But in this harsh life, he longed for a woman’s softness at the end of the day.
***
The kitchen was noisy with the sound of pots and pans being washed as Ilysa came through the door.
“What do ye want now?” Cook demanded and pointed a large wooden spoon at her. “If they have complaints, I don’t want to hear them.”
“I’m so proud of all of ye.” Ilysa’s voice hitched as tears suddenly stung the back of her eyes. “Everything was perfect. Ye did our clan and our chieftain proud.” Whether Connor realized it or not.
Cook’s sour expression gave way to a crooked smile. “Thank ye, lass. Now shouldn’t ye be upstairs conversing with our important guests?”
“Connor and James have gone to talk in private, and the lady wished to retire early.” The saints be praised for that. “I think we each deserve a wee cup of the good wine, don’t you?”
In a twinkling Cook and his helpers cleared the worktable and pulled up stools. Ilysa poured the wine, and they toasted themselves and had a fine chat. Eventually, the others left to find their beds, but Ilysa and Cook stayed.
“I worked in this kitchen for twenty years before the damned MacLeods threw us out,” he said. “You’re not like any of the other mistresses of the castle. They’d never lend a hand nor share a cup with me.”
“I enjoy being useful,” Ilysa said, then added, “and I was dead set on winning ye over.”
Cook laughed. “You’re a determined lass.”
“Will we be friends then?” she asked.
“Aye.” He lifted his cup to hers. “Ye remind me of a ripe plum, soft and sweet, but with a pit at the center hard enough to break a tooth.”
It was Ilysa’s turn to laugh.
“I hear the chieftain was displeased with our warriors today,” the cook said. “Can’t say I blame him. ’Tis nothing like it was in the days of his father, when our warriors on Trotternish struck fear in the hearts of the MacLeods.”
“I’m sure they’re good men who only lack for training,” Ilysa said. “Connor will remedy that, though he can’t do it all himself. He needs a new captain of his guard.”
“Everyone here knows that the man the chieftain needs is Lachlan of Lealt.”
“Who’s he?”
“Lachlan is a hero in these parts for fighting the MacLeods when others fled,” Cook said. “He’s led raid after raid, and the MacLeods can’t catch him. After he attacks, he slips away like an eel.”
“This Lachlan sounds impressive,” Ilysa said.
“Ach, women love a mysterious man,” Cook said, waggling his bushy, gray eyebrows at her. “Lachlan is tall and fair-haired besides.”
“Surely, he has no time for women between all that raiding and slipping away?” Ilysa asked with a smile. “If this Lachlan is loyal, he ought to come to the castle now that our chieftain is here.”
“I expect he’ll arrive soon,” Cook said. “I heard he was visiting his father, who is in poor health.”
“Truly,” Ilysa said, leaning forward, “ye believe this Lachlan would make the best captain?”
“Aye, he has the respect of all the men here,” Cook said. “They owe their allegiance to the chieftain, of course, but they don’t know him. Most haven’t laid eyes on him since he was a young lad. They’ll be more willing to risk their lives to fight at his side if they see Lachlan there.”
“I appreciate your telling me,” Ilysa said.
“Ye should go to bed, lass,” Cook said, stifling a yawn. “Ye worked harder than any of us, and ye look tired.”
“You go on,” she said. “I’d like to sit here in the quiet and finish my cup of wine.”
Despite running all day, or perhaps because of it, Ilysa felt too edgy to sleep. Besides, she would be sharing a bed with Deirdre, and she was not in a hurry.
Tomorrow would be another long day, but it would be easier because she had won a key ally. Cook was obstreperous, but he could work miracles in the kitchen with a little help and encouragement.