Chapter 11 #2
“Oh, she is a lovely lass, ye’ll see,” Elspeth commented as she took her seat and offered Keira a seat opposite her.
“I am very glad to have ye here, Keira. Seein’ that I’ll be busy supervisin’ the preparations for the cèilidh, it is comfortin’ to ken that Violet will have someone to spend her time with, as one can never rely on Raphael for such matters. ”
Keira wondered if there was a specific reason why Raphael would be obliged to spend time with Violet or if it was simply a matter of being a good host. She decided on the second option as she glanced at the table before her.
It was adorned with a vibrant array of offerings, heralding the essence of a hearty Scottish breakfast. A finely embroidered tablecloth graced the surface, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise rustic display.
At the center stood a gleaming silver platter laden with smoked salmon, its rich hues glistening under the soft morning light. Beside it, a delicate array of cured meats, from slices of flavorful haggis to well-seasoned sausages, tempted the senses.
Flanking the meats were stacks of golden oatcakes, carefully baked to perfection, and scones with a hint of sweetness, a perfect complement to the savory fare.
Bowls of creamy porridge, topped with a dollop of fresh cream, sat invitingly, exuding a comforting aroma that hinted at the warmth within.
Jars of honey, heather preserves, and cheeses were thoughtfully arranged, providing a delightful accompaniment to the feast. A generous basket brimming with crusty slices of bread completed the ensemble, offering a choice for those who sought a heartier start to the day.
“Is all this just for the two of us?” Keira gasped at the colorful feast.
“Well, it was supposed to be for Raphael as well,” Elspeth clarified with a displeased frown.
“But I dinnae ken for the life of me where that lad is, where I strictly told him to join us for breakfast. Also, I was hopin’ that Violet would have arrived by now, so she could join us.
It seems that this truly would be too much for us. ”
Keira wondered why Raphael had not come to breakfast, even after his mother had specifically asked him to join them.
For a moment, she got lost in her thoughts, convinced that he had decided to avoid her after the previous night.
As she lifted her gaze, she noticed his mother looking at her with a puzzled look.
“If only one had enough room in one’s stomach to partake in each of these delectable dishes.” Keira decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.
“Oh, and for yer English palate, there is tea and carafes of freshly squeezed juices,” Elspeth added, much to Keira’s delight.
“I honestly don’t know where to start,” Keira admitted with a smile.
She savored the first bite of smoked salmon, the tender flakes melting in her mouth, a symphony of flavors dancing on her taste buds. The cured meats followed, each a delightful blend of spices and textures. The haggis was rich and earthy, the sausages bursting with succulent goodness.
Just as Keira was about to turn her attention to the oatcakes, looking forward to their nutty taste and satisfying crunch, the butler arrived, walking over to Elspeth.
“My apologies, Milady, but Lady Violet Banner has arrived,” he informed her softly, although Keira could hear it all.
“She has?” Elspeth immediately forgot all about her breakfast, clapping her hands once excitedly. “Well, do bring her in!”
Moments later, the grand dining hall gained a new luminescence as Lady Violet made her entrance.
Her presence was akin to a burst of sunlight, illuminating the room with her grace and beauty.
She possessed a certain allure that drew every eye, and it was impossible not to be captivated by her charm.
Her gown, a delicate confection of silk and intricate lace, swirled around her in ethereal waves of crimson red. The color complemented her complexion and accentuated the blue of her eyes to a stunning degree.
Keira couldn’t help but notice how the red stood in stark contrast to her pastel-colored gown. The woman’s auburn curls cascaded in soft waves, framing her face like a halo. The light caught in the strands, creating an almost otherworldly glow.
In the radiant presence of Lady Violet, Keira’s own self-assuredness wavered. Her confidence, once steadfast, now seemed frail in comparison to the grace and poise of this elegant woman. Doubt began to creep into her mind, weaving its insidious threads through her thoughts.
“Lady MacCurtney!” Violet fell in Elspeth’s arms.
Elspeth returned the affectionate greeting. “Violet, me dear lass, it is so lovely to have ye,” she gushed, while Keira stopped eating, swallowing the last bite as quickly as she could, then proceeding to get up and wait for her moment to be introduced to this lady.
As Violet engaged the room with her affable charm, Keira’s fingers fidgeted with her dress, and she found herself involuntarily adjusting her posture, trying to match the woman’s grace.
“Violet, may I present to ye one of Raphael’s friends who… unexpectedly decided to join us.” Elspeth introduced Keira in a way she hadn’t really expected, but once those words were out, it was difficult to take them back. “This is Lady Keira Webster. She comes to us all the way from England.”
“England?” Violet repeated in surprise, her dark eyelashes fluttering delicately. “That is a long way.”
“It is.” Keira smiled. “But no path is insurmountable when there is a will.”
“Indeed.” Violet seemed to nod. “Is it very different here from where ye are from?”
“Very.” Keira nodded. “But in a good way.”
Violet smiled, and so did Raphael’s mother.
“Good, I see ye two will have a lot to talk about before the cèilidh, seein’ that both of ye will be stayin’ with us until the other guests arrive. And I shall see to it that everythin’ is prepared, dearie.” Elspeth assured Violet of something Keira was oblivious to.
“I’m certain ye will.” Violet beamed as Elspeth took her hands into her own.
Keira waited to hear the clarification of this unexpected development, which followed immediately, as Elspeth could hardly contain her delight.
“Just imagine… in a fortnight, it will be known to all that Raphael and ye are to marry!”