Page 42 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Clad in a somewhat ill-fitting and faded kirtle that Davina had found waiting on her chair when she walked in from the solar, she was ready for more planting.
When she and Feather scampered down the path to the infirmary, there was no sign of the wicked goat. Fortunately, the weather had cleared and the mud pool had subsided.
Broderick greeted them with a slightly worried expression and a faint frown. “Are ye all right, Davina?”
“Dinnae fret, Broderick. I am well. I didnae catch me death of cold, as the laird was kind enough to allow me the warmth of the castle tae bathe.”
He bent to bestow a pat on Feather’s head and tickle her under the chin. “Shall we go now tae the kitchen tae break our fast before we begin the day’s work?”
Davina nodded. She was eager to thank Ailis for her kindness toward Feather and she guessed the new-old kirtle had been provided by her.
As they turned down the path to the kitchen, she caught sight of Everard heading in the opposite direction with his bow and quiver of arrows slung over his shoulder and his long sword in his hand.
“The laird is well armed this morning. Nay doubt he intends tae have a sparring session with Ulric.”
“Ulric?” That was a name Davina had not heard before.
“Aye. He’s a hulking great tree-trunk of a lad. A Viking I’m told. He stays in the crews’ barracks most of the time, although I’ve heard he’s a wife and weans in the village. A fine seaman, one of the gockman’s favorites.
As they entered the kitchen Ailis greeted them with her customary scowl, although it softened into a smile at the sight of Feather.
She looked Davina up and down and a smile broke out on her broad features. “Lass, I didnae ken if that kirtle and chemise would fit ye, as it was worn by me daughter-in-law who’s a sight larger than ye. Jonnet will take it in fer ye.” She held Davina at arm’s length, scrutinizing her. “At least it’s nae too long.”
Davina chuckled. The kirtle was, indeed, expansive, but the sleeves and the hem were the right length. “I thank ye and yer daughter-in-law.”
“I’ve sent the clothes ye had on yesterday tae the laundress. She’ll rinse away the mud and they’ll be good as new.” She gave Davina a sideways look. “What were ye thinking, lass, tae end up face down in the mud?”
Davina felt her face flush with heat, managing a smile at the good-natured teasing. Although, the doubted if she would ever live down the episode with the pesky goat.
Mildred strode into the kitchen and took a seat beside Davina and Broderick, while Ailis ladled porridge into three bowls and passed them along. They helped themselves to cream and honey.
As she’d done so many times, Davina compared this friendly gathering and the delicious porridge with the miserable mornings she’d spent in silence at the Priory.
They finished their break-fast and she and Broderick were about to return to the infirmary, when Mildred raised a finger. “A word, lass.”
Broderick walked off after bidding them goodbye and Mildred drew Davina aside, where no one could hear them.
“Are ye falling in love wi’ Laird Everard?” The housekeeper’s face was a picture of concern. She rubbed a hand across her chin. “Ibeg yer pardon if I speak too directly tae ye, Davina, but I have seen how ye look at him. And…” She shrugged. “I’ve seen how he looks at ye. As if ye’re a sweetmeat he cannae wait tae devour.”
“I… I… dinnae ken what tae say,” Davina stammered. She was quite unprepared to answer such a question. “I’ve nae notion of falling in love, or what it might feel like.”
