Page 16 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“Dougal, please see the men settled in the barracks then escort the cook to our kitchens where she may help my own cook with the meals.Make clear that she is to be treated as an equal with my cook,” Rhuad instructed.
“Aye, I will do that.”
“Come, Lady Seona.I will introduce you to my aunt, Lady Cairstiona Staunton.She was widowed when her English husband died in the Battle at Berwick.She has graciously consented to act as Chatelaine at Castle MacFearann until my mother returns, or until I marry.I sent word ahead of our handfasting, thus she will no doubt treat you as she would my wife.”
“You are fortunate in your relatives.”
A brief frown crossed his face.
“I am glad to provide a home for her, since a distant cousin of her husband’s inherited and she was left with nothing.”
“Her husband did not provide a widow’s portion for her?”The woman may not have been consulted over the marriage contract, Seona reminded herself.
Foolish of Lady Staunton not to insist.I’ll not have a marriage without a say in my own fate.If Rhuad, or any other man, doesn’t like it, he may wed someone else.
“No.Nor was provision made in the marriage settlement.For that I blame my grandfather, who was too busy carousing to see to his daughter’s security.”Her husband held out his hand.
Seona placed her palm in his and walked at his side into the castle’s great hall.
His aunt and a man, most likely his steward, stood at the head of a long line of servants.
“We are glad to see you home safely, nephew.I gather from the men at arms we saw entering the bailey that your mission was successful?”
“It was, Aunt.However, Laird MacKai could not leave.He sent his seneschal in his place.”
Lady Cairstiona peered past Seona.“You should have brought the man in with you, nephew and not sent him to the barracks.”
“I have...”
His aunt waved a dismissive hand.“The man stands for Laird MacKai, and thus deserves the same courtesy as we would offer his laird.”
“Aunt,” Rhuad spoke sharply.
The lady jerked her head backward and blinked rapidly.“I beg your pardon, nephew?”
Indeed, she should beg his pardon, Seona thought.
Nephew or not, Rhuad is Laird here and should not be treated so rudely.
“Allow me to present Lady Seona MacFearann, to you aunt.She remains the MacKai seneschal and speaks for her brother.I apologize for failing to mention this in the message I sent to you about our handfasting.”
Lady Cairstiona eyed Seona askance, but evidently thought better of voicing any opinion on the MacKai seneschal’s gender or the wisdom of trusting such a responsibility to someone who’s loyalties must be divided between her handfasted husband and the clan of her birth.
“Lady Seona MacFearann, may I present my aunt Lady Cairstiona Staunton.She will guide you in any responsibilities you wish to take on as my wife.My aunt will see you made comfortable and send for you when supper is ready.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Lady Staunton.”She wondered idly how many years the lady had spent in England.She pronounced words like the English, yet had been born a Scot.Seona made a gracious curtsey.
Lady Staunton dipped a small curtsey in return.“We are pleased to welcome you to Clan MacFearann and the castle.‘Tis past time the laird had a wife.”
She neither looked nor sounded pleased.
“The handfasting is only temporary,” Seona reminded.
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DOES SHE WISH TO REASSUREmy aunt that she will not contest her for control of the castle management.I almost wish she would.I’ve had more than enough of my aunt’s sour criticisms and the English style speech she seems to prefer.
“Nonetheless, it is at present a fact.Allow me to introduce you to the staff so that you will know to whom you speak when you give an order.”
