Page 28 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
“’Tis the lass, Mistress Davina.”
“Oh. What is it?” He had been hoping the talk would be a distraction, but it seemed he was not to escape more thoughts of the lass.
“Some of the crew have been asking. They were present when she all but drowned, and most of them were aware of the two ruffians asking questions. They’re wanting tae ken who she is and where she’s from. There’s concern there could be trouble. I’ve nay been able tae set their minds at ease fer I dinnae ken the lass meself.”
Everard scratched his head. “I understand. I’m sorry I havenae said more tae ye and the men. Truth is, I cannae say a great deal. I ken little about Mistress Davina meself. I have offered her sanctuary at Kiessimul and I wish tae give her time tae recover. She has little memory of herself and spent most of her childhood at the priory on the Isle of Iona.”
Dunbar nodded slowly. “Thank ye, me laird. However, I fear yer story willnae set the men’s fears tae rest.”
“Och, lad.” He puzzled over this. “Please request forbearance from the men. In time I will have more information. Meanwhile, ask them tae say nothing should anyone ask, and if there should be any sightings of strangers about, they should tell ye at once.”
Dunbar brushed away some wood shavings and got to his feet. Everard scrambled up beside him.
“I dinnae think there’s aught of concern, but ‘tis always best tae be alert.”
They strolled back to the slipway where Everard spent most of the afternoon inspecting his ships. Dunbar pointed out where repairs were being carried out on the hull of one of the smaller birlinns and another was on the slipway being stripped of barnacles. They thoroughly inspected the timbers for any sign of rot, while most of his crew members were busy stitching repairs in the patchwork sails.
Nearer dusk, as he was preparing to return to the keep, Dunbar raised a cry. “I believe that’s yer braither Maxwell’s ship heading intae the bay.”
Everard peered through the fading light at what was hardly more than a speck in the distance. Yet, sure enough, there was a flash of yellow and white flying from the mast that told him it was, indeed, his brother’s birlinn.
He headed back toward the kitchen with quickened steps to alert Ailis and her scullery maids that there would be another two for supper. Mildred was there overseeing the larder and comprising a list of what would be required at the following day’s market.
His spirits lifted as a thought crossed his mind. “Mayhap ye could ask Mistress Davina if she cares tae join us fer supper in the hall. I dae believe she missed her noon meal today as I requested her presence in the solar.”
Mildred bobbed a quick curtsy. “Indeed me laird, I shall dae so at once.”
Maxwell rose greet Aileen and Maxwell as they entered the hall. After landing, they’d taken time to wash and freshen their clothing. Everard was looking forward to hearing their news.
“I daresay ye’re looking tae hear our news from Canna.” Maxwell said as they slid into their seats at the table.
Everard nodded. “Mistress Davina will be joining us fer supper this evening.”
Aileen smiled. “I will enjoy seeing her again.”
“Ye may feel free tae discuss Hugo MacRae’s mission in front of the lass.”
Maxwell arched an eyebrow. “Ye’ve told her about our plan and Hugo’s mission tae France?”
“Aye. I made the decision tae tell her once she asked about Hugo’s absence and how our meeting went. She kent our problem, as she was present when we discussed it over supper.”
“Ah, yes.” Aileen nodded. “We may have been indiscreet. Yet somehow, I didnae sense anything amiss in speaking in front of Davina. Mayhap it was an error tae burden her wi’ the problems we’re facing wi’ MacDougall.”
Everard shook his head. “Nay. She well understood and, if anything, seemed pleased tae consider we had hit upon a worthy solution.”
It was at that moment the subject of their conversation appeared in the doorway. The sight of her in her new blue kirtle as she entered the hall momentarily robbed Everard of his breath.
The two men rose to their feet as she entered, Everard aware of a broad smile spreading across his face. By the saints, the lass was a joy to look on. She’d fashioned her hair into tiny braids around her face, with the rest tumbling in curls almost to her waist. Her thickly lashed eyes were shining bright and her plush lips smiled invitingly.
It dawned on him that he could very well make a complete fool of himself with this lass he knew naught about. But, oh my, foolish or nay, he found her irresistible.
Ailis had done them proud given that she’d had so little time to prepare. They dined on oyster soup, roast duck flavored with thyme, honeyed carrots, leeks and parsnip. Ale to wash it down and, finally, stewed apple with a crumbly topping to be served with cream.
Everard watched Davina carefully as she wound her uneven way through the many servings of the meal. Once or twice, she looked up with a puzzled frown before taking a bite. Especially when she started with the oyster soup. She took eagerly to the honeyed carrots but was a tad hesitant with regard to the parsnips. He guessed these were delicacies she’d never contemplated before today.
As he watched, he wondered how it was that she seemed such a lady. She ate with delicacy and her manner was refined. Wherever she came from before the nuns took her in, must have been a nobleman’s castle, for she was quite at home and not in the least intimidated seated in the hall with the others.
Those thoughts coalesced into something that worried him and had the potential to keep him from sleeping easily in the night. If shewasthe daughter of a noble, surely, he or his family would be seeking her know she’d bolted from the convent.
