AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Nineteen
Fiona was reading a few letters when Amelia arrived at the breakfast table the next morning.
“Hello, my dear! You’re looking fresh. Did you sleep well?” Fiona had on a soft green gown with a square neckline, and her brown hair was up in curls.
Amelia smiled as she sat down next to her friend. The maid had curled her hair as well, and she felt crisp and new in a brown dress, ready for their walk after breakfast.
“Yes, I did, thank you. I’m becoming quite used to this house. It’s really very cozy. And did you sleep well, Fiona?”
“I did rather. I’m feeling quite restored and ready for our walk after we have a bit to eat. Oh, I did want to let you know, my dear, that Donald will be by today to have tea. He has not visited often in the past, but I supposed he wants to change that.”
Amelia was in the middle of biting into a piece of toast when she paused.Donald. Perhaps he’d forget about the discussion they’d had at the Hogmanay feast? But, his request is not that strange, and shouldn’t do much harm to anyone.Amelia calmed herself with this thought and changed the subject.
“Shall I take tea with you both, then?”
“Oh, please do! You are my companion, after all.”
Amelia quickly remembered the request she wanted to make of Fiona as she filled her plate with food. “Fiona, I had mentioned to you before about the possibility of my friend coming to visit. Would that be acceptable? She will be traveling in Scotland, and as we’ve not seen each other for many weeks, she wanted to request a visit to Kinnaird Castle.”
Fiona’s face lit up, and she clapped her hands. “Why, of course, dear! She will be most welcome. She may stay at the castle if she likes. Any friend of yours, sweet girl, will be a friend of ours. When would she like to visit?”
“Well, I have a letter here, requesting her to come in the next few weeks. She is not too far away, as she’s traveling in the country, but I wanted to discuss it with you first. I know it is a bit unconventional, but my family…” Amelia’s expression fell, slightly.
Fiona waited for an explanation from her mysterious young friend. She knew there was something behind her coming to the castle, but she didn’t want to press her. When Amelia didn’t finish her sentence, Fiona replied, “Oh dear, it is a wonderful idea. We will send your letter today, and I look forward to meeting your friend. Is she married?”
Amelia’s smile returned, grateful for Fiona’s ladylike manners. “No, she is unmarried. Her father is quite strict and places a lot of restrictions on her. I believe she will enjoy the freedom of the castle.”
“I see. Well I hope she will enjoy her time. How blessed am I to be given two young, pretty companions in my old age? We will have fun.”
“Perfect!” Amelia stood, her letter to Marianne in her hand, too excited to wait. “Are there any letters you would like me to give to the boy for post?”
“No, thank you. But you must promise you will eat your breakfast after you return from giving him the letters.”
Amelia laughed. “Of course!” Then, she raced off to the kitchens.
* * *
Fiona sat across from Donald, a sweet smile on her face as she poured her nephew tea. “So? To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Donald?”
They sat in a small parlor off the main hall, reserved only for private guests.
Donald took a sip and said, “Tae nothing, Aunt Fiona. I simply come tae visit ye and Jamie. Has been a long time since we’ve spent much time together. Grows rather lonely at the old fort.” He sat back in his chair, a stiff smile on his face.
Fiona touched him on the arm. “I know that loneliness well, nephew. And I miss your dear mother very much.” At the mention of his parent, Donald lost his smile and his greasy demeanor returned.
“Aunt Fiona, would ye happen tae know where the birth records are found? For my father and uncle, I mean?”
Fiona sipped her tea and furrowed her brow. “The church will have them, of course. But,” she paused for a moment. “I believe we have other copies, being the laird’s family. They would be in Jamie’s workroom. I can ask him for you if you like. But why?”
Donald waved a hand at her suggestion. “Not tae worry. I shall ask him meself. I simply wanted tae check something. Ye donnae need tae fash yerself over it.”
Fiona acquiesced for the moment, but she didn’t enjoy the heavy feeling that developed in her stomach, a sense of foreboding. She passed a plate of tarts to Donald and replaced the smile on her face. “Tell me, are there any women in your life, Donald? Are you looking to marry?”
Donald grumbled and crossed his arms. “Nay, aunt. I have not been so fortunate yet. None of the women of me acquaintance want anything tae do with me.”
Fiona could not help but agree in her mind, but she tried to conciliate her nephew. “Well that just means the right one has not yet come along.”
Donald didn’t reply. Footsteps sounded outside of the room until Amelia appeared at the doorway, breathless, her hair a tad askew.
