Chapter 11
Margaret woke up the next day to sunlight streaming into her room and a bannock on the table next to her bed. Without lifting her head from the sinfully soft pillow, she glanced around her space. It seemed that Cali had already been here this morning, and Margaret had slept through her presence.
The fire was going strong, as if it had been fed recently. Hanging from a privacy screen, her second gown, one made from light blue cotton, was waiting for her. When she swept her gaze to the vanity, there was a sheet of paper, a quill, and a pot of ink.
I’m surprised he got me writing supplies so fast. You’d think he’d have more important things to deal with, especially with Duke Cunningham’s right-hand man showing up.
The thought sent icy tendrils of panic through her body, and Margaret shot upright, suddenly wide awake. She slipped out of her bed, moving toward the hearth. There, she warmed her hands as she took deep breaths, reminding herself that she was safe within the walls of the castle.
I’m only safe if the Laird deigns to keep me safe. If he wanted, he could get rid of me much faster than any of Cunningham’s men.
He would keep her safe, though. She had evidence now.
When she had spotted the man earlier, Ryan had acted without question.
He was quick to get her onto the horse and then out of the village.
If he had wanted to be rid of Margaret, he wouldn’t have been so quick to get her to safety.
He would have let Cunningham’s man take her.
With a sigh, she slipped into her gown. It was incredibly soft against her skin, softer than any other garment she’d ever owned. Not only that, but the color seemed to make her complexion glow. Agnes truly had an excellent eye for fabrics.
Margaret was further enthralled by the craftsmanship when she settled in front of her vanity table. Her gray eyes shone, and the gown complemented the brushstrokes of blue running through her irises. Gold accents only added to the brightness that the new dress lent her.
Agnes is going to transform me into a real lady of this castle. If she made something like this for a commoner, I can only imagine what she’s going to come up with now that she knows about my arrangement.
When Margaret successfully pinned her blonde hair up, she grabbed the bannock and took a bite. Then, she glanced at the parchment and quill. Contemplating what she’d write to Eva, Margaret finished the savory breadthen she picked up the quill and dipped it into the ink.
She got as far as writing a greeting to her cousin before she stopped.
There was so much she wanted to say, yet she didn’t know how.
Eva could keep a secret, but she doubted that she would be able to hold back her excitement at learning exactly where Margaret was staying and who she was staying with.
A drop of ink landed on the page, tendrils of it spreading on the parchment. She sighed, deciding that she needed more time to think about what she’d say. With too few details, Eva wouldn’t be satisfied; with too many details, she’d inadvertently alert Margaret’s aunt and uncle.
Perhaps I should go for a walk. It seems as though I have the morning to myself.
Margaret capped the ink and set the quill down. Then, she shuffled out into the corridor. There wasn’t anyone around waiting for her for the first time since she arrived. A smile settled on her face as she decided she was finally going to find her way to the gardens.
She traversed the hallways, and with a thrill, she realized that she recognized the path she was taking.
If she took a right turn up ahead, then a left turn at the next fork, she’d end up in front of the great hall.
So, just to prove to herself that she could find her way on her own, she took the path.
As she moved through the castle, she caught sight of two maids whispering to each other in an alcove. Margaret looked over at them, her head cocked slightly as she waved. The two froze.
Margaret frowned. Then, as she continued on her way, the maids finally waved back. She was nearly out of earshot when the maids started giggling. It made her stomach churn, but she told herself that she was just being paranoid.
They’re not laughing because of me. They were probably speaking about something they didn’t want anyone to hear. They would have reacted the same way had anyone else crossed their path.
Trying to clear those thoughts from her head, Margaret continued toward the great hall. This time, as she approached, there wasn’t quite as much chatter. Clearly, she’d slept through the meal.
Still, she stepped inside. Sure enough, there wasn’t anyone there aside from the servants. Most of the dishes had already been cleared away, and the only things that remained were trays of bread.
As she stepped forward, she realized that everyone was looking at her. She smiled at them and was surprised that several of the maids whipped their heads away from her. It was odd, unsettling even.
Perhaps they don’t like me as much as the Laird says they do. They might only tolerate me because I’m to be their Lady. This behavior… it seems as though they know something.
Frowning, Margaret left the great hall. She didn’t like the way they were gazing at her. And she couldn’t stand the fact that they’d gone quiet as soon as she walked into the space.
They were talking about her; that much was obvious. In the first instance, she could ignore it. But now…
What if they’ve heard about the business with Duke Cunningham? What if they’ve discovered that the upcoming wedding is just a sham?
The gardens. Margaret would find the gardens. She’d take a walk and clear her head. Then, she’d write to her cousin. And after that, she’d try to get to the bottom of whatever had the servants ducking together and gossiping.
It took her the better part of half an hour, but eventually, Margaret was able to find her way to the gardens she’d only seen from the windows.
At ground level, when she was able to step out into the thick of it, it was even more beautiful.
She had to take a deep breath and blink a few times before she could properly take everything in.
Scotland was by far the greenest place she’d ever seen. Even though the English countryside was lush and green, it didn’t compare to what stretched out in front of her. While the garden was obviously well cared for, it had a wild quality that she hadn’t encountered back home.
Though I suppose Scotland is my home now.
Stepping carefully among the rows of plants, Margaret leaned down to smell a purple flower. She desperately wished she knew the name of it, but when she looked around, she found there wasn’t anyone close enough for her to question.
She figured that was for the best. With the strange way the castle staff had been behaving earlier, she was sure that it would bleed into any interactions she had. Her goal was to clear her head, not to make it even more clouded.
So, Margaret continued on her walk. There were more purple flowers that she couldn’t name, along with pepperings of yellow and pink. She grinned when she came across a rose bush, glad to finally be able to identify one of the plants.
If I’m going to be living here, perhaps I’ll get the chance to learn the names of everything that grows in this garden.
The sight of something small and yellow flitting from bloom to bloom caught her attention. She leaned down slowly, not to disturb the creature, and watched. A bumblebee, fat and covered in pollen, was going about its work.
“I bet you make the best honey in this country,” Margaret whispered to the insect.
As if agreeing with her, it flitted away from the roses and moved onto a cluster of what she assumed were pansies.
She observed with unconcealed interest as the bee unfurled its tiny tongue and dipped it into the center of the flower for a drink.
Then, when it was finished, it moved onto the next bundle of flowers in the row.
Margaret could have stayed here for the rest of her day.
There was something peaceful about watching nature at work.
This creature was carrying out its duties, unhurried and unbothered by anything.
Even having her this close didn’t seem to disturb the bee.
So long as its audience kept to themselves, they could continue to observe.
“Ach, Margaret!”
Margaret gasped, jumping slightly at the sound of her name. When she clambered to her feet and spun around, Cali was standing there. She had a grin on her face and looked as though she belonged here among the delicate plants.
“You scared me,” Margaret said a little breathlessly, clutching her chest.
“Ye did seem mighty interested in whatever it was ye were lookin’ at,” Cali agreed, leaning to the side to see what had her so enthralled. “I called yer name twice before I was able to get yer attention.”
“Oh,” Margaret replied, blushing a little. “I was watching a bee. I hadn’t realized anyone was calling out to me. My apologies.”
“No need to apologize,” Cali assured her with a wave of her hand. She still wore a wild grin. “I heard ye might have quite a bit on yer mind.”
“I’m sorry?” she murmured, wondering what could have prompted that assumption.
Then, she remembered the way the maids and other servants had been gossiping. If she wanted clarity on what had them whispering about her, Cali would surely have the answers.
“What… have you heard?” Margaret asked, her tone guarded. “Others have been talking about me, I think. I can’t be sure. Whenever I get close, they stop and stare.”
“I suppose they’re just excited,” Cali hummed.
“Excited…” Margaret said the word slowly, trying to parse the meaning from it. When she came up short, she asked, “Why would they be excited? The wedding?”
“I’m certain that’s part of it,” Cali said.
Then, she leaned in close to Margaret, her eyes sweeping the surrounding area to ensure they weren’t being overheard.
“Someone may have seen ye kissin’ the Laird quite passionately.
The entire castle is ablaze with rumors about an heir makin’ an arrival soon. ”
“I…” Margaret began, her face burning. “They—”
“I ken, I ken,” Cali said, but the way she continued to smile made Margaret think that she didn’t really know. “I think they’re just excited. None of them thought we’d get a wee bairn runnin’ around so soon.”
“But…” Margaret said before shaking her head.
“It’s just rumors, Me Lady,” Cali said, finally sensing Margaret’s unease. “And it’s nae anyone but the staff of the castle talkin’. We werenae expectin’ him to find a wife, let alone one he seems so fond of. They’re just excited, that’s all.”
“Right, of course,” Margaret said, swallowing down bile. “That does make sense. I just wasn’t expecting to be the topic of such… intense conversations.”
“Aye, it must be a lot to take in,” Cali agreed, grabbing onto Margaret’s shoulder and squeezing sympathetically. “Perhaps it would help if I filled ye in on the ruckus in the kitchens this mornin’? Ye’d never believe the way they were behavin’.”
“Oh, maybe later,” Margaret said, touching the side of her head gently. “I think I’ve got a bit of a headache coming on. Perhaps I should lie down for a bit.”
Cali looked at her, a wrinkle of worry appearing between her brows. She frowned, saying, “Would ye like me to make ye a tincture? I’ve got just the thing that will take care of yer head.”
“That’s quite all right,” Margaret said as politely as she could. Panic was coursing through her body though. She knew that some of the urgency bled through. “Though if it’s not better by this evening, I’ll indulge.”
It seemed that Cali didn’t want to let her go, but after a moment, she nodded and said, “Of course, Me Lady. But if ye need anythin’ before then, call for me. There’s a service bell in yer room that’ll alert me down in me quarters.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Margaret assured her before hurrying back inside the castle.
Her breathing picked up as she rushed through the corridors. They hadn’t closed the door to her quarters when they arrived at the castle last night. Anyone could have walked by and seen them. And now… now, who knew what they thought.
I need to find Ryan, and fast.