14Chapter 3
Adie looked to her father and back to the man who had claimed to be Laird McNamara. Although she couldn't see his features because he was in the shadow of the door, she could tell that he had an aura that held fierceness and an attitude.
Coll knew once the question was asked about who he was, he knew that Adie was a delicate lass, English at that. He also knew right then and there that it was going to be hard with Miss Adie in present. He knew her situation well enough and knew she didn't know the full danger of the situation just by looking at the way her father protected her earlier. It may have come from instinct, but her father was protecting her from the predators out to get her.
Adie's father looked to his daughter and then to Coll. Not finding the support he needed he turned to the only person he knew who had reason enough in his head. James looked far different from when Macrae had last seen him in England all those years ago. He looked better in a sense, Macrae couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew well enough that his nephew was a changed man. A changed man, aye, but it was for the better. He seemed more at peace here then he ever did in England and that's one thing that caught Macrae off guard the most. It was true that England had ruined poor James, but Macrae would never have thought James to be the Scotland type. He could not blame James though because in truth the highlands were the most peaceful and tranquil places he had ever been.
Macrae shook his head to clear his head of all thoughts before he got lost within himself and that was never a good idea. Looking back down at Adie laying in bed, Macrae gently took her hand and squeezed it. Then he looked towards the door and with a silent agreement the men left the room.
Adie didn't like the idea of being alone in a house or what the Scottish liked to call holdings. Silently examining the room Adie took in the wealth that the Scottish must have obtained. The floors were covered with furs of different animals and the walls had showings of bears skin with its face still attached. The bed she was laying in was a four-poster bed. It was finely crafted with love and care. Adie had never seen such a beautiful and refined piece like it before. Adie's mind suddenly drifted toward the memory of her and her mother sharing a moment on her bed, the bed being just like this one. Smiling softly of the memory Adie let the memory wash over her. Her mother. Oh how she missed her. She could barley remember her facial features much less her scent, but that was the one thing that made Adie sad. She knew her scent somewhat and even though it might not have been precise, she knew if she ever caught the aroma of her mother she would be able to tell right away. Even though Adie was barely even eight, she could remember the small things about her mother. The way her mother smiled over something silly, like when Adie would accidentally trip over a root from a tree and fall face first. At the time Adie saw it as rude and without emotion for her well-being, but now she saw clearly that her mother loved her unlike no other. Slowly tears came to Adie's eyes and she shuttered and wiped away the tears gliding down her cheek.
Remembering that she was all alone, Adie wondered what her father, James, and the Laird were talking about. What ever it may have been didn't seem too good by the look in her father's eyes. But then again Adie had her moments where she misjudged her father entirely.
Back at the Great HallMacrae leaned against the hearth and listened intently of the argument going on around him. There were soldiers to his right wearing a black and blue plaid symbolizing which clan they came from. Of course it was McNamara's men. They were fierce looking, with swords attached to their waist.
Turning around slowly he eyed his nephew and the Laird yelling like men ready for war. But in truth they were arguing about how long he, Macrae and Adie would stay here at the holding. Macrae understood in full that the Scots couldn't stand the English. The English were the Scots poison and vise versa. He just wanted to get Adie far away as possible from potential danger. That's all he wanted and he would do anything.
Walking over, Macrae put his hand on his nephew's shoulder silently signaling him to stop talking for the moment. And that was exactly what Gaghran (James) did.
Looking at McNamara, Macrae knew then and there that his daughter could very well be McNamara's weakness.
"McNamara, I know you detest the English and that is truly justified, but I need to keep Adie safe and truthfully this was the only idea I could think of. I understand you only wanted us here for a few days, but we need a little longer. Adie was just poisoned and she needs to slowly get back on her feet so she doesn't go back into relapse." Looking at McNamara now Macrae knew he was hitting somewhere deep. Wherever there was a vicious cat, there was always something caring and nice hiding underneath.
"I have been informed that all you needed was some time to get the men off your trail and then you would be on your way. Was I missed informed?" Coll asked politely enough. He knew exactly where this was going. He knew the man standing in front of him would manipulate the situation to fit his needs and Coll was ready for it.
"No not at all. Mayhap you could take into consideration the magnitude of the situation. She could be killed. Is that reason to rush her now, look what happened to her, she was poisoned!" Macrae gestured wildly to make his point.
"I understand that much…I just don't know if I can trust you in my holding, on my land, and with my people."
"Ah so that's the problem at hand. Well if that's all then we can take care of that right away." Coll looked at Macrae, he definitely underestimated him.
"How so may I ask Macrae?" Coll asked. There was a gleam of mocking in his eyes.
"I swear on my wife's grave that I will not harm anything that you own. And that is a promise that couldn't be broken, until my death. So what do you say, will you let us stay a forth night?" Macrae held his hand out in a show of sealing the promise.
Sighing Coll gave in. There wasn't much more he could do. The man just swore on his wife, his wife of all people. Shaking his head Coll took Macrae's hand and firmly gripped and shook.
James looked upon this with surprise. Usually Coll didn't give in so easily to things such as this. When it came to the English he made sure that there was some way he could get around it. And then he saw it, the weakness, Coll's weakness. It was evident that he cared about women in every aspect and that's what it was. Macrae made a promise and swore on his deceased wife and Coll gave his sympathy by allowing both Macrae and Adie to stay. His weakness was so simple, but could affect everything.
Looking at each other the three men nodded and went there separate ways. Gaghran went to his chamber, Coll went outside to inspect his horse because he was going hunting that afternoon, and Macrae went towards the guest chamber also now known as Adie's room.
Adie sat there quietly waiting and getting impatient at the same time. It was true she had a temper like no other, but when she did end up exploding she would cry. Last time something like that was the day her mother…Adie fought off the memory when her father walked in.
"Adie, we are able to stay her for awhile, but it's not long. It's the best I could do. I'm sorry." Macrae told Adie this with his face down cast. Adie thought she seen his eyes filled with sadness. Why? She couldn't really tell.
"That's good news, right? Yes I do think so. No worries now father, please realize this." Adie grabbed her father's hand to emphasize her point. "Father, do you think we are truly welcomed here? Or will it take a little more time to be accepted?"
Pondering his daughter's thoughts for a minute he finally answered her, "At the moment we're only welcomed by your cousin and the acceptance will take a little while longer for some." Suddenly Macrae remembered that McNamara didn't know anything about James's past and to be exposed of his past could mean punishment or worse death. Looking at Adie Macrae said, "Adie you have to promise me you won't openly talk about James and all the things that use to be, the people here wouldn't understand and they wouldn't be pleased with him."
Adie rolled her eyes; she already knew she couldn't talk about any of that. Macrae seen her roll her eyes and laughed in his mind. She reminded him so much of her mother when she was younger, maybe a little more naïve, but otherwise very similar.
"Father I know what precautions to take concerning James and his past. I won't say a word about it to anyone here. He will have to come out with it on his own sometime or another. I am sure he has guilt about not telling his Laird; his friend."
"Adie it's not likely that will be happening, but right now that isn't the topic of discussion. Do you think you are up to having dinner with the Laird? We need to make an alliance and trust with him in order for others to do the same for us. So are you fair enough?" Before Adie answered Macrae touched her forehead looking for a temperature. Adie pushed his hand away. She was tired of being treated like an invalid. She just wanted to stick it to the people and prove them wrong and what better way than being there for dinner? A smile formed on her face, she was going to dinner and prove herself, after all that was her favorite part of meeting new people.
"Ah father, I am capable of going down tonight, this time I can get a good look at this so called Laird," Adie said with triumph in her voice. Slowly she got up, walked to the door and called for the chambermaid. If she was going to prove herself she was going to look presentable. Looking back at her father's worried face, she smiled genuinely and shooed him out, then promising not to over exert herself in getting dressed, but truthfully she new her corset would be uncomfortable, but that was common. She was definitely not going to tell her father that though.
The chambermaid came in with a smile on her face. She was quite beautiful. With her hair in a braid that reached the middle of her back she was naturally beautiful. Her eyes were the color of the ocean and she walked with grace and confidence. She had curves that most men would ogle. She was dressed in somethingAdie had never seen before. It was colorful and went well with the complexion of the young chambermaid.
"Milady it is my pleasure this evening to be helping you," said the chambermaid and she curtsied slightly out of respect. Adie admired that. Oh how the simple things could make some happy.
"May I ask what your name is?"
"Anice is my name, it means grace," the chambermaid or Anice said shyly. Adie had to smile at this, already she liked her.
"A beautiful name, it's nice to meet you, maybe can help me through this place." Anice looked at her with curious eyes. Adie decided that she would tell her, "Truthfully I am afraid of this place, I have been told stories that would send children crying to there mother's. What mayhap you say to that Anice?"
Anice looked at the lady in front of her, she was surprised she had spoken her feelings so openly. Smiling slightly at the thought of Scotland being scary made Anice smile. She chose her words slowly, "Milady the stories you have been told were either made up or they were told by people that ran into trouble when in Scotland. We are truly people just like you. Some ruder than others, but all in all we are the same as you if you were in England," Anice coughed on the last part, "Even though I rather dislike England and it's more free here in Scotland, it's similar."
"I rather disagree at this point in time Anice, it seems things are done differently here. It seems here in Scotland it's more secluded for different clans. Is that the right word, clans?" Adie asked this as she made her toward the post of the bed so Anice could do up her corset.
"Aye, Milady you are correct."
"Ah Anice there's no need to be so formal, you cancall me Adie. After all I think you as an equal." Adie felt a sudden stop in the tightening of her laces. She guessed the last statement caught the young lady off guard.
"M-Adie, that is very kind of you to say so. I hope that people see you as I see you," Anice replied kindly. It was true she had never met someone that was superior in stature to her who treated her as an equal. She was a lousy chambermaid without a husband and a terrible past. When she walked into the chambers of Miss Adie she felt instantly comfortable. Her aura was strong with beauty and caring. Anice knew then and there that it wouldn't be too hard for Adie to settle in here at the holding, but for some it would be hard to accept an English women in there mists, like Laird McNamara. Although her brother kept her here at the holding, he treated her with no respect because of her past discretions and she was getting tired of Coll's attitude. At that moment Anice knew, she knew that Adie would be the solution. It was like fate or a laid out plan sent by the heavens. It was enough hope for Anice.
Finally Anice finished lacing the corset and said her goodbye, promising that she would come back later on.
After Anice left Adie felt like she hadn't pin pointed something about the young chambermaid. All she knew was that she was just that, a chambermaid. Shaking her head she went back to dressing, she picked out a light blue dress that fit her perfectly. Back in England dresses like these could get her a lot of callers. She put her hair into a braid that almost reached her bum. After examining herself she made her way down for dinner.
Downstairs was filled with soldiers waiting for their plates to be filled with food and their goblets filled with ale. The chambermaids rushed around to accommodate the hungry soldiers, here and there they stopped to take a breath and then they were back at it again. Coll was standing at the hearth, starring at the flames with exhaustion. His hunting expeditions went well, but it was tiring since previously all they had done was rage war. Shaking his head he turned around just in time to see Adie walk down the stairs. He hadn't really seen her previously because Gaghran was blocking his view, but now that he could see her he knew why Macrae would want to protect her. She was a beauty, not just a beauty, but she had something in the way she moved and the way her eyes gleamed. Adie hadlong brownhair and at that moment Coll wanted to take her hair out it's braid and run his fingers through it. It was like her curves were made to make men have sinful thoughts, but Coll couldn't help it with the blue dress she was wearing. She was confident with her chin raised high in a prideful manner. Coll did his best to look away and when he did he caught the stares of the other men looking at the luscious Lady Adie. He scowled his best and then turned back to see Adie stand next to a chair. Just then chairs scrapped against the floor. All the men had stood in politeness for Adie and she shook her head signifying they could sit back down and resume what they were doing. The soldiers did so and most were starring at her, whispering of her beauty in gasps. Adie had already sat down not paying attention to the commotion around her.
Adie knew they were talking about her. She was getting stares that no man should give an unmarried woman. In response to some of their gazes of her she smiled softly, not wanting to give off the wrong impression. But what fascinated her most was the man sitting at the end of the table with a goblet in hand drinking his ale. Laird McNamara was strong in body and mind, Adie didn't need to test that, just the lusty look he gave her earlier helped her come to that conclusion. His muscles were bulk and he wore the same plaid as the others. He had brown hair that went to his shoulders and he had a smile unlike no other. Adie knew this because a soldier had told a joke, which caused him to laugh and show off his awesomely white smile. He was everything Adie imagined a God to look like.
Adie finally took her attention off of the laird long enough to catch a glimpse of James walk into what looked like the kitchen. If the women going through the door didn't give it away. Shaking her head Adie went back to eating and listening to the activity going on around her.
Later on when Adie was getting up to go for a walk Coll stopped her. He starred at her intently as if to figure out her secrets and then smirked. Smirked of all things, why, well now that was as confusing as men themselves. But she did it right back, but Coll thought it rather sensual.
"Adie, how about I show you around the holding." She smiled genuinely at his offer.
He showed her the many rooms, the bailey, the kitchen that was full of bluster among other things, and he showed her his favorite spot to think, the meadow. It was a lush green, open meadow with flowers and game of wild. It was so peaceful and serene that even the Gods would have found it an escape.
Adie enjoyed this little amount of time in the meadow. She knew she wasn't going to be able to get under the surface of the laird right away, but she could tell he was trying his best to be inviting. He would give her secret smiles here and there, but maybe she was wrong. Adie didn't really get to think much on it because her thoughts were interrupted by a husk voice.
"Do you know lass, that when you think your emotions are clear for all to see?" She signed knowing that she had been caught and answered nicely enough, "Well the only way they would be seeing it is if they were watching me, so I am thinking that you were, were you not?" She narrowed her eyes at him and then he laughed. It was low and pleasant. It sent Adie's stomach into fits. She couldn't help but smile at thought of him becoming comfortable around her of all people. She felt the need to tell him.
" I do say so, that you are becoming rather forthright in front of me, why such a change now?" Adie knew the question had stricken him and he stiffened noticeably. Laughing she said, "You should know theres nothing to be afraid of when it comes to me, it's not like I would go to your room at night and kill you. I promise. I would be sweeter about it. But also it's good to know you are becoming accustomed to me." When the last statement was said Coll snorted. Oh how the dear lass beside him knew nothing. Very naïve in fact.
"Lass, I wouldn't be so sure about that last statement, I am doing what I must as my position of 're English and I am Scottish. That's all there really is to it," Coll said matter-of –factly. As he looked down at the women beside him he knew he had awoken a fire of anger. She stopped, looked him in the eye, and then stomped away. It was true; she really was childish in her actions and beliefs. Sighing he ran after her. Once he caught up with her, he turned her around and smiled smugly. That action infuriated Adie more so. She again looked him in the eye and stated hotly, "If you find that you are disgusted to even walk beside or much less talk to me then cease to do either, after all your laird, you do what you please." With that said she was off, again.
Coll looked at her retreating figure and knew that she was going to be difficult and feisty beauty. Coll always loved a challenge and this one was no different. Smiling to himself, for the second time he ran after her, but with a different plan in mind, one that would probably drive her to sanity. He loved her reactions and this next time would be no different.
I guess this chappie was kind of pointless, but I needed to get back into writing this story and get fimiliar with the characters again. But I love this story either way, even though I was having some difficulty with weather or not I should have deleted it. But I am all good now and I will try to get some better chapters out. OMG! I hope you realize that this is the longest chapter I have writen so far in this story. ! lolz. Just trying to stay positive, it's always the best way. Well anyway. Review!
Nikkole15