Page 35 of Sinbound to the Highlander
“Elspeth has a fondness for painting and the seashore,” Lady Grace said. “She tried horse riding once, but wasnae fond of it, so she abandoned it. She loved new fabrics and dresses and keeping her face clear. Elspeth adores theatrical performances, which is why we send her to the Edina most springs for the plays.”
Nibbling on her beef, Freya nodded, “Up to when Laird Ruthven took me here, I’ve never passed me village’s crossroad.”
“We’ll send ye with Elspeth next spring then. T’would be good for ye to ken the city,” Lady Grace said. “I’ve sent for Elspeth’s old tutors so that ye can begin yer lessons. In the meantime, Elspeth’s dresses might do ye for a while, but I ken ye’d like yer own. So, I’ve sent for our dressmaker to come and measure ye. Ye’ll tell her what styles ye like, and she will have them made. If ye want riding lessons, we can have one of our stable masters teach ye how to ride.”
Freya wondered how the Lady had gotten that all out in one breath. But then, she started to panic.
Riding lessons, new dresses, tutors for lessons, and trips to Edinburgh. All at once?
Lady Grace’s look was one of a person who was searching for more things to add, but before she could, Freya stopped her.
“Lady Grace, I am grateful for all of what ye plan for me,” Freya said, “But mayhap we can start with a few things? We dinnae have to rush and get everything done at once.”
Calm settled over Lady Grace’s face, “Of course, of course. I’m getting ahead of meself. Silly me. But…” Lady Grace waved her hand, dismissively, “like ye said, start with a few things and work up to more.”
She had not forgotten how Lady Grace had suggested that Elspeth’s rejected suitors would court her, but she was not going to bringthatup.
“Let’s possibly start with the lessons,” Freya said, “And mayhap a few house dresses. We can leave the fancier ones for later on.”
The twist on Lady Grace’s lips, told her that her suggestion about not taking a whole wardrobe at once was not received well, and an uncomfortable feeling settled in her stomach. As she was thinking of how to make the stifled air go away, a maid knocked and came inside.
“Ruth?” Lady Grace asked. “Is everything all right?”
“Miss Milleson says she is still nay feeling well, and would prefer to stay in bed today,” Ruth said. “She is nay sick, Me Lady, but she wants to stay abed. She’s eaten a few fruits and bread, but went to sleep again. I will be lookin’ over her, for the day, so ye willnae have to worry.”
Lady Grace’s face fell, and she sighed heavily, “That isnae what I was hopin’ to hear, but I suppose if she’s on the mend, that’s fair. Thank ye for tellin’ me, Ruth.”
With the maid gone, Freya turned back to Lady Grace, “Does Elspeth have these ailments frequently?”
“Here and there,” the Lady said sadly. “They came on from the first time she got her flux.”
“Daes she feel pain in those times?” Freya asked with concern. “Because I ken how to help, and I can make an infusion for her, if need be.”
“Nay,” Lady Grace shook her head. “She’s doesnae have pain, but her stomach gets tender, and her mood dips.”
Reaching for another piece of fruit, Freya nibbled into it, but wondered back to when Missus Beathag spoke about the many issues that arose when a woman had her monthly flux. Some women did have mood changes, but she was trying to remember if they came every month.
“Freya?” Lady Grace asked.
“Apologies,” Freya dipped her head. “I was just kenning about the various cures Missus Beathag—that’s our old village healer—had to help women in those times. I’m nay sure what I can do, but I’d be happy to help her if she needs.”
“I’d appreciate it,” Lady Grace said, while reaching for her goblet, but another maid came to the door and knocked.
“Apologies, Me Lady,” this woman said, “Laird Ruthven has arrived, and is askin’ for Miss Milleson.”
“Oh, nay,” Lady Grace rubbed her eyes, “I should have sent word ‘tis morn about Elspeth’s condition. Please, send him in.”
Reaching for her cold tea, Freya downed the rest, to soothe her suddenly parched throat. Thankfully, Lady Grace stood to accept Laird Ruthven and had not noticed her uneasy actions. When Laird Ruthven came in, she kept her gaze level, as she knew how the Laird felt about her shying away from him.
He was dressed casually in a dark tunic and trews. Evan’s hair was wildly windswept, and though tousled, it looked fetching on him. His eyes swiftly darted to her, and then to Lady Grace.
He bowed, “Lady Lobhdain, I am very pleased to see ye, and Miss Crushom.”
“As we are for ye, Laird Ruthven,” Lady Grace said sorrowfully, “I should have sent word to ye, Elspeth is still a bit ill. I apologize, that ye’ve made this trip in vain.”
Evan’s brows lifted, “I daenae see me trip being in vain. Ye did say I’m a familiar face to Miss Crushom, aye? Since I’m here, may I take a walk with her?”
Lady Grace looked to Freya then back to Evan, “I did say that, and aye, ye may walk, but let me send for a coat for her. The day is pleasant, but cold.”
