Part 40 (1/2)
She turned at the door. Arching a brow she shot him a haughty look.
”I will speak to Mistress Snow about sending a Highland wench to see to your needs. There may be an old crone about the place who will not find you too offensive.”
As she flounced from the room Brice lay back and gave in to a roar of laughter. The woman had fire. It was one of the many things he loved about her.
”Where are you off to?” Brice lay weakly against the cus.h.i.+ons and watched as Meredith drew a warm cape over her gown.
”I ride with Angus to view the repairs being done to the homes nearby.”
He nodded, oddly pleased that Meredith would take such an interest in the fate of his people. When she left in a flurry of cloak and bonnet he lay back and closed his eyes, annoyed at the weakness that kept him from taking charge as he had always done.
Angus had told him about Meredith's many kindnesses to the Highlanders who had been made homeless by Gareth MacKenzie's invaders. While the men repaired the burned- out cottages, the women and children had been made comfortable in Kinloch House. Meredith had given Mistress Snow permission to use whatever was left in the burned- out storehouse to see that everyone was given enough food and clothing.
The refectory had become an open kitchen to all.
Brice lay back, listening to the sounds of activity. The forest rang with axes felling trees for new cottages. Below stairs was the bleat of a Newborn babe. In the courtyard the women called to one another as they hung their clothes to dry. The halls resounded with the barking of the hounds as they romped with the children who seemed to fill every room. The sound of their joyous laughter was everywhere.
Because of Meredith's kind concern, his people shared his home, his food, his supplies, until they could once again see to their own needs.
Meredith had taken this cold ancient castle and had filled it with love and laughter. She thought it a simple feat. He found it amazing.
Home. She had made his house a home.
Meredith's frequent forays into the forest were always a source of amazement to her. Every Highlander had a story about Brice Campbell.
And every one of them was eager to share the story with Meredith.
”When I lost my husband in battle,” Mistress Snow said, riding along beside Meredith, ”the attackers began burning our cottages. I hid, along with my babe, in the forest. And when the invaders had gone, I returned to the burned-out sh.e.l.l that had once been my home. That is where Brice Campbell found me. Sitting on a pile of rubble, rocking my babe in my arms.”
”What did he do?” Meredith asked.
”He lifted me onto his horse and brought me to Kinloch House.
Everyone there was so kind. And when I was strong enough to take charge of my life once more, I realized that I would rather stay at Kinloch and see to the running of the castle than return to live alone in my cottage in the forest.”
”But what of the babe?” Meredith could not recall seeing a child.
Mistress Snow's eyes misted.
”The babe had been dead for days before Brice came along and found us.
In my grief I could not bring myself to bury her. She was all I had left of my husband, and I knew that when I consigned her to the earth, I would be completely alone.”
”Oh, Mistress Snow.” Meredith caught the woman's hand and pressed it between her own.
”How you must have suffered.”
”Aye. It was four years ago and the pain is with me still. But,” the woman said softly,
”I have learned that life must be lived. And each day the pain diminishes a bit more. Because of my lord Campbell's kindness and patience, I know now that I can survive anything.”
It also explained to Meredith why, despite the fact that Angus was attracted to the housekeeper, and she obviously returned his affection, they made no move yet to wed. Mistress Snow needed time.