Page 10 of Marry the Highland Villain
The floor was covered in plush rugs, and the bed was twice the size of the one she had at home, with a thick mattress, a mound of pillows, and a heavy blanket. There was a small bedside table, and a chest for clothing and personal items set against the wall. A pitcher and a cup sat on the table, ready to be used, along with a chamber pot.
There was also a small closet, empty save for a few shifts and stockings—simple garments, probably borrowed or left by some other lass. The windows were covered with heavy shutters, as well as curtains to block out the light or chill.
The rooms were well-appointed, and lacking in nothing, but everything was in dark or muted colors, which made the overall effect cold and empty. She would be comfortable here, yes, but she would not be at home.
All of a sudden, Brigid felt terribly alone. The warmth of the milk in her hands helped, but even so, she missed her sisters terribly—a deep, twisting ache that felt almost like physical pain.
She wasn’t used to being without her family. In fact, she never had been, not even once in her life. She’d fantasized occasionallyabout going on an adventure, the way Valerie had frequently accompanied their father, but she never had… Until now, that was. And now that she was finally having an ‘adventure’—if it could even be called that—Brigid found the reality of it far less comfortable than she’d imagined.
Be careful what ye wish for. Isnae that what Mama used to tell me?
A knock on the heavy wooden door served as a distraction from her melancholy thoughts, as she set the cup down.
“Aye?” she called out, her voice sounding weak and tremulous even to her own ears.
A slender woman of about Valerie or Lily’s age entered the room. She was Brigid’s height, with golden hair and eyes the color of a summer sky. Her smile was warm and reassuring, and Brigid liked her at once.
“Welcome to MacKane Castle,” the woman said in a soft voice that matched her gentle appearance. “I’m the clan healer. Laird MacKane asked me to come see to some injuries ye have. Yer hands, I believe?”
“Aye.” Brigid held out her hands for inspection, her eyes tracing the purple bruises and rope marks.
The healer came forward and took her hands, tsking with concern as she examined them.
“Och, that’s nae good. I have some ointment that will soothe the ache and ease the bruising. Conall was right to send for me. We’ll have ye feelin’ better in nay time, lass.”
Brigid blinked. “Ye call Laird MacKane by his given name?” she asked.
The healer smiled. “Aye. I’m Emily Barr. Laird MacKane’s brother, Oliver, is my husband.”
“Och. I see.” Brigid smiled shyly, reassured by Emily’s friendly and forthright manner.
She had only just met the woman, but somehow she felt she was someone she could trust.
“My name is Brigid Blackwood,” she said, unsure how much information ‘Conall’, as the healer called him, might have revealed about her.
“Aye. So I heard. An’ Laird MacKane’s intended.” Emily patted her hand gently. “I ken ‘tis all very sudden, lass, and ye’re likely very nervous, but ye neednae fret.”
She glanced at the window as if checking something.
“Why dinnae ye come with me, Brigid? I can get ye the salve, an’ mayhap a change of clothing. Ye look to be about my size.” She glanced at the mug on the table. “After ye finish yer milk, of course.”
Brigid breathed a sigh of relief as she picked up her drink.
Emily was more slender than her, and the clothing might not fit well, but even so, it would be a relief to change out of her travel-stained garments, which were the only things she’d been allowed to bring with her.
She may not be able to follow Emily’s instruction not to fret—how could she, in this strange situation she found herself in?—but at least, she would no longer look and feel quite so much like the outsider she was.
“I would appreciate that. Thank ye.” She hesitated. “The Laird… may I ask ye something about him?”
Emily chuckled softly and moved over to the comfortable chairs by the hearth, gesturing for Brigid to join her. Brigid chose the chair closest to the door, her eyes widening at the way the soft, almost velvety cushions seemed to enfold her. This castle might not be homely, but it was certainly luxurious.
“Of course, ye can ask me questions, lass,” Emily said, smiling at the look of wonder on the younger woman’s face. “’Tis part of the reason why Conall wanted me to see to ye, and I’m happy to answer them for ye.”
Brigid allowed herself to relax a little more, the tension slowly bleeding out of her shoulders, soothed by the warmth of Emily’s welcome, which made it impossible not to trust her, even though they were scarcely more than strangers at present.
“I was wonderin’… The servants seem to be… Everyone seems to be… afraid of Laird MacKane. I’ve noticed it since I arrived. I’m afraid I dinnae understand what is happenin’. Is he…thatsort of laird?”
She paused, hoping the other woman would understand what she meant by this without requiring her to elaborate further.
