Page 19 of An English Rose for the Highlander
“You should not be lowering yourself to these barbarian customs, my lady. You are of high birth and English.”
“Peggy,” Rose turned to her, dropping her chin as she secured the apron around her waist, “they are not barbarians. This is our home now, and youwilltreat its residents with respect. The Highland way of life might be different, but it is notsavage.”
Her maid backed down quickly, her wide eyes pinned to Rose’s face for a moment. Still, she lowered her head and said nothing more about it. Rose returned to Eilidh, allowing the woman to show her through the process of making bread.
Rose kneaded the dough with excitement, burying the nagging thoughts of everything she needed to do into the stuff. It wasa bit therapeutic, but it couldn’t completely absolve her of her worry.
Still, the sound of Peggy’s gasp as Rose took to the work was unmistakable. She continued to be quite shocked by the notion of her lady working in the kitchen, trying more than once to step in.
“Peggy,” Rose spoke softly, leveling her maid with a stare, “Iwantto do this. Please, there are several more tasks to keep you busy.”
“I…Of course, mistress.” Peggy stepped away, Rose’s chest twinging lightly from scolding her.
Quick enough, however, Rose went back to the work of kneading the dough, and her mind began to drift as the repetitive motions lulled her into a bit of a trance.
Her conversation with Dominik crept into the front of her mind.A month…
A marriage needed to be consummated, and Rose still didn’t feel quite at home here herself. As much as she would try, it was still uncertain if the Highlanders in the keep even accepted her. Whether or not she belonged in the clan remained to be seen.
The bread went into the oven, and Eilidh showed her around the rest of the kitchen before she led Rose and Peggy to the healer’s chambers to make introductions.
When they arrived, Rose was surprised to see a single woman in the dimly lit room, standing at a table near the back with her back to them. From what she could tell, the woman was grinding herbs; the sound of a mortar and pestle moving against each other was loud, surrounded by a gentle humming.
“Och, and where’s Nigel gotten himself to? Is he not meant to be here teaching ye?”
The young woman turned around, smiling broadly as she wiped her hands on her own apron. Her eyes landed on Rose and Peggy, and she cocked her head.
“He’s yet to make an appearance this morning, which isnae much of a change if I’m honest.” She leaned over toward Rose, putting a hand up to her mouth as if she were sharing a secret. “He’s a fondness for the drink that keeps him from the sunlight well into the day.”
Rose stifled a laugh, looking between Eilidh and the young woman as they chuckled to themselves. Peggy just grumbled behind her, and in truth, Rose was becoming especially vexed with her maid.
“I take it this is the new lady of the castle.” The cheery, young woman turned to her, offering a nod and a grin. “Pleasure, me Lady. I am Fiona. I train as an apprentice under Nigel, but as ye can see, I’m usually on me lonesome until at least midday.”
“A pleasure to me you, Fiona.” Rose nearly curtsied again, but she caught herself, and the women in front of her laughed.
“Apologies.” Rose shook her head, playfully gripping her brow as if she were consumed by a headache. “Apologies. I’ve yet to master all the new customs in this lovely keep.”
“And ye mean to, me Lady? Ye may have yer work cut out for ye.” Fiona raised a brow at her, eyeing her with an air of such easy calm that Rose immediately took a liking to her. “I daenae ken what they teach young missus in England, but I’ll reckon it’s a fair bit different than what ye’ll find here.”
“Indeed, it is.” Peggy cut in, narrowing her eyes at the woman, and Rose was forced to wave her off, stepping in front of her increasingly surly maid.
“Nothing I cannot handle, I assure you. I have already mastered the talent ofnotcurtseying to everyone, and I even managed to eat my supper like a proper Highlander last night.”
More laughter filled the room, and Fiona took a step forward to clap a hand down on Rose’s shoulder.
“I saw that with me own eyes, me Lady! Well done.” The young healer’s apprentice offered Rose a smile. “I’ll make a Highlander out of ye yet with that determination.”
Even having known her for such a short time, Rose felt at ease with Fiona. They were very alike in age, and she brought such a feeling of warmth with her that it was impossible to deny the allure Fiona possessed. Rose was so on her own here in the keep, and even Peggy had made her feel such loneliness all morning because she had been so opposed to the Highland customs.
True camaraderie seemed very possible with Fiona, and Rose’s heart soared at the prospect.
“I promise to be your best student, Fiona.” They smiled at each other, and Eilidh playfully rolled her eyes.
“Verra well the both of ye. I wished for ye to explain a bit of the fundamental skills our new lady must acquire, Fiona. Nae have the two of ye chittering like birds about the last goings on in the castle. If I find that the Lady develops a keen ear for gossip, I shall ken precisely who to blame.”
Fiona blushed, clearing her throat. “Of course, Eilidh. As ye say.”
“Good, now,” Eilidh turned to Peggy, “we shall leave them to it. I’ll have use for ye in the kitchens as we prepare the meal for this evening.”
