Page 20 of Darro

Elspeth’s brows arched. “Do you reckon you deserve such?”

“I did you wrong. Aye, and ’twas a terrible thing, just as what I said about Lady Grace.” She never imagined she would ever stoop to apologize to the head chambermaid, but to her surprise the words came from her mouth with ease. “I hope someday you both shall forgive me, if ’tis within your heart.”

“I cannae say. I’ve never liked you.” The chambermaid went and began to strip the linens for the bed. “You’re petty and mean, and in the past you’ve ever shirked your work when you could. You tried to use me to improve your situation, aye, and you’ve treated others among us badly.”

That was truth, although it hurt to nod in agreement. “I dinnae shirk my work anymore, if ’tis a comfort to you.”

“After Lady Ava sent you to the stables I forgave you, for ’twasnae worth my time to hate you,” Elspeth told her. “Several lads have mentioned you’ve changed since being forced to work there. You’re no longer too proud to do anything, and you’re finally earning your keep without complaint. What’s changed you, then?”

“I’m much as I was, Mistress, only I dinnae complain aloud anymore.” Una held up her hands, which had many new scars on them from her work. “As you see, I cannae scrub all the dirt from under my fingernails. My horsehair pallet, ’tis as hard as if they filled the ticking with rocks. The lads, they laugh at me when I’m clumsy—and I’m ever and always that. You saw how the other maids regard me. They laugh and make fun of me whenever I’m seen, the lads say.” She would not cry because of any of them, but the last of her confessions made her come close. “No one wishes to talk with me anymore, or sit by me during meals. Only the stable master and the horses tolerate me.”

“Do you understand why ’tis that way now?” When she nodded Elspeth studied her face. “Very well, I’m satisfied you see what you did wrong. You shall go to Lady Grace this morn and ask her forgiveness. Mayhap you should bend a knee as well. Should she find such in her heart to offer you, then from this day forth you may work with me tending to the chambers.”

After falling so far Una had never expected such kindness, especially from Elspeth.

“Did the lady bid you offer me thus as a jest?” she demanded. “Shall she clout me tonight and shout to everyone in the hall that she shall never forgive me? Or shall the whole of the clan and the household gather to laugh at me whilst I kneel and apologize?”

“’Tis a terrible thing, no’ to be sure of how you’ll be treated by those around you,” the chambermaid said softly. “To be caught up in the schemes of others without awareness of such, ’tis even worse. I ken such only too well, Una, for ’tis been my lot since first I came to Dun Talamh. I should never do the same to another, even you.”

The fact that Elspeth was speaking of how she had been widely treated since coming to Dun Talamh only made Una hang her head. It seemed she had been taught another lesson, one that would likely keep her awake all night sobbing. Still, it was better than being tricked in front of the other maids.

“Then that wisdom, ’tis learned. I shall return to the stables.” She bobbed the most respectful curtsey she could manage. “My thanks for teaching me again what I didnae ken before now.”

“Wait, lass. Wait.” The dark-skinned girl came and took hold of her hands. “I sincerely meant what I offered you just now. I shall go with you to speak with Lady Grace, and I am sure she will forgive you. ’Tisnae a trick. ’Tis why I made that the condition for you to come work with me.”

“You dinnae like me,” she reminded her, looking away from her kind eyes as shame filled her. “I’ve taunted you for being different from the rest of the maids. I tried to force you to help me by threatening to turn all the other vassals against you. You must delight in seeing me like this, humbled and without any friends. Why should you show me mercy?”

Elspeth glanced down at their joined hands. “Mayhap ’tis that I ken what you suffer better than you reckon. Since the night of the binding ceremony near all the other maids avoid me. Many look upon me as if I smell of the stables.” She gave her a wry look. “I’ve no one to talk to, either.”

Una took in a breath that made her chest hurt. “You’ve your husbands, dinnae you?”

The chambermaid shook her head. “We’re no’ married. I reckon I’ll wait another year until the next ceremony, for I dinnae wish anyone to speak ill of me and my loves.”

Una thought of her empty pallet, and the sly faces of the stable lads who liked most to pester her. “At least you have them.”

“I cannae bring myself to love them,” Elspeth said. “Being named a hoor because we’re no’ wed, ’tis unbearable to me. I dinnae ken how to love two men, either. What if I’m no’ enough for my husbands? What if I lose them because of such? I hardly sleep anymore for worrying. There, now you ken what I’ve no’ the spine to speak of to any other.”

“I shall tell no one.” Una didn’t know why she hugged the chambermaid; she only held onto her as she choked back a sob, and said, “I vow, I shall serve you well. You’ll go with me to Lady Grace?”

“Aye.” Elspeth patted her back. “But first, come to my chamber. I’ve filled a tub with rose water, and I shall fetch a clean gown for you to wear after you bathe proper.”

After asking a guard to direct her to the great hall, Esme took in more of the castle on her way there. The interior didn’t have much in the way of wall decorations, although she saw some wood carvings on the doors, and here and there collections of weapons mounted on brackets. The latter seemed more like backup for the clan rather than décor. Just before she reached the hall she spotted a chambermaid unlike any she had seen until now. The dark-skinned young woman looked about as Scottish as she did, and yet dressed like all the other maids. She was carrying a bundle of clothing. Assuming she was from the modern world, Esme waved to catch her attention before rushing downstairs.

“Good morning,” she said to the maid, who smiled back at her. “My name is Esme. Are you and I the only brown girls in this place?”

“Aye, my lady.” The chambermaid bobbed. “I’m Elspeth. You came from enslaved parents like me?”

“Oh, no, manita. My parents were free, and so was I.” She’d never thought of how lucky she’d been to be born in a modern time until this moment. “Are you having breakfast? Could you come and talk with me?”

“I’d be willing, only I’m aiding another maid in need of help.” Elspeth nodded toward the tables in the adjoining room. “Go and find a seat, my lady, at the table on the dais. You’ll find the other ladies from your time there.”

Esme wanted to tag-tail after the maid, but that would be cowardly. Straightening her shoulders, she walked into the hall as if she did that every morning. Most of the hundred or so clansmen and all of the girls serving them looked at her as she made her way through the tables, but no one showed anything but interest. Being the only brown-skinned person in the room did make her stand out, but at least no one was sneering at her or chasing her out.

What would it have been like to live in their time, like Elspeth? She’d have to ask where she could find the girl later.

At the other end of the room Ava stood talking with Grace and another woman by a table on the raised platform. The woman Esme didn’t recognize was a slender girl with ordinary features but the most beautiful chestnut hair she had ever seen. She gave her a warm smile as she walked over to meet the trio.

“Good morning, Ms. Martinez,” the woman said, extending her arm. “I’m Olivia Gibson, Alec McKeran’s wife, from Salinas. I’ve been following your articles in Monterey Today for years. You’re a wonderful writer.”