Highland Lioness by Kristin Gleeson

Author:Kristin Gleeson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: An Tig Beag Press

CHAPTER 16

Bridie’s eyes were wide with meaning when she greeted Morag the next morning. The night had given Morag no rest or respite from the thoughts that crowded her mind, so she was slow to understand Bridie’s unspoken message. Morag left her bed reluctantly, even though Barbara and Glenna were already donning the first layer of their clothes, chatting with the maidservant, eating bits of bread and drinking cups of small beer.

Morag moved slowly over to her kist, where Bridie stood laying out her clothes. On the floor beside it, out of sight, Bridie had placed a small tray of food and a sealed letter. At the sight of the letter Morag stopped and raised her eyes to Bridie. This was the first she’d received since arriving at the castle. She glanced over at the others, but they were still engaged in their morning routines.

Bridie leaned over and picked up the letter and handed it to her. “It’s from Glen Strae,” she said softly in Gaelic. “Came this morning with a carter. I happened tae be in the yard when he arrived and could take it from him.”

Morag stared down at Iain’s familiar writing and her heart leaped. Finally, word from home. Suddenly she longed to hear what had passed there. Perhaps her father would allow her to return. She wanted to tear into it now, but refrained. She would save it for later, when she could read it in private. Then she could savour every word and not be afraid of any tears of homesickness it would surely give rise to.

She set the letter back on the tray. When she was dressed she would secrete it in her kirtle. After murmured instructions from Morag, Bridie began to help her dress slowly, taking time over each article to ensure it was thoroughly brushed, any wrinkles smoothed, she’d even insisted something on the corset was faulty and removed it for a few moments while she fiddled around with some of the ties. Morag watched her, putting a dispassionate expression on her face.

“You’re as slow as a turtle this morning,” said Barbara sniffing. “And you were restless as a cat in heat in bed. I was awake half the night. If you think I’m waiting for you, after all that, you’re mistaken. I promised Jean I would see her before the others arrive, so I’m leaving now.”

“I’ll wait for you, if you like, Morag,” said Glenna, hesitating by the door.

“No,” said Morag. “It’s fine. You can go without me. I won’t be long.”

Glenna studied her a moment and then nodded. She turned and followed Barbara and the maidservant out of the door. When it had closed, Morag breathed a sigh of relief. She picked up the letter and went to perch on the edge of the bed while Bridie quietly tidied up. Morag broke the seal and unfolded the letter carefully and scanned the contents eagerly. It wasn’t long, barely covered the whole page, but still she had to read its contents twice, before she looked up at Bridie in horror.

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