Read Online Highland Burn by Victoria Zak - Free Book Online Page B

she had been accused of committing.
    Honestly Abigale didn’t want to be touched by anyone, but she felt like she could trust this woman. “Aye,” she smiled meekly.
    Working the soap into a lather, the woman let out a soft chuckle. “Dinnae worry, it will be over before ye know it.”
    “What will be over?” Abigale was confused.
    “Aye, ye are a married woman now. Yer husband will want to bed his wife.”
    Abigale laughed silently to herself. Apparently this woman didn’t know how James felt about her and the whole marriage arrangement. He’d made that perfectly clear. I dinnae want a wife , she mocked to herself. Then just like a change in the wind Abigale’s thoughts turned on her. Back at Castle Douglas they had made everyone believe that they had consummated their marriage. Obviously, this woman knew differently.
    “How do ye know we haven’t… ye know… already?"
    The woman got up and retrieved a pitcher. “Lass, yer secret is safe with me.”
    And she did believe her secret was safe, for the gray-haired woman had showed her more kindness than anyone had recently. She had a kind approachable way about her and Abigale felt as if she could trust her.
    Abigale bit her bottom lip with worry and let out a shaky breath. “I’ve nae been with a man.” Looking down at her hands she nervously picked at her nails. "I’ve heard it hurts.”
    “Aye lass, but only for a wee bit. Dinnae worry yer pretty head aboot it.” Reaching over, the woman grabbed a pitcher full of fresh water. “Now, lean back so I can rinse the soap out yer hair.”
    Abigale leaned her head back and looked up at the woman. “I’m no used to all this fuss.”
    “Yer the lady of the hoose… of course we will fuss over ye. Besides I like ye.” The woman winked at her and gave her a warm smile like a mother would give a child.
    Recalling the last eight years, she’d benefitted from being the king’s daughter and look where that had gotten her. Multiple tongue lashings and extra duties. There was no royal treatment for her; princess was just a given title. Abigale guessed she should be thankful. Even though she was a bastard, her father had recognized her as his own and that was a blessing in its own right. Nay, she would be treated like everyone else.
    “I dinnae expect any special treatment. I’m no much of a cook, but I can help.”
    The woman clucked her tongue. “There’s no need to help—“
    “I insist,” Abigale said firmly.
    “Well then, ye are the lady, so if that’s yer wish then—“
    “It is.”
    After a few moments of silence the woman stood. “I’ll leave a fresh gown out for ye and I’ll be back with some food.” She started to leave the wash area when Abigale called out, “Wait, yer name!”
    The woman turned around and faced Abigale. “Me name is Alice.”
    Tears started to fill Abigale’s eyes. “Thank ye Alice for being so kind to me.”
    Alice gave her the warmest smile, giving Abigale hope. Hope that mayhap she would find happiness here at Black Stone on the Hill.
    ~~~~~
    “I’ve no met a princess before,” Effie confessed as she blew a ringlet of bright red hair from her eye.
    “Effie, I think ye have washed that plate clean.” Alice was quite aware how nervous Effie was of meeting Abigale. Word had spread fast that the princess of Scotland was here and now wed to their clan’s chief.
    Drying off the spotless plate Effie turned to Alice who was preparing the nightly feast. The whole clan was coming together tonight in celebration of the return of their chief and his new bride.
    “Alice, is she pretty? I wonder how many wonderful fairytale stories she has about growing up in royalty.” Indeed, Effie was day dreaming herself about a prince charming and a happily ever after.
    “Effie!” Alice scolded, “Keep yer head out of the clouds, lass. There is much work to be done. Grab that basket of carrots and start choppin'.” Effie sauntered over to the basket and began her kitchen