Chapter Six
"Pray pardon," Anna said to Tavia, then rushed to the small chamber she shared with her fellow singer. Harriet was staring into the silver mirror and adjusting her headpiece.
"I'll not be able to sing tonight. I feel ill." Anna hated lying but she couldn't tell Harriet or anyone the truth without revealing her predicament. The middle-aged woman didn't know her true identity.
Harriet turned, her eyes wide. "Indeed, lass? What is wrong?"
"I'm coming down with something. I feel nauseous." Pressing a hand against her stomach, she sat upon her small cot. She did indeed feel queasy since seeing the Hamilton chief, so it wasn't a complete lie. He was the only person she'd seen in the last couple of years who knew who she was and where she was from. He could ruin her life.
"I will go fetch the healer," Harriet said.
"I spoke to her already. You must do all the singing tonight."
Harriet paused by the door. "Very well. But the clan will be disappointed. I'm nay as popular as you are."
"Nonsense. They love you."
Harriet laughed. "So you say, but I ken the truth of it. I hope you feel better soon." She opened the door and left.
In order to appear truly sick, Anna disrobed and got into bed wearing her shift. She covered her head. Oh, what a dishonest fraud she was. But she saw no way around it. Chief Hamilton had stayed a week at the MacCromar clan's castle and had seen her at close range several times. He would recognize her without question. He and Blackburn had some sort of alliance.
Saints! How she wished she and the musicians had left days ago, just after the idea had occurred to her the first time. She would have to leave, even if her fellow minstrels didn't. But where would she go? They had arrived by galley from further south. She would have to find out if there were villages or towns nearby where she might find employment as a singer. How she hated the uncertainty her life had become. She no longer had a home.
A soft knock sounded on the door. She uncovered her head. Who could that be?
"Anna?" 'Twas Tavia's voice.
"Aye? Enter."
Tavia stuck her head in. "Mistress Weaver said you are ill."
Blast Harriet! Though Anna was glad she cared. "Indeed. It struck me as we were talking but I didn't wish to bother you with it. Probably just something I ate."
Tavia came into the room, closed the door and advanced toward her, studying her with intelligent green eyes. "How do you feel precisely?"
"Nauseous and dizzy. Earlier I felt chilled and feverish but that has improved a bit."Please, God, forgive me for lying to my friend.
Tavia placed her warm palm against Anna's forehead. "You do appear paler than normal, but not overwarm."
Anna nodded.
"I will make you a tea and return in a few minutes."
"I thank you. You are too kind."
"Nonsense." Tavia left the room.
Anna's mind raced as she tried to think of a solution to her problem. If only Chief Hamilton and his clan would leave soon, all would be back to normal. But they might stay as long as a fortnight. Often clans did when visiting other clans. She couldn't stay in her room that long.
***
Neacal could not believe three chiefs had arrived with their marriageable daughters, and now the elders had arranged for him to meet with all three fathers at once in the library. He would rather be whipped.
"What the devil have you done?" he asked Hugh and Bhatar when he cornered them in the corridor. "Are you trying to start a war?"
"Nay. Time is short," Hugh said. "Winter will be here soon. No time to dally. You have four young ladies to choose from."
"Four?" What the hell was he talking about? Had another clan arrived when he wasn't looking?
