“Aye. People love to celebrate their Laird’s happiness. There’s goin’ to be a lot of lairds and clans attendin’ tonight, My Lady. That is the most excitin’ part. Ye must look yer best. The Castle’s seamstress has prepared yer dress. I will bring it soon.”
Faye’s words ended on a squeal and seeing the girl’s excitement made Isla’s heart light. She chuckled because it was amusing to watch, then focused on her bath again.
After Faye left, Isla took off her night robe and got in the bath. She soaked herself in it and let the warm water ease her nerves while she inhaled the scent of rose oils Faye had used.
Isla sat a while and looked around the chamber. She remembered the dance with the Laird, and a smile crept up her lips. It seemed like he was skilled at it, and she couldn’t wait to dance with him tonight.
At least that is something to look forward to.
Isla finished her bath and headed down to the Great Hall to have breakfast with everyone else. Elliot and Aideen bowed to her when she entered. Jack was already seated at the table, and Jamie was the last to join them.
“My Lady,” the woman who walked in beside Jamie greeted. “I am Moira,” she said with a curtsy.
“She’s Jamie’s wife,” Elliot said as Moira straightened again and flashed a soft smile Isla’s way.
Jamie had taken his seat at the table without sparing Isla more than a nod, and Jack motioned for her to take his spot.
“It’s lovely to meet ye, Moira,” Isla said to Moira before she walked toward the table.
“Likewise, My Lady.”
“Please, call me Isla,” she said. Moira seemed not much older than her, and Isla at least wanted to have one person in this Castle who didn’t refer to her with the title.
They had specially cured Ayrshire bacon with game soup, and it was the first time Isla was enjoying soup since she arrived the Castle. She realized the food did not taste so strange to her as she ate that morning, and Jack constantly gave her more meat and vegetables.
His consciousness of her eating preferences made her notice how much attention he paid to those around him. Jack’s words from the previous night flashed in her mind as she ate, and it sparked her curiosity again.
After eating, she walked with Moira around the garden, and she enjoyed her company so much. “Why did I not meet you when I first arrived?” she asked Moira.
“That is because I was away at Onich,” Moira replied. “I am the Clan’s healer and I travel to treat the villagers who need me from time to time.”
“Healer,” Isla repeated. “I have always had interest in the art of treating people using herbs and plants.”
“That is perfect then, I could teach you,” Moira suggested even before Isla ended her statement. “I learned all I know about healin’ from the Laird’s late maither. She was very knowledgeable. A kind and sweet soul. The entire Clan loved her even though they despised her husband.”
“What happened to her?” Isla asked. Even though Jack had told her about his Clan’s hardship, he hadn’t said a lot about his parents. The little she knew from history told her that the late laird was a conqueror who dreamed of expanding his clan. History books mentioned little of his family life.
“She died shortly after the war that killed her husband and devastated us all. Ever since all the new Laird has done is try to restore peace. He is very different from his father.”
Isla knew that already. He had saved her life the first day they met.
“I will teach ye all I ken about healing if ye want.”
A tiny squeal escaped Isla at her excitement, and she pressed it down with a giggle as she got lost in the excitement of the moment. “I would love that very much,” Isla answered before adding, “Oh, this is going to be so much fun,” she said before she could stop herself.
Moira frowned a bit, and Isla quickly corrected herself. “I will enjoy learning from you, Moira.”
“As I will enjoy teaching My Lady.”
They hooked hands and continued their stroll. Isla had the feeling she just made a new friend.
* * *
Moira was nothing like Ada, Penny, and Katherine. She had an intelligent mind, and she also shared a passion for history. Isla enjoyed speaking with her because she found that she did not need to overtly explain the details of history whenever she brought up a conversation.
Moira led most of their talk about the Highland’s history as they finished preparing for the feast and headed to the Great Hall.
“Ye look the bonniest, Isla,” Moira told her as Isla stepped down the last stair and paused to look at herself. “This dress was made perfectly for ye.”