“I must ask, were there plans for Keithen to marry someone else before his father and mine interceded?”
Flora shrugged. “It was common knowledge his marriage would be an arranged one. However, like most men, he did have a few entanglements here and there.”
“With the woman who kicked my bucket?”
“Gracious, that would explain her ire.” Flora giggled. “I am not sure. I doubt it.”
Ava took a breath. “What about Catriona?”
At the question, Flora’s eyes widened. She looked to the doorway as if she expected to be overheard. “Why would ye ask that?”
“Because I know she has deep feelings for him.”
Flora frowned. “He and Catriona have been very close since they were children. It was rare to see one without the other. When they became older, Catriona then became closer with Esme. She and Keithen, however, have always been confidantes.”
Flora hesitated. “Up until she was captured. It took a while before he could go near her.”
“Were they ever more than friends?” Ava pushed, hoping Flora could somehow clarify what she’d heard earlier.
“I do not know. It may be best that ye ask her directly. As his wife, ye have a right to.”
Ava considered it. “I do not wish to cause her any undue anxiousness. It is just that I wish to know because of things I have heard.”
Thankfully, Flora didn’t ask what she’d heard or where. The woman was not only kind, but wise. “I understand,” she said.
“I must find Lady Fraser and tell her I will not be traveling with her. Do ye think she will be cross?”
Flora shook her head. “I am sure she will find someone else to travel with her. The laird’s brother’s wife likes to go with her.”
When Flora turned to the bucket, Ava stopped her with a hand to her upper arm. “Thank ye for being so kind to me. If anyone has reason not to care for me, it is ye. I can only hope to be able to repay ye.”
“What happened is not yer fault. Although I understand the bitterness of people who’ve lost loved ones through battles between our clans, I do not agree with blaming ye. Yer father’s decisions were not yers.”
Ava nodded. “Ye, Catriona and Lady Fraser have made my living here bearable. I hate that she is leaving because I am not sure the staff will obey me when I oversee her tasks. It will definitely be a task just to get them to do as they are told.”
“Ye should talk to Lady Fraser and ensure she speaks to them before leaving,” Flora said and took her hand. “Come, let us go find her now. I wager she is with Catriona.”
Ava was glad that Keithen was not in Catriona’s bedchamber when they arrived.
Lady Fraser turned to them as they walked in. “I am sure we can convince Flora to come and then ye will have company. The ride across the river is delightful.”
It felt strange to be in Catriona’s bedchamber after having heard her profess her love to her husband. Ava hovered near the doorway. “I have decided not to go,” she blurted.
“By the middle of winter, ye will wish to have had a distraction,” Lady Fraser said, sounding annoyed. “Very well. Ye all can stay here. I am going.”
“I must speak to ye about taking over yer duties,” Ava said, noting that Lady Fraser’s eyebrows shot up.
“Of course. I hadn’t considered that ye would need tutelage.” Lady Fraser clasped her hands in front of her chest with a gleeful expression. “We shall walk through the keep and I will tell ye everything.”
Before Ava could say anything else, Lady Fraser took her arm. “Come along, this will take all day. First, we will go to the kitchen.”
Ava was sure that because Lady Fraser accompanied her, the head cook, Eileen, was cordial. Along with the four cooks, the woman stood around the preparation table to listen.
“I am traveling for an extended time, a fortnight. Lady Ava will be taking my place and will give ye instructions to what will be served. Ensure that ye obey her instructions or I will be very cross with ye.”
Every head turned to Ava and she was relieved to see no animosity. “I am sure ye will require little guidance as Lady Fraser assures me of yer competence.”
When everyone returned their attention to Lady Fraser, her expression softened. “The guardsmen will be eating inside from now on as the weather turns colder. Send someone to the village to alert the baker to bring extra bread as with all the cooking, ye will not have time to bake for first and last meal.”
Ava listened to every word that was exchanged. Although she’d helped her mother with running of the keep, the requirements at Fraser Keep were much more complicated. Not only because they fed more people, but also two separate meals were to be served. The guardsmen were to be divided into two separate groups, so that everyone would fit in the great room.
“What will ye be serving?” Ava asked the cook.
“Today, we are making mutton and leek stew, which can be stretched far to ensure everyone eats enough to be full. There will be bread, cheese and figs as well.”
“It smells delicious,” Ava said.
Eileen preened. “It does, indeed, and it tastes very good.”
They made their way to adjoining rooms that opened to the outdoors. There, a team of maids washed soiled clothing and linens while others mended. One young maid stirred a pot over an open fire, her brow scrunched in concentration.
Lady Fraser held her hands up to get their attention and again informed the group of her upcoming travels. Ava stood by, curious to see what their reactions would be to Lady Fraser leaving her in charge. The maids seemed more interested in finding out where their mistress was traveling than in Ava’s taking over the responsibilities.
It seemed Lady Fraser had a good rapport with the servants. They were genuinely curious about where she would travel, what her destination looked like and another host of things. It took considerably longer to get away from the laundresses than the cooks.
Ava was pleasantly surprised when they went out to the corrals where Lady Fraser spoke to an older man who was in charge of a pen of goats and two cows. Apparently, he was very protective of the animals, not allowing them to be considered for eating. His animals were purely used for their milk.
In the pen with the cows was a doe, who looked quite at home amidst the others. Ava wondered if the old man’s poor eyesight made him think it was a goat.
“Why is there a deer in the pen?” she whispered to Lady Fraser.
The old man obviously had keen ears. “That is Esme’s pet doe, Dot.”
“We tried to release her,” Lady Fraser explained. “But she kept returning, so now she remains here. The animal seems content enough.”
As they made their way to find the servants who cleaned the keep, Ava noticed that there were not as many people in the courtyard as usual.
“Esme will never forgive me, nor will she accept me as part of this clan.” Ava’s throat constricted. “I understand, of course, however, I hope that one day she will.”
Lips curving into a soft smile, Lady Fraser slid a look to her. “Esme is very headstrong. Much too adventurous for a woman. In that, ye remind me of her. I believe, in time, ye will become friends.”
She seriously doubted that Keithen’s sister and she would be friends, however, she hoped to be on better terms with her, eventually.
“That reminds me,” Lady Fraser said. “I wish for ye to look after Catriona’s well-being. Flora is wonderful and Catriona’s mother visits often, but some nights she has horrible nightmares and the day after barely eats. I cannot imagine what the poor lass went through.” Lady Fraser shuddered.
“Do not worry. I will ensure to spend time with her every day.”
“In the sitting room. She must leave her room and not remain in her own room the entire time.”
Ava decided it was the perfect opportunity to bring up what she’d overheard. “All of ye hold Catriona in high regard. It would seem to me, a marriage between her and Keithen would have been something that would
have pleased ye.”
Lady Fraser chuckled. “I’d not thought of it. Of course, the poor girl pined for Keithen since she was very young. Our son has always known he will marry based on becoming laird one day, so he never gave her hope.”
“I find that sad. I am sure Catriona must have been heartbroken when we married.”
Lady Fraser studied her for a moment. “I do not remember her being particularly sad. Esme would know better. Everyone was in a bit of a shock that he was to marry a Mackenzie.”
“Of course,” Ava acknowledged, a familiar pang in the pit of her stomach. “I was the last person ye would wish for yer son.”
With a soft chuckle, Lady Fraser patted her arm. “I would not go that far. I do find ye and my son to be quite compatible, if not too much alike. Both of ye have a rebellious nature, which brings trouble.”
When the group of cleaning servants were assembled, Lady Fraser spent several minutes asking about their families and inquiring if one of them, who was not present, had given birth yet. She turned to Ava. “We must ensure to send a basket with food and a blanket I embroidered for the wee one.”
Ava was astonished at how much Lady Fraser not only took care of on a daily basis, but the fact she knew each member of the staff so well. Once she had a free moment, she vowed to sit down and write notes so to remember what had transpired.
Once again, Lady Fraser spoke to the staff about her upcoming travel and answered some of the same questions that the others had asked. She promised to bring regards to relatives, which delighted several.
By the time they sat in the sitting room and drank hot cider, Ava was overwhelmed. “I must admit to being impressed by ye. The staff respects and cares for ye.”
Lady Fraser nodded. “It is an interdependence, Ava. We depend on the servants for our well-being. Everything from eating to our clothing and horses. In turn, they depend on us to have a purpose and a means to support their families.”
The staff at Mackenzie Keep was kept to a minimum. Although she knew the names of the cook and her chambermaid, her mother had insisted that they keep them at arm’s length. Servants were dismissed constantly for the most minimal of infractions. Some days, they had only one or two to do a myriad of tasks.
“When do ye leave?” Ava asked, not sure she was prepared for the huge undertaking.
“Three days hence,” Lady Fraser replied, placing her cup down. “Tomorrow, I will begin packing and send a message to Matilde,” she said, referring to her husband’s brother’s wife. “I will make sure she has begun to pack as well.”
Last meal was crowded, but everything went according to plan. Ava studied how the meal was served to each person and once they finished, bowls were quickly taken away so they would not linger. Those that attended second meal had more time to linger, but they did not stay very long. Only those who slept inside the keep and a few visitors remained.
Keithen sat next to her. He’d been in deep conversation with the laird and a council member for most of the meal. Because Lady Fraser kept a constant commentary, pointing out items she considered important to be brought up to the staff, Ava could not hear what Keithen and the laird spoke about.
When Ava yawned, Keithen turned to her. “Ye should go to bed. I will join ye after a while.”
She had much to speak to him about, but it would have to wait as he showed no intention of going upstairs at the moment.
Instead of going directly to bed, Ava moved to sit next to Lady Fraser.
“Let us join Catriona,” Lady Fraser insisted. “She is not yet fully comfortable being in the great room.”
They went to the small table and sat down. Catriona gave them a relieved smile. “I was about to leave. I am trying to remain, but it is difficult.” She looked over her shoulder. “With the guardsmen inside now, it’s…” She didn’t have to finish.
Ava noted the woman had barely touched her food but refrained from saying anything about it.
“Have ye reconsidered coming with me?” Lady Fraser asked. “I do believe it will be helpful to ye and to Ava as well.”
“What do ye mean?” Catriona asked.
Ava did her best not to gawk at the woman. Was Lady Fraser about to disclose her insecurities when it came to Catriona and Keithen?
“Just that it will give Ava the opportunity to be Lady of the Keep and Keithen to act as laird.”
“My responsibilities are minimal. I do not plan to intervene in anything,” Catriona assured them. “I would not be averse to remaining in my bedchamber the entire time ye are gone.”
Relieved, Ava let out a breath. “I would actually prefer if ye remain. If I have any questions, I will come to ye.”
Obviously relieved, Catriona nodded. “It is doubtful that I can be of much assistance. My duties are minimal. However, I will help where I can.”
There had never been anything but kindness toward her from Catriona. Ava wondered how it was possible for the woman not to hate her. From what she’d heard, she’d loved Keithen for years.
It could be that she and Keithen were both in love and had accepted that he had to be married. Her mind reeled at the thought that they had been, and continued to be, lovers. Ava gasped and the other women turned to her.
“What is wrong?” Lady Fraser asked.
“I think some sort of insect crawled over my arm.” Ava shook her arm dramatically and wiped her hand down it. “It was probably just my imagination.”
“They are coming indoors with the weather turning so cold outside,” Catriona explained. “I do not care for it myself.”
Surprisingly, Keithen came to bed just a few moments after Ava. He was quiet as he undressed and washed his face in the basin. “Mother is leaving for a long visit to my uncle’s. She told me ye plan to take over her duties.”
“Do ye approve?” Ava studied him closely, attempting to read his expression. If she was going to succeed in running the household, she would need his support.
He nodded. “Aye, of course. But ye must be prepared for some resistance. Stay firm.”
“Please do not intervene on my behalf. I will have to do this myself.”
“Come to me if ye need me.”
Keithen tipped her chin up so she could meet his gaze. “Do ye want to talk about the bairn?”
Instantly, her eyes welled and her chest constricted. All the things she’d kept in check threatened to break through, and Ava wasn’t sure she could control the myriad of emotions.
She shook her head. “I cannot.”
“Ye must at some point,” Keithen urged. “We both should.”
After pulling her against his chest, he stroked her hair. “I never considered bairns. I suppose most men think of having a son. But for some reason, it had not occurred to me.”
“Children are gifts from God. I feel as if I rejected it by my actions.” The dam broke and, unable to keep from it, Ava wailed. She cried, mourning the loss of her child as a consequence of her actions. She grieved for her father, her brother and for the loss of a family she never quite had.
Through it all, Keithen held her and brought a cloth so that she could blow her nose and wipe away the tears. Finally, exhausted, Ava slumped forward.
In a strange way, she felt cleansed, free.
“Ye are an exceptional woman. Do not ever allow yerself to think otherwise,” Keithen told her, his arms coming around her like a warm breeze.
“Yer words and body soothe me.”
She looked up at him, loving the man so much her entire being ached. “I am hopeful we will have several children. And yet, I prefer it to happen after I’m accepted by the clan. It would be horrible for our children to be mistreated in any way.”
“There is time. I do not doubt ye will win the people over.”
Despite everything that had occurred, hope filled her heart.
*
Just two days after Lady Fraser left, Ava was ready to give up. “I instructed ye to sweep up the rushes so they can be replaced. Why has that not been ac
complished?” Ava pinned a pair of maids with her best annoyed look.
With a pinched expression, one of them shrugged. “Ye never told us to sweep them, Mistress. Ye just said lay out new rushes.”
“It goes without saying the old ones should be gathered up and thrown out prior to new ones being spread.”
“We do as we’re told,” the second one piped up.
Then both maids scurried away before she could say another word. Ava turned to study the great room. It was a horrible mess. New rushes thrown over old ones, the tables had yet to be cleaned and, to top it off, Laird Fraser was holding a council meeting as cook’s maids attempted to carry trays without tripping on the mounds of rushes.
Keithen, who sat next to his father, looked over to her. Concern was evident in his expression, but as she’d asked him not to intervene, he didn’t.
She stomped after the maids and caught them giggling in the corridor, just outside the kitchen.
“Come with me. Now.” She gritted the words out, glad to see their wide-eyed expressions.
Both of them followed her to a small alcove. “Each of ye, get a broom.” They did as they were told.
Ava pointed toward the great room. “If I must show ye how to sweep in front of the laird, I will do it.” She grabbed a broom and stalked forward.
The maids looked to each other as if trying to decide what to do, but then hurried in front of her as she did not hesitate.
Once in the great room, Ava held the broom in both hands and swept sideways. “This is how ye sweep,” she said loudly. “Make piles, which ye will then put in buckets and carry out to lay onto the garden.”
She met each maid’s glare. “I will watch ye to ensure ye know how to sweep. If ye do not, then we can see about replacing ye.”
“Ye cannot,” one replied. “My family has worked for the laird for generations.”
“A generation can be skipped,” Ava replied.
The maids began sweeping while Ava stood by.
She looked over to Keithen and the corners of his lips twitched. Ava pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.
Chapter Twenty-One
A Fearless Rebel Page 18
