True to the Highlander(22)

Alethia rose to follow, and Malcolm held her back. “Nay, Lady Alethia. I’m taking you to my mother’s solar.”

“But—”

“Do as my son bids, lass.” William clapped Malcolm on the shoulder. “I’ll greet the ferry as it lands.”

“What does the horn mean?” she asked, her gaze trailing after his father.

“One tone tells us someone of importance has arrived. Two means our own have returned, and three blasts means danger.” Malcolm guided her toward the stairs. “No matter the number, you will remain inside.” She rolled her eyes. “’Tis for your own safety.” He raised one brow and gave her a stern look. “One more thing—should you need anything, anything at all, you are to come to me.” They reached the solar door. Malcolm knocked and waited for his mother to bid him enter.

Ushering her through the door, he nodded his greeting. “I’ve brought Lady Alethia to join you.”

His mother smiled. “We are most happy to receive her.”

Content that she was in good hands, Malcolm bowed his farewell and headed for the ferry landing after his father.




“Have you some handiwork?” Lydia asked. “We are pleased you have joined us. We had hoped you would for the past se’nnight.”

She surveyed her surroundings and the three women, all working on various projects. “I didn’t know.”

“Our apologies, Lady Alethia,” Elaine said.

“It seemed you preferred to stay in your chamber, and we didn’t wish to intrude,” Rosemary added.

More like hiding out in her rabbit hole, but they didn’t need to know that. “I’m happy to be here now.” The square room faced south, with three tall windows letting in plenty of daylight. A wooden bench ran along the wall under the windows. She walked over to study the glass panes.

“My son is responsible for making our keep one of the most modern in Scotia,” Lydia remarked with pride. “He has traveled extensively and brought back many innovations from faraway places.”

“Oh.” Alethia reached out to touch an air bubble captured in the greenish rippled glass. She turned back to study the rest of the room. A cozy hearth took up one wall, and cushioned seats were arranged around it. Elaine sat before a wooden frame holding a tapestry in progress. Rosemary and Lydia both embroidered. “Would you mind if I practiced my music here? I’m working on a few pieces I think might be good for dancing.”

“That would be pleasant indeed.” Rosemary’s eyes lit up. “Mayhap we can persuade one of my sons to accompany you with the bodhran and pipes.”

“You’d think after a week I’d know my way around, but I don’t think I can find the way to my room and back again.”

Elaine rose from her place. “I’ll take you. ’Twould be good to stretch my legs.” Taking Alethia by the arm, she led her back into the labyrinth of halls to her chamber. “’Tis grand to have another young woman in the keep. I do hope we will become close friends.” Elaine gave her arm a squeeze. Elaine radiated goodness. Her soft brown hair resembled Lydia’s, and her eyes were the same brilliant blue as Malcolm’s.

She liked her immediately. “I hope so too. I could use a friend.”

“I am sorry that none thought to bring you to the solar before today.”

“It’s all right.” They’d reached her door, and Alethia opened it.

Elaine gasped as she entered. “What have you done?” She laughed as she picked up one of the rush baskets Alethia had made to pass the time.

“I was bored. No one to talk to and only my own company to keep.”

“Again, I apologize for what must seem to you a lack of hospitality on our part.”

“No, it’s my fault.” Alethia shook her head. “I didn’t ask, and I have stayed hidden away in this chamber. How could you have known?” She picked up one of the baskets and turned it around in her hands. “I can do better with black ash. If you like them, take one.”

“Truly?” Elaine chose a round container with a lid. “They are so finely made. I would no’ have thought common floor rushes could be turned into such works of art.”

Alethia opened the trunk and fished around for sheet music. “I’m glad you like them.” She picked up the basket holding her peasant blouse. She’d cut it down to fit the deaf child, and only the hemming remained to be done. Stashing the sheet music with the sewing, she lifted her violin case from the peg and turned to go. “Do you know how I could get my hands on a piece of wool to make a garment for a little boy? I’ve tried to speak to the weavers myself, but none of them understand English.”