Have I ever actually worked hard in my life?
The depressing thought was cut off by Astrid nudging her and nodding towards the door.
“Speak of the devil. Although I suppose I shouldn’t speak of any devil, considering where we are. He’s here.”
Freya glanced over in the direction Astrid was nodding, and froze.
He was there. Brendan. The doorway was too narrow and too short for him, so he had to duck down and turn himself sideways to fit through. He was toolargefor the kitchen, taking up morespace than he should. He twisted his cap in his hands, and glanced around.
To her horror, Freya’s heart began pounding fast.
Stop it,she told herself.It’s just a wee crush. He’s handsome, and he was kind to ye, and that’s it.
Although at a nunnery, I might have thought I’d be able to get away from men for a wee bit.
She cleared her throat, glancing at Astrid. “Should… Should I go and see what he wants?”
“Aye, that’s a good idea. He doesn’t usually come this far into the Priory. And he’s already made his deliveries today. Something must be wrong.”
Drying her sweaty palms on the apron, Freya drew in a breath and headed towards Brendan.
He only noticed her when she was nearly upon him. His eyes, when they landed on her, made her shiver.
She wished she could have alittlemore composure.
“Hello, again,” he said, voice low.
“Hello. What do ye want? Not to be rude, it’s just that… Well,” she gestured to the kitchen. “We’re busy.”
He nodded. “I know, but it’s important. I need to see the Abbess. Now.”
Chapter 5
Not Appropriate For A Convent
Freya frowned. “Are ye allowed to do that?”
“Tell her it’s me,” Brendan responded grimly. “She’ll see me, I guarantee it.”
Freya glanced around helplessly, looking for someone more senior. Could she just usher a man into the depths of the convent? She thought not.
Her prayers were answered. Perhaps that was due to being in a convent, too. Sister Rosemary materialized, her round face flushed and sweaty from the heat of the kitchen. She eyed Brendan up and down, glancing between him and Freya.
“What is it, then?” she asked crisply.
“I need to see the Abbess,” Brendan responded.
To Freya’s amazement, Sister Rosemary’s face hardened, and she gave a short nod.
“Very well. She’s in her study. Freya, ye can take him there, can’t ye?”
She blinked, a little surprised at being addressed. “I-I think so. I’ve been there once, I think I know my way.”
“Very well. Off ye go then, both of ye. And Freya?” she added, as the two made to move past her. “Tell no one of this. Ye understand?”
Freya ledhim out of the crowded kitchens, and into the darker, much cooler corridor.
At this rate,she thought,I’m going to miss supper altogether.
