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CHAPTERTEN
The gown was more elaborate than anything she had ever worn. It was made of soft, luxurious muslin and felt soft against her skin.
Her father had the dressmakers make dresses for her and Amelia and as a result, they always wore practical clothes made of common fabrics.
The bright color of her dress drew more attention to her than she would have liked, but the people's approval was enough.
She cared about what people thought. She expected themto have high expectations of her as the clan's lady andwas determined to helpin any way she could. Seeing them happily eat the bread confirmed her feelings. It was obvious that theMcKay clan had been without a lady for far too long.
“Milady, may I lead ye to Milaird?” Rayuk asked.
Nora paused only briefly before nodding. She had to sit next to her husband. She knew what was expected of her, and she was determined to fulfill it. Her nervousness, on the other hand, was unavoidable.
Nora recalled the few parties they'd been to in England. There was always plenty of food, and much of it went to waste. She knew, however, that the McKay clan would not waste any forthey ate their bowls of soup and loaves of bread with gratitude in their eyes.
There is a need for me here. She felt it deeply. Maybe, just maybe I’ll find a place here. Maybe.
When Nora arrived at the table, her thoughts came to a halt. Jonan, Callan, and Leah were seated at the round wooden table. But when her gaze met Jonan's, she forgot about everything else. Only then, sheallowed herself to really look at him for the first time.
Grey eyes, long wavy hair, smooth alabaster skin, and muscles… he was everything she imagined.
He was dressed in a white shirt that was rolled up to his elbows — her husband was a handsome man. Nora abruptly averted her eyes, perplexed by the sudden change in the air.
“Go enjoy the feast, Rayuk. I will take over yer duties of guarding me wife.” Jonan said.
Rayuk bowed and headedfor the other soldiers.
She was nervous, but she tried to hide it as best she could.
“You must be Leah,” she smiled at the beautiful young girl dressed in a frock that Nora found delightful.
“Aye,” she beamed and nodded. “I’m Leah, milady.”
Nora took a napkin from the tableand draped it over her lap. It was a lovely dress, and a drop of spilled soup would ruin it; thus, she firmly tucked the napkin in place.
“Please, call me Amelia,” she smiled. Formalities wouldn’t do. “You look lovely, Leah.”
“Thank you,” Leah blushed. “You look like a lady,” she said, shyly in return. She grabbed a roll of bread off the platter and began to eat.
Nora smiled as she carefully chose a roll for herself. She observed the youngster tearing a piece of bread to dip into the broth. However, Leah's hand stoppedbefore the bread touched the broth.
Everyone had been watching the little girl.
“Is anything amiss?” Jonan asked.
“Full already?” Callan asked.
The men asked simultaneously. Nora hid a grin as Leah shook her head.
“Forgot me napkin,” Leah said in a frustrated sigh. She shot the napkins an annoyed look, as though they were to blame.
Nora laughed at her cuteness. “Allow me,” she said. She grabbed a napkin and tucked it in Leah’s dress collar and beamed. “All set!”
“Thank you!” She smiled shyly and resumed eating.
“I have yet to see ye eat, Amelia,” Jonan said to her. Nora could no longer ignore the fact that the man she had been avoiding all day was next to her. “Mayhap,” he leaned to whisper into her ear, causing her to stiffen, “ye will speak to me now.”
Nora said nothing, but she began to eat. She hadn't forgotten how he had made her feel in the kitchen, and she was determined not to let it happen again. It was a good meal, but she knew she could improve it if she had more ingredients.
