“Some dinnae believe the tales told about your clan, but I surely do.” Miriam circled her, patted her dry then lifted her dripping hair and rubbed it with the cloth. Done, Miriam slid a shift over her head and the soft white cotton slithered down and brushed the polished floorboards.
Cold air whooshed into the chamber as Lizzie arrived and the lass shut the door behind her, a blue gown in her hands. She handed it to Miriam then knelt at the hearth to light the fire. She pulled husky bark from a log, struck flint with a dirk then once the sparks had caught, laid twigs over top and added a block of peat. The fire crackled and flames sizzled an orange-red hue, an additional welcome heat Ella desperately needed.
“Arms up, if ye will.” Miriam lifted the gown to her head and she raised her hands and sighed as Miriam slipped the soft fabric over her then shuffled in behind. Such warmth encased her, the blue velvet swishing to her ankles. Lace edged the sleeves as well as ran down the front and ringed the hem.
At her back, Miriam cinched the bodice in tight and laced the stays then came back around in front and adjusted the low neckline, which sat all scalloped with the sleeves draping half off her shoulders. Never had she worn such a revealing gown that showed so much cleavage before.
“Och, ye look stunning, and the gown is a perfect fit for ye lovely curves.” Beaming, Miriam knelt with a pair of matching blue slippers in hand and slipped them on her feet.
“You’ve been so kind.”
“Think naught of it.” Miriam opened her dripping satchel and hung her damp clothing from within over the remaining slats in the wooden rack. Her belongings would dry soon enough and she could don her beloved breeches again once they had.
“Take a seat and I’ll fix your hair. You’ve got it into an awful wind-tangled mess.” Miriam picked up a brush from the side table.
“I’ve been out on the water all day.” She perched on the chair while Miriam swished in behind her, separated each section of her hair then mindful of the tangles, took care as she brushed out the wet length.
“Lizzie, pop down to the kitchens and bring back a cup of hot tea with a spoonful of honey. Mistress Ella has a raspy voice and the tea will work a treat on it.”
“Oh, I’d dearly love that.” She almost cried at the thought.
“Right away, Mama.” Hands bunched in her aproned skirts, Lizzie hurried out the door.
Ella tipped her slippered feet toward the roaring flames. Out the window, the rain lashed the pane and beyond, the waves crashed in and the skies darkened further as night fell.
She relaxed into Miriam’s gentle brush strokes and when Lizzie returned with the promised tea, she sipped the soothing sweetness which trickled down her parched throat and made more tears spring forth. The worry she’d carried for days now pummeled through her, as did her decision to leave Duncan this morning. Mayhap she shouldn’t have compelled him, but he’d truly left her with no other choice.
Aye, she wanted her mate, but only if he could be as committed to her as she wished to be with him. Certainly she desired the relationship her parents had been gifted with during their time together, a deep love than no one could ever tear apart.
“Are ye all right?” Miriam patted her shoulder.
“I’m fine.” She wiped her tears away.
“Ye are without your brother and have been searching for him. Such a thing can wear a lass down. I certainly wouldnae wish to be without my kin.” Miriam set the brush down on the side table and crossed to the door. “Come downstairs once ye’ve finished your tea. A hot meal awaits and I’ll bring ye some bread and stew to fill your belly.”
“You’ve been so kind. You have my immense thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” With a soft smile, Miriam left with Lizzie.
She sipped her tea and once she’d finished the sweet brew, to the very last drop, she rose and walked downstairs, her skirts tickling her legs. It had been a long time since she’d last donned a gown and she fidgeted with the low neckline and tried to lift it a touch, only it budged not one bit.
At the edge of the main room, she halted where the tall screens separated the tables and on her toes, searched amongst the patrons. At the far table underneath the window overlooking the mist-shrouded forest beyond, two warriors sat on the benches with two young women seated between them. In the center of the room, families with small children chatted as they ate.
She stepped closer to the roaring fire and embraced the warmth as it radiated over her. Miriam had left her hair lying loose and long and it blew about her face as the front door opened and the stamping of booted feet resounded toward her.
Two towering warriors shook water from their hooded cloaks, the black folds over their heads hiding their identities from one and all, although there was something about the way the tallest of the two warriors stood that made a shiver chase down her spine. She ducked behind the closest screen and crouched.
“We need to remain on guard while we’re here.” The tall warrior slid his gaze about the room, his beady black eyes unmistakable. ’Twas Gavin.