Page 25 of To Wed a Witch
"'Tis well enough," Sìne replied, and she meant it.The room had solid walls, good furnishings, and would do nicely.The leaking roof was simply another matter that Bhaltair would address when the time and means allowed.
She handed Aidyn to Paisley, then walked to the windows and looked out over the bailey below, where clan members continued about their daily tasks.From this height, she could see the full scope of the Keep and its grounds.Fields that showed promise, outbuildings that wanted repair but were sound at heart.A clan that had endured lean years but hadn't lost hope.
"Ada," she asked, "is there a place where I might arrange my healing supplies?I brought herbs and remedies from my cottage.If there are folk who have need."
The older woman's face brightened considerably."Ye're a healer, my lady?Oh, that would be a great blessing indeed.We haven't had anyone with proper knowledge since old Nan passed two winters ago.There's a small stone building near the kitchens that might serve ye well.'Twas used for storing grain, but it's stood empty since...well, since we've had little grain to store."
Sìne nodded, already envisioning the space."If the laird grants permission, I'd be happy to set up a healer cottage there."
"I'm certain he would welcome having a healer among us again," Ada replied warmly."There's always someone with an ache or a wound that wants tending.And with winter coming..."She shook her head."Well, 'tis when we lose the most folk to fever and lung rot."
"I'd be honored to help however I can," Sìne replied.
"Bless ye for that," Ada replied."And with a wee one of yer own, ye'll understand how precious it is to have someone skilled in the healing arts nearby."
Soon Dugald and Murphy appeared in the doorway with their arms full of bags and bundles from the cart."Where would ye like these, mistress?"Dugald asked.
Paisley answered before Sìne could respond and began issuing orders in her pragmatic manner.Sìne noticed Dugald argued a lot whenever Paisley gave an instruction, and much to her surprise, her normally quiet maid would argue right back until she got her way.It was quite something to behold, and even Murphy found their squabbles amusing.
Soon after, Ada led her to the adjoining rooms reserved for the laird and his family and the rest of the wing.Sìne was relieved to find a clean garderobe in one of the far end rooms and further along was a washroom containing a large barrel of water, pitchers, and a large tub with a fireplace.
Ada promised to have warm water sent up for their wash and extra candles.With that, Ada excused herself to oversee the evening meal preparations."Dinner will be served in an hour, my lady," she said."Nothing fancy, I'm afraid, but hearty and filling."
"Thank ye.That sounds wonderful," Sìne replied."We'll be down shortly."
***
WHEN ADA, DUGALD, ANDMurphy finally departed, leaving them alone, Sìne stood in the middle of the chamber feeling suddenly uncertain.The room was clearly the laird's private domain, with its massive bed and personal belongings.Surely Ada had been mistaken in thinking she should settle here.
"Paisley," she said thoughtfully, "this is the laird's chamber."
"Aye, mistress.That it is."
"I dinnae think...that is, I'm not certain I should presume to move in here..."Sìne moved to the window, looking out at the bailey where she spotted Bhaltair with several men near the stables."Perhaps there's another chamber that would be more appropriate."
Paisley followed her gaze and seemed to understand immediately."There's the two rooms next door," she observed, nodding toward a smaller oak door set in the far wall."Shall we use those?"
The adjoining chamber was smaller but perfectly adequate, with a single window, a modest fireplace, and space enough for a bed and chest.Most importantly, it was dry.
"This will do well enough," Sìne decided."And ye can take the chamber next to this one, so ye'll be close at hand."
"Are ye certain, mistress?Ada seemed to think ye were to be in the laird's bedchamber."
"Ada was being kind, but I think it best not to make assumptions."Sìne was already moving her traveling chest toward the smaller room."The laird has much on his mind.The last thing he needs is to find me taking up his private space."
They worked quietly to relocate her belongings and make the rooms more comfortable while taking turns to mind Aidyn.When they'd finished, the adjoining chamber felt cozy and welcoming, with Aidyn's cradle positioned where the firelight would keep her warm.
A soft knock interrupted their conversation when a young serving girl entered with a laden tray of food and some ale, and right behind her two more maids appeared with pitchers of steaming water and clean cloths.
"From Ada, my lady," the girl said with a curtsy."The laird thought ye might prefer to sup in yer chamber tonight, what with being tired from the journey and with the wee bairn needing rest and all."The girl seemed a little confused finding them in the adjoining chambers but did not say anything more.
"Please give Ada and the laird my thanks," Sìne replied gratefully."Indeed, we would prefer it for tonight at least."Once the servants left, Sìne gave Aidyn a quick wash and change, then she and Paisley took turns to wash and dress for the night.Afterwards, the three of them enjoyed a simple meal of bread, cheese, and hearty stew that smelled wonderful after days of travel fare.
As night fell over Ferguson Keep, Sìne found herself listening for footsteps in the corridor, some sign that Bhaltair would seek her out.But the only sounds were the distant voices from the Great Hall below and the occasional drip of water into the buckets in the main chamber.
"Perhaps he's still meeting with his men," Paisley suggested, though she too glanced toward the door.
"I'm sure he is.There's much that needs his attention."Sìne tried to keep disappointment from her voice.After their journey together, after the growing closeness she'd felt between them, his absence felt like a stark contrast.She fought to keep the self-doubt at bay.
