She glanced at the large grandfather clock that decorated one far corner, double-checking that she was correct. And, of course, she was.
“It’s a house of early risers,” Catherine said cheerfully. “The Laird is strict about the bairns beginnin’ their studies early. So, they get up each mornin’ at the same time that he does. They eat and then go to meet their tutor.”
“Then I will be eatin’ alone.”
The words were out of Emilie’s mouth before she heard how whiny they sounded.
Who was she to whine about her current situation? She was wearing fine clothes. And no doubt, when she walked into that dining room and moved one of the coverings from the plate of food, it would be food that was rich in flavor and prepared with great care.
“Me apologies,” she said quickly, shaking her head to clear it. “I dinnae mean to sound ungrateful. I’ve just…”
Emilie paused, her mind casting around as she tried to figure out how to explain it all. She was unsure how much everyone within the castle knew about Emilie’s past, whether she had come from the abbey or how long she had spent there.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten alone, is all,” was how she decided to finish.
She glanced at Catherine, noticing the other woman shifting awkwardly on her feet.
The poor lass doesnae ken what to do.
An idea struck Emilie, making her smile.
“Would ye sit with me?” she asked, her question clearly catching Catherine off guard.
The young maid’s eyes lit with shock, her eyebrows nearly disappearing into her hairline.
“Ye want me to stay with ye? To sit?”
Catherine’s voice was filled with disbelief, and Emilie could not stifle the small chuckle that bubbled up.
“I insist that ye do,” Emilie said, reaching forward and grabbing Catherine’s hand.
She led her through the dining room, stopping when they reached one of the sides containing two chairs.
“We’ll need them to bring out another plate,” Emilie said, glancing down at the singular setting sitting on the table.
“I already ate, me Lady,” Catherine responded quickly. “But I can sit and keep ye company.”
Emilie gave her another grateful grin, pulling out her chair and sitting down in it. Catherine settled herself beside her, turning and looking at her expectantly.
“It will be nice,” Emilie chimed, reaching forward and pulling up one of the covers on a dish, revealing roasted potatoes, “havin’ a friend in the castle.”
Color rose in the other woman’s cheeks.
“I daenae ken about that,” Catherine said quickly. “I’ve never been friends with a lady before. But I can be awfully good company.”
Emilie busied herself with loading up her plate, picking roasted potatoes, eggs, and a bit of carrots before turning back to Catherine.
“Well, either way, it’ll all be absolutely grand.”
She speared one of the carrots on her fork, bringing it to her mouth. This would be the perfect opportunity to get to know more about the Laird, and that was not an opportunity she was going to pass on.
“Tell me about Laird McGregor,” Emilie gushed, facing Catherine while she continued to eat. “How long have ye worked in the castle?”
“Well, I’ve been here since I was nineteen,” Catherine said, “so mayhaps three years now? And, he’s a fair employer. I have nae complaints.”
“He seems to have a bit of a temper on him,” Emilie mused, planning to hurl words and questions at Catherine so quickly that the woman wouldn’t have time to second-guess it. “Have ye ever seen him turn that temper on ye, or anyone else?”
Catherine shook her head, “Never. He is strict. But he is fair. All those he oversees love him. He’s ferocious to those who threaten us, though. And he will always protect the people he cares about.”