AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nora did not respond, thinkingit was appropriate to comment. She continued watching as Leah and her nurse left to play somewhere else..
“Lady Leah is a kind child. She will play with ye once she gets to ken ye,” Mae assured her. “Would ye like to see the town now, milady?” Mae asked.
“Yes,” she smiled.
“We can take a coach,” Mae suggested, but Nora did not know if her new husband would want her venturing out so soon.
“How about we take a walk instead?” she suggested.
Mae nodded, and the women soon found themselves walking the length of the lovely garden, passing working men and women who bowed deeply at their presence. Nora didn't enjoytheir manners because deep down, she was just like them.
“They do not have to bow. Could you tell them that?” she asked Mae, who shook her head.
“Ye are Lady McKay. In these lands, ye are our lady. They respect ye, and once they come to ken ye, they will love ye,” the girlsaid, and Nora smothered her worry. However, as they continued walking, shenoticed Maewas grimacing.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Milady, forgive me… but we have nae eaten today,” Mae whined.
“Oh, you’re right! I forgot! You should head to the kitchens once we reach the keep,” Nora told her. The sun was already high in the sky, and she knew that evening was not far away. It wasn't like her to complain, but she hoped her new husband wouldn't mind her helping out in the kitchens after the poor dinner the night before.
They walked back to their carriage and were assisted inside by the driver. The ride back made her nervous; she'd most likely need to see her husband soon.
They rode until sunset, and as the brilliant sun began to fade to orange, she hoped Amelia could see the same view from wherever she was.
Nora went to the large dining room for supper after a bath and a change of clothes.
“Has Laird McKay arrived?” she asked a servant.
“Nae, milady,” he replied courteously before leaving.
Where is he? He should at least treat me like a wife or speak to me to know my place here. Nora was mad at Jonan’s continued absence. It felt almost as though he was avoiding her.
Leah. Nora remembered the little girl and smiled. She had looked so happy. She decided that the next time she saw her, she would try to speak to her.
“Milady,” A footman entered with Nora's supper. He set it down and waited to be dismissed.
“Go and have your meal, please, you do not need to wait on me.”
“The cook will tend to ye, milady,” the man nodded and scurried out.
She felt nauseated again as she looked down at her food. The wheat appeared to be soggy and mashed together. It was served with a brown sauce that had a slightly stale odor. Nora reached for the plate of fruits that had been left on the table instead.
She bit into an apple and took a look around. The dining table could seat about twenty people. Yet, except for her, it was empty. A feeling of loneliness consumed her.
The chairs were as old as the table, but despite their age, they appeared to be in good condition. She could tell by looking around the room that the keep had been there for centuries.
“Milady?” The door opened to reveal a scullery maid dressed neatly in an apron. She didn't look Nora in the eyes and instead stood at the door.
Do I need to dismiss her? Nora thought to herself. She did not enjoy being waited upon.
The door to the dining room slid open again, and Nora turned to see an angry Jonan walk in. He gave her a small smile before settling into a seat at the head of the table, opposite her. There was a long distance between them, but shewas glad to have some company.
“Ye may leave us,” Jonan dismissed the maid before turning to Nora. “Good evening, Amelia,” he said to her.
He does not think it appropriate to address me? Nora fumed before she realized that he had! I am Amelia! She quickly reminded herself of her lie, which she needed to maintain lest the alliance between the Laird McKay and her father fall apart. Her sister would bear the consequences.
“Good evening, Laird McKay,” she replied.
He nodded to her and immediately began eating.
Nora glared at her husband, but he didn't return her gaze. He simply ate in silence.
Despite the fact that the food was terrible, Nora ate it, promising herself that she would make her own meal the next day.
Though he will certainly not get any of it.
