Page 321 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Aye, and we understand. But if you want revenge, the best thing would be to tell everyone but him. Well, not everyone,” Maude amended as she pounded the bread. “You could not tell any of the men.” She winked. “Cannot trust any of them.”

Victoria set her cup on the saucer. “You mean to play a trick on your lord?” What sort of women were these? “He has a temper. What will you do when he

discovers the truth?”

“Aye, he has a fierce temper,” Maude said with what Victoria recognized as genuine glee. “But he would never raise a hand against a woman. So,” she dusted her hands on her apron, scooted her chair closer, and leaned on the flour-covered table, “what do you think?”

The other women gathered closer. The sparkle in Maude's eye was contagious, and Victoria couldn't deny the thrill at the thought of thrashing the man a little.

“Now listen,” Maude said, “those of us here are the only ones you can trust, and we won’t tell anyone else. In order to have our fun, we do a few things no one will be able to put their finger on, but will make

the laddies wonder.”

The thought that joining in the jest might form a connection with the women struck Victoria as a strong prospect for freedom. “Such as?” she asked, careful to keep her interest noncommittal.

“Little hints, like when someone asks where you might be, we start to answer, but then pause and answer as if we thought of something better.”

“As if you were about to say one thing, then changed your mind.”

Maude nodded and Victoria noticed something played in her eyes. A deep love of mischief, she realized, and almost laughed.

“We must be careful,” the housekeeper went on. “If anyone asks us outright do we know your name, we will not lie. Instead we say something like, ‘what a funny idea, has she told you her name?’ or some such thing. That way no one can say we lied.”

Victoria surveyed the women. “’Tis an interesting idea, but, I would not have thought…” She left off and understanding flickered in Maude's eyes. “Aye, there is no love lost between the

Highlanders and the English, eh?”

“I did not mean to offend,” Victoria murmured.

“Never mind. You did not say anything we have not all thought. Now, what do you think?”

Victoria surveyed the eager faces. “Ladies, we shall teach these men not to toy with us.” And, perhaps, find a friendship that might hold the key to escape from Fauldun castle.