A World of Romance by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2016-09-16T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

EXCITEMENT SWEPT THE castle several days later, even as turmoil rushed through Gilda. Word had reached them that visitors approached and would likely arrive in the next day or two. Ryan’s patrol had been absent for the past three days and Gilda’s tension was already high.

The expression on Lissa’s face as she shared the news of their visitors set off new anxieties for Gilda. She’d discovered the visitors were none other than Laird MacLaurey and his daughter, Mairead, the woman for whom Ryan’s da had signed a betrothal contract.

Servants bustled about, preparing the tower rooms, and Cook kept a close watch on the kitchen staff as food was prepared. Gilda and Lissa oversaw their actions, though very little help was needed. Keita, acting chatelaine since Lissa’s mother died three years earlier, had things well in hand.

“Is there anything ye would do different, Gilda?” Lissa asked. “Ye must have many visitors at Scaurness. I’ve been told ’tis a wondrously large castle.”

Gilda blanched at the thought of suggesting Keita change how she ran Ard Castle. Taking Lissa by the hand, she found an alcove beside the hearth where they could be out of the way.

With a sigh, she sank into one of the chairs. “I think everything is fine,” she confided to the girl. “Yes, Scaurness is a larger castle, and not as old. My da has visitors frequently, and my ma handles things much as Keita does here.” She gave Lissa a rueful smile. “In short, she works us half to death cleaning and preparing food, but on a grander scale.”

Lissa nodded, apparently satisfied with Gilda’s answer. “Would ye like something to drink?” She shot a quick look over her shoulder. “We could take a wee break as long as Keita doesnae suspect.”

Gilda swept the area with a look. “Nae. What I would like is whatever ye can tell me about Mairead.”

Lissa gave her a startled look. “She is Conn’s sister. Why?”

Gilda chewed her lip. “Oh, I suppose I just wondered about our visitors.”

Lissa leaned close. “I dinnae think Ryan or Conn are particularly happy they are coming.”

“Why not?”

The girl shrugged. “Just a feeling I have. They both are quiet and grim whenever her name is mentioned.”

Gilda sighed. “Well, I suppose we should get back to work. I thank ye for stopping to talk with me.”

Lissa smiled as she rose. “Dinnae fash about Mairead. She likely willnae stay long.”

Worry clutched Gilda again. If only she felt as confident as Lissa sounded.

*

RIONA BLEW SOFTLY on the parchment, the shine of wet ink dulling as it dried. She touched the words she had written with gentle fingers, as to infuse them with her feelings of love for her daughter.

“Are ye ready?” Ranald approached, his hand out to receive the message she had written to Gilda. Folding the parchment in thirds, she sealed it with wax from the candle on her desk. Giving it a moment to dry, she held it out hesitantly to Ranald.

She sighed. “I wish I was taking it to her.

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