Page 28 of Defy the Highlander

Amy Dalry was the one who created the elaborate styles for Lady Currie’s hair and Lilia caught her gaze from across the room, appreciating the woman’s gentle smile. When so much of the chamber was hostile when Colly was there, it was nice to have someone who wasn’t shouting at her.

“Is there anything else I can do for ye, m’lady?” Lilia asked. “I can go back and find more of those pink flowers if ye’d like.”

Lady Currie was nearly finished arranging the flowers. “Mayhap tomorrow,” she said. “These are quite lovely, Lilia.”

Lilia smiled proudly, noting that Colly was glaring at her from across the room. She ignored the woman. “Thank ye, m’lady,” she said.

Lady Currie put the last flower in place and then had Amy and another maid move them to various places around the chamber. Without much to occupy her time, and boredom a real threat, the placement of the flowers was an ordeal. When the vases were finally in the correct place, Lady Currie sighed with satisfaction.

“Excellent,” she said. “They brighten the chamber a great deal. That reminds me. Lilia, I was thinking on having you create another gown for me, a bright and beautiful creation made specially to wear to the Ludus Caledonia.”

Lilia cocked her head curiously. “I’d be happy tae, m’lady,” she said. “What did ye have in mind?”

Lady Currie went to her overstuffed bed, laying back on the mattress. “Since the Ludus Caledonia emulates Ancient Rome, I was thinking on a gown that looks like something a woman from Rome would wear,” she said. “Don’t you think that would be stunning?”

Lilia wasn’t so sure, but she nodded. “I’m sure it would be beautiful, m’lady,” she said. “But… but I dunna know exactly what they look like.”

Lady Currie waved a hand at her. “Laird Currie has pieces from Ancient Rome in his solar,” she said. “Ask him to show you. Tell him I want you to make me a dress in that fashion.”

“Aye, m’lady.”

Lady Currie’s gaze lingered on her a moment before turning away. The woman seemed to be out of sorts on this day, looking a bit pale. Even Lilia could see that. In fact, she curled up on the bed, which was unlike her in the afternoon.

“I do not think we shall go to The Cal tonight,” she said. “I am feeling too weary to travel this evening.”

“Then ye should rest, lamb,” Colly said, moving over to the bed and already fussing over her. “Ye dunna need tae go out again tonight. Ye go out too much as it is.”

Lady Currie frowned as Colly pulled the coverlet over her, trying to swaddle her like a babe. “I am not ill, merely tired,” she said. “But your concern is sweet. Dear Colly, what would I do without you?”

Colly smiled at her but made sure to glance around the chamber, especially to Lilia, to make sure everyone had heard the praise.

“Rest, lamb,” Colly said. “I will chase everyone out so ye may sleep.”

“Nay,” Lady Currie grabbed hold of Colly’s hand. “Please… they may stay. I do not want to be alone. But I would like something to eat.”

“I’ll go,” Lilia said, quickly moving for the chamber door. “What would ye like, m’lady? Wine? Cheese?”

“Broth,” Colly barked at her. “Did ye not hear? She is feeling poorly. Bring her broth and watered wine.”

“And bread,” Lady Currie said. “If Cook has any sweets, I want those, too. Thank you, Lilia.”

As Lilia scurried away, Colly seemed to be paying an inordinate amount of attention to the door that Lilia had just passed through. Those dark eyes were contemplating something, undoubtedly to do with Lilia. She patted Lady Currie’s hand.

“I’ll go with her tae make sure she brings ye back something tae tempt yer appetite,” she said. “Be still, lamb. I’ll return shortly.”

She moved away from the bed, but Lady Currie stopped her. “You’ll not fight with Lilia, Colly,” she said. “Please. No fighting.”

Colly forced a smile and nodded her head, but she didn’t reply. The moment she was certain Lady Currie couldn’t see her face, the smile vanished.

She headed out the door.

Unaware that Colly was coming for her, Lilia scurried through the servant’s passage that led to the kitchens. She thought she’d escaped unscathed from the situation, relieved that Lady Currie really hadn’t questioned why she’d been gone so long. Lilia had come back with a basket brimming with flowers and that seemed to be all Lady Currie was concerned with.

The kitchens of Hawkhill were part of the vault, chambers with low barrel ceilings that could become quite warm when the hearths were going full bore. As Lilia came down a small flight of stairs into the kitchen, she saw Tynan lugging a full bucket of water. The child’s face lit up with a smile when he saw her.

“What’s wanting, Lilia?” he asked.

She smiled in return, putting her hand on his straw-like hair affectionately. “M’lady is hungry,” she said. “I’ve come tae see what Cook has for her.”