He grinned at her. “Then I’d best get ye to bed.”
He caught Ramsay’s eye. The man gave a minor lip twitch, which was as close to a laugh as Malcolm had seen to date.
“Listen up!” Ramsay’s roar quietened the entire room. “Ye’ve been working hard for days, and ’tis raining like cows pissin’.” He saw Kiera and winced. “Pardon, my lady, but ye are in the men’s hall.” He cleared his throat. “With yer laird’s permission, I would give ye a half day to do as ye choose. Once yer chores are done.”
All eyes went to Malcolm. Many had knowing grins. Kiera blushed, struggling. He made a face but set her down to chuckles.
“Aye, we’ve had late nights and early morns for many days. We’ll work all the harder for having a wee rest. I heard the alewife has a new brew ready and may let ye have a taste.”
Cheers broke out. The men and boys rushed to clean up. None would leave until it was all done and approved by the keeper. Malcolm had cleaned up his own mess so waited, holding onto Kiera. When the word was given to be released he nodded for the others to go first. The younger ones stood back until the more eager ones had catapulted down the stairwell, then followed. Many of the older men gave a sigh of relief and settled for an afternoon of ale and dice. The squires would bring them cheese, ale, and bread before setting up their own games elsewhere.
“’Twas smart to wait for the lads to all rush out,” said Ramsay dryly.
“Keeper Ramsay,” asked Kiera. “Do ye ken my lady’s maid, Bessie? She came with me from Castle Leod, and afore that from the Stewarts of Atholl with my mother. She was only a wee lassie when she joined the MacKenzies.”
“Aye, my lady, ’tis my business to know of all who set foot in Kinrowan.”
Kiera’s smile lit the dim room. “I said so, but she said you are too important a man to notice her.”
Ramsay was always in total control. This was the first time he looked rattled. Not even having his liege lord get stabbed in the arse by the newest lad training had discomfited him.
“Does Bessie need something the keeper can help her with?” asked Malcolm.
Kiera looked down and shuffled her feet. Malcolm mentally rolled his eyes. She did that when she was up to something.
“’Tis nay the keeper as much as the man. Is Bessie wrong in thinking ’twas possible you might like to take her walking one day? She doesna ken I am speaking with you. I could let her down gently if you’re not wishing—”
“I wish it,” muttered Ramsay. “But why would such a lady of quality want to even speak with a battered old man such as myself?"
“Some women like a strong, commanding man. They’re shy, so hide their light under a basket. You must woo her carefully as she’s innocent.”
Ramsay blanched. “Innocent?”
“Bessie kens much but hasna been touched. She’s not found a man who interested her, until now.” Kiera scowled at him. “And if you tell her I spoke of this I shall be very cross.”
Ramsay cleared his throat. “My laird, do I have yer permission to woo Lady Kiera’s maid?”
He nodded. Ramsay almost smiled.
“I wouldna have said Bessie was shy,” said Malcolm. “She’s taken the ear off her laird and his steward a few times.”
“Such as when you were wrestling in the antechamber, thumping each other while your wee wife tried to sleep?” demanded Kiera. She flung out her arms. “Brothers! They’re all the same!” She glared at Malcolm, then turned to Ramsay. “I will send Bessie to the cellar for something stored by your stair. The rest is up to the two of you.” She frowned at the keeper. “As a fighting man, ye have a few aches, aye? Well, Bessie has strong hands and is very good at working out muscle cramps.” She stomped off toward the narrow stairs that led to the kitchen. “Wait for me, Laird Malcolm. I’ll be right back,” she called over her shoulder.
“I canna ask a virgin to rub my bad leg.” Ramsay stared after her.
“Then think of Bessie as a healer. She will feel safe if you lie on your stomach with her being the one doing the touching. Let her make the first moves.”
“I’ll have more pain in my hard cock than I will in my sore leg,” muttered Ramsay.
Malcolm chuckled. “I ken yer pain. MacDougals always give our women pleasure afore we seek our own.” He clapped Ramsay on the back. “Now ye ken what you’ll do with yer free half day.”
Laird Malcolm of Kinrowan felt good. They were well prepared for winter though they’d keep working once the rain stopped. He had his family and was gaining friends. He had a castle he still couldn’t believe was his responsibility, an eager wife, and a rainy day to fill with pleasure.