Page 18 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
Seona refused to be cowed.“I gather that rescuing my husband’s mother and sister is of some urgency.To bring a maid whose only purpose would be to see to my vanity would have slowed our progress considerably.”
“Hmphf, yet you brought a cook.”
“Who saw to the comfort and nourishment of all our party.In doing so she saved much time and energy that would have been wasted with hunting and dressing game for sustenance.Regardless, I am pleased to have the services of Eibhlin while I am here.Thank you for so thoughtful a gesture, Lady Staunton.”
That lady’s frown transformed into a straight thin line.
Seona wondered if the woman knew how to smile.Another question was how long Lady Staunton had lived in England?She pronounced words like the English, but she’d been born a Scot.
“You are welcome, Lady MacFearann.”
“Lady Seona, please.I have six sisters and am used to being called by my first name.”
“Of course, Lady MacFearann.Now I have much to do before the evening meal.Eibhlin will see you to your chamber.”
***
“THIS IS THE LADY’SChamber,” said Eibhlin, opening a door on one side of the corridor bisecting the second floor of the castle.
Seona walked into the large room.Tapestries covered the stone walls.On one wall cinquefoil glass windows broke the stone surface every three yards or so.To one side was a large fireplace with three chairs and an array of footstools facing it.The bed stood opposite.The high frame was draped with deep blue velvet curtains and mounded with pillows.She ran a hand over the pristine furs that covered the bed and discovered a soft feather ticking beneath.Large chests lined the wall under the windows.
Her husband was a wealthy man to have glass in windows, feathers in the bed ticking, and blankets of white fox fur, to say nothing of the size of the bed and the fireplace.The hearth was large enough to heat the entire room, but at a tremendous cost in wood or coal.She couldn’t imagine that fuel as humble as peat might be used in such an elegant space.
“Did my lady bring clothing with her?I will put it into these chests,” said Eibhlin.
“No, we did not have time or space to carry much.”
Eibhlin smiled and eyed Seona’s figure.“If you will permit, I can find robes belonging to the earl’s mother and sister.They are of a similar shape and height as you.’Twould take little effort to fit them to you.”
“They wouldn’t mind?”
“’Tis the custom of Castle MacFearann to see to every need.I know of one bliaut that could be made ready before the evening meal.”
“That would be very kind of you.Might you also arrange a bath for me?I’ve been traveling for more than a week and would like to wash off some of the grime.”
“All shall be as you wish, my lady.’Twill take a short time to bring the tub and heat the water.”
“I shall rest while I wait.”She climbed onto the bed and was asleep within moments.
The rest and the bath did much to restore Seona’s energy, and she descended to the great hall eager to proceed with forming the rescue plans.
However, Rhuad sent his regrets that clan business would keep him occupied for some hours.
A light supper was served with few people present.Seona retired to her chamber to have Eibhlin tend to her hair.
“I like to rise early in the morning, Eibhlin.However, I can manage for myself, so you need not worry about attending on me until later in the day.”
“Yes, Lady Seona.”The maid left shutting the door quietly behind her, and Seona slipped beneath the furs of the great bed.
While she waited for sleep to find her, Seona spent some time contemplating what she knew of Rhuad MacFearann.
He’d turned out to be much more interesting than she’d expected.She’d been leery of trying to help him, because of his initial reluctance to work with her.However, once they realized that they each had something worthwhile to contribute, traveling with him became much easier.She expected working with him would be a great pleasure.
She looked forward to planning the rescue of his mother and sister.She had some ideas about the best ways to get to them and hoped Rhuad would agree without too much persuasion.She had her experience defeating the English army nearly two years past to support her assertions that she should be the one to make contact with his mother and sister.
***
THE NEXT MORNING, SEONAdescended once more to the great hall.
