The Brigand's Rescued Bride by Aileen Adams

Author:Aileen Adams [Adams, Aileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AilAd

16

Mairi balanced the broad wicker laundry basket on her shoulder as she crossed the halls to her room in the eastern wing of the castle. Despite the plethora of servants available at Laird McCormack’s beck and call, Ysenda insisted that Mairi wash and dry her own clothing. Never mind that she had to work around the regular laundry women’s schedules to use the basin, thereby being more in the way than if her few meager things were just added to everything else.

Luckily, Mairi found she was rarely needed in the middle of the day by Ruairi, Ysenda, or anyone else. She determined that to be the easiest time to take care of her duties in that regard, between the batches the washerwomen took care of. As annoying as scheduling it could be, Mairi found the act of scrubbing and rinsing rather relaxing. Of all her chores, it was certainly not the worst.

She was making her way back, clean clothes in hand, when she heard two guards, Bran and Travis, talking down the hall. Most of the time, she made every attempt to avoid the people that worked in the castle to the best of her ability. But now, she had a mission. She’d been tasked with investigating a disappearance. Wouldn’t that mean she should talk to people?

Afterall, I cannae put my ear to the ground if there is no one talking. Curious, she approached the pair, offering them a small smile.

“Good day Bran, Travis. Anything new and interesting about,” she said in her most congenial voice.

The pair exchanged a look, surprised by the encounter. They recovered quickly, however, and returned her smile.

“Nae really,” Travis said. “Bran and I were just commenting on how empty the castle would be this afternoon.”

“Aye, quite indeed.” Bran nodded.

News already, Mairi thought. “Och, why’s that, may I ask?” She swapped the basket of clothing from one hip to the other, leaning in close to hear.

“Nay anything new, really,” Bran explained. “The boys—ye know, the three that work the stables—will be heading into Nareen like they do most nights. But apparently, Sir Steffen and Sir John took horses in as well, something about investigating the assassin who made his way inside but escaped?”

“Aye. And with Laird McCormack going on his hunt, we’ll be left with only a handful here at the castle to watch over things,” Travis finished.

“Do ye think we’ll be safe?” Mairi asked, feigning concern. She had far more fear for Ruairi than for anyone that might breach the castle walls at this point.

Travis smiled reassuringly. “Donnae worry, Lady Mairi. There will be enough of us to keep ye safe, especially if ye stay inside the residences.”

“Aye, most of us will be stationed at the gates to make sure nothing can make its way in.” Bran puffed out his chest, proud of his position.

“Well, that’s a relief. Thank ye both for the reassurances.” She hefted her basket in her arm as if it were growing heavy. “Anyway, best I be going.”

Both men inclined their heads in respect.

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