub. The steam settled on the surface. The hot water looked velvety and inviting.

“Here, m’lady, let me help you out of those things so you can take a nice soak.”

Too tired to think, Lisbeth let Alice direct her. She removed her grimy clothes and stepped into the tub. She stretched out and let the hot water leach out the stress of the day.

“Ah, m’lady.” Alice began to empty the chest and put things away. “I found some fine lavender soap.” She handed Lisbeth the fragrant bar.

The scent of the soap brought her back to another time. She wrinkled her nose and took a deep breath and relaxed. While she soaked, she gathered her energy and focused on what needed to get done. The Great Hall had been in such poor condition, she could imagine what the rest of the rooms were like. She lathered up and ticked off a list in her head. If Alex wanted her people to trust him, she would start by making certain he had a place worthy of a great leader. Restoring Glen Kirk to its former splendor would make everyone proud. The fact the king, and Alex’s family were coming—well, they would reap the benefit.

* * *

“Alice, where is my dress? I can’t wear this.” Wrapped in linen and ready to put it on, Lisbeth stared at the simple amber gown trimmed in magenta ribbon that lay on her bed. It was the one she had planned to wear to court before her parent’s accident.

“M’lady, I found it among your things. Your everyday gown was too soiled. I’ll have it back to you in the morning. Here, let me help you.” It went on easily. Alice stood back and looked at her. “You look wonderful, m’lady.”

Lisbeth gazed at her reflection in the polished metal. She had planned the gown carefully with her mother and Laura. The lines were sleek and becoming. The neckline strained to contain her ample breasts but was tasteful.

“I found slippers to match, m’lady.” Alice put them on Lisbeth’s feet.

Lisbeth looked at the soiled black dress that Alice held. Guilt weighed down her. How could she wear the bright colors? For a moment she heard her mother’s voice.You look like a princess. She let out a sigh.

She glided down the stairs, her mind preoccupied. There were so many things to do. The chandelier in the entry way needed cleaning, the tapestries needed to come out of storage and the woodwork needed to be scrubbed. Rooms needed to be prepared for the king and his courtiers. Someone had to send the hunters out to fill the larders. Menus needed planning and entertainment must be arranged. Did they have enough ale?

“Good eve, Lisbeth.” A startled expression on Alex’s face quickly faded. He dipped his head. “I hope your day went well.”

She entertained the notion of listing her grievances to him but fell silent. The touch of his eyes sweeping from the tip of her tiny magenta slippers to the deep plunge of the amber gown’s neckline unnerved her.

“You do me a great honor wearing my colors.” He nodded in a graceful short courtier’s bow.

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