“I allowedbeing laird to consume almost every waking moment, and I never took time likethis with her. I regret that.”
Marion’sthroat tightened at the pain in his voice. Was he wishing Catriona were hereinstead of her? Or was he trying to tell her that he did not want to repeat thepast? She wanted to ask him, but she was afraid of the answer, so she keptsilent all the way back to the castle.
Several days later, as Marion worked in the kitchenlearning how to cook some of Iain’s favorite dishes, Kyla came to stand by her.“My lady,” Kyla started, her voice tentative.
“Marion,” she corrected.
“Aye. Marion.” The cook grinned. “Idunnae mean to cause offense, but I see that ye seem to wear the same gown eachday.”
Marion felt her cheeks heat. “Yes,I had to leave my home rather hastily, and there was no time to pack gowns.Bridgette loaned me one, but it became filthy and tore on the trip here.Bridgette did lend me another that I wore to supper the first night, but—”
“Ye need nae explain it,” Kylasaid, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Yer gown was the talk of the kitchen,and I ken well that ye could nae wear it about in the day to do work. So thegown ye have on is yer only one?”
“It’s not even mine,” Marion said.“It’s Bridgette’s. I’ve been meaning to ask about getting someone to sew gownsand a cloak for me.”
“I’m a fair hand at sewing, if Isay so myself,” Kyla said. “I’d be honored if ye would allow me to sew ye somegowns. I’ve never sewn anything as fancy as ye wear, but I’d like to try.”
“That would be lovely,” Marionagreed. “Thank you.”
“If ye’ll come to my cottage latertoday, I’ll fit ye. I sewed a few gowns for Catriona, and she requested a morefitted style, so I do have some experience. I have some material at home, aswell, and I’m sure some of the girls in the kitchen will be happy to lend ye agown or two until yers are ready so ye dunnae take all Bridgette’s gowns,” Kylasaid with a wink.
“I’ll lend you one,” Elspethoffered.
“You’re certain?” Marion asked. “Idon’t want to cause any trouble for you.”
“It won’t be any trouble at all,”Elspeth said with a smile.
Once Marion got directions to Kylaand Neil’s home, she and Elspeth left for Elspeth’s cottage so she could fetcha gown for Marion to borrow. Marion’s stomach turned as they neared the homeand she saw Fiona going inside.
By the time she and Elspeth reachedthe front door, it swung open and Fiona came charging out carrying a basketfull of embroidery. She stopped, and her eyes narrowed. “What are you doinghere?” She glanced between Marion and Elspeth and then speared Elspeth with astare. “And why are you withher?”
Elspeth jutted her chin out at hersister. “She needs to borrow some gowns until she has new ones made, and I’veone stashed in a trunk that none of us wear.”
Fiona’s lips parted, and shegasped. “She can’t wear that gown!”
“Of course she can,” Elspethreplied. “Don’t be so petty. Think how pleased the MacLeod will be when he seesthat ye’re striving to be civil.”
Though Marion didn’t love thatFiona needed coaxing to be nice to her, especially in the hopes of gainingIain’s favor, it did immediately work.
Fiona fairly grinned. “How cleverye are, little sister.”
Elspeth bit her lip. “I justremembered that I forgot to add a spice to my soup! I must make haste to thekitchen. Fiona, please retrieve the gown for Marion.”
Fiona scowled. “I don’t see why Ihave to be the one to—”
“Fiona, please!” Elspeth begged. “Imust go tend to the soup!”
“I’ll come back another time,”Marion offered.
“I’ll do it,” Fiona grumbled.
Elspeth called a thank-you as shedisappeared back in the direction from which they had come not moments ago.
Marion felt Fiona’s glare on her.She took a deep breath and met the woman’s gaze. “I don’t want to be enemies.”
“Nay?” Fiona snarled. “Then leave.”
Marion’s anger stirred. “Why do youhate me so? It’s not my fault your sister died. I don’t want to make anyoneforget her, and I’m sorry I took the place you thought was to be yours.”
