How to Be a Scottish Mistress by Adrienne Basso

Author:Adrienne Basso [Basso, Adrienne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-10-15T16:00:00+00:00

Fiona felt the weight of Alice’s censuring stare as the maid watched her add another pinch of herbs to the small pot simmering over the blazing fire.

“I need more wood, Alice. Kindly place another log on the fire.”

Warily Alice obeyed the command, placing the wood on the edge of the fireplace, then pushing it into the flames with her foot. The small chamber was already beastly hot, noxious vapors permeating the entire space. But this was the only place in the entire castle where Fiona could be assured of privacy, leaving her no choice but to brew her draught in her tiny bedchamber.

Fiona knew there were many who would condemn her for what she was doing, including Father Niall. Preventing conception was a moral sin, but Fiona had always contended it was a woman’s burden either way, and not something a man could decide.

Through the years she had shared her herbal knowledge with many a desperate woman, trying to offer counsel and solace to ensure that a lethal dose was not taken. Yet she never would have believed that someday she would be the one in need of assistance.

Several of the required herbs were growing in the kitchen garden she weeded. They had been the simplest to obtain. The rest could be found in the castle stillroom, which was kept unlocked so the cook could season their meals and Hamish could dispense medicines to those who fell ill.

Still, Fiona had been fearful of anyone seeing her taking what she needed, so after giving her very detailed instructions on what to look for, Fiona had sent Alice to the stillroom to fetch the other herbs.

“’Tis poison, my lady,” Alice said in a nervous whisper.

Fiona gazed about the room. They were obviously alone, yet Alice felt the need to whisper. A clear indication of her fear. But it could not sway Fiona’s resolve.

“This medicine will help to bring on my courses a bit sooner than usual,” Fiona said calmly. “Nothing more.”

“It could also bring on your death,” Alice hissed, her eyes wide with worry. “I’ve heard tell of a woman who had the life bleed out of her after drinking a similar brew.”

Fiona blanched. She was well aware of the dangers, to both her body and her mortal soul. But she had no other choice. “I cannot risk the earl’s seed taking root inside my womb. ’Twould be a disaster.”

“Father Niall says a child is a blessing.”

“A babe is truly a miracle,” Fiona agreed. “Lest you forget, I already have a son and he deserves my protection. What would happen to Spencer if I became pregnant?”

“Do you think the earl would abandon you?”

“I’m uncertain.” Fiona rubbed her brow, confusion tearing at her gut. “His assumption that I was barren brought an odd sense of relief to his expression when he spoke of it.”

“But you are not barren,” Alice exclaimed. “Why would the earl think such a thing?”

“More than ten years wed and no children of my own. ’Tis a logical conclusion to reach.

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