Page 26 of Bride Takes a Charmer
Sorsha wanted to groan because getting the answer was going to be difficult. “And I assume he called her Mother?”
Luthor nodded.
“What is your family name? For instance, I was part of the d’Avranches family before I married and then I became part of the Chattan clan. Now, I am a part of the Mackintosh clan.”
“Oh, aye, Milady, Papa said that we belonged to the MacWilliams clan.”
Finally, she got her answer, although it was almost as difficult as pulling a tooth. She set the parchment in front of her and wrote to the king’s chamberlain asking if he would look into the matter of Luthor’s parents. She added that they were now in possession of their child and hoped to find out where they were. When she finished, Edra set a candle near her so she could seal it. Sorsha held the candle over the folded parchment until enough wax dripped onto it and did the same to the message she’d written to Aela.
“Will you ask for this to be delivered to Edinburgh? To Edmund, the chamberlain in the king’s castle?” Sorsha held out the missive for her to take.
“Aye, I am sure Clovis can arrange it. He’s the gate watchman and oft receives missives which he can give to the messengers to take back with them.”
She held out the second missive. “And this one needs to be handled discreetly. It is meant for the maidservant at Tor Castle.”
Edra glanced at it but then nodded. “I can have one of the stable lads take it. Tor is not too far from here.”
“You are so helpful, Edra.” Sorsha approached the tub and took the soap from Luthor to apply to a washing cloth left lyingover the edge of the tub. She lathered the lad as best she could, including his hair, and then used the cup that Edra had supplied to rinse him. When she finished, she helped him from the tub and wrapped the drying cloth around his bony body. It made her happy to think that before long he’d have flesh and sinew covering those bones, from good food, good rest, and plenty of wholesome activity. Again, she thought about how grateful she was to be married to such a kind man. Too many people ignored the plight of orphaned urchins; the thought that he might not have survived his ordeal on the lanes twisted her heart and stomach.
He stood watching her while she used a basin to scoop out some water to wash her face and hands. How she longed to have a bath as well but first, she needed to get the lad settled.
Edra came into the anteroom with two heaping bowlfuls of a hardy stew and they ate while waiting for Mamo to return.
“There, how does that feel?” She dressed him and used her fingers to comb the locks of his hair. He appeared so much younger now than he had when he’d been covered with grime.
Luthor raised his face. “I like being clean, milady.”
“I am sure you do. So do I. Now, come and let us get you settled for the night. The journey was long and exhausting. You will probably sleep until the morrow.”
She thanked Edra again for her aid, grabbed her cloak from the chair, and followed Mamo back into the keep. On the second level, Mamo opened a door. “I had one of the soldiers help me ready the chamber since Edra was busy.”
The room was small and only fit two small beds made of straw-stuffed mattresses. Atop the beds lay a cover woven in the likeness of the Mackintosh tartan. There was one small trunk near the little window on the outside wall but other than that, there were no other furnishings.
“It is much better than sleeping outside of the sacristy, is it not?” she asked Luthor.
He nodded enthusiastically. “Aye, ’tis, milady, and warmer.” Luthor crawled onto the bed.
“Sleep well, wee lad.” Mamo turned and left them.
Sorsha was hesitant to leave Luthor. Being so young, she wondered if he would be afraid during the night or if he feared the dark. Before she closed the door, she heard him speak.
“I miss my mama and papa,” his little voice came.
Sorsha’s heart hurt hearing the desperation in his tone. She approached the bedside and clasped his hand. “They must miss you as well. Worry not, because we will find them. The king’s chamberlain will know where they are. While we await word from him, I want you to consider yourself part of this family. I won’t let anything happen to you, Luthor.” She knelt next to the small fire in the hearth and stoked it to make it warmer in the chamber. Then she lit the stub of a candle on the little table near the bed. At least if he awakened during the night, he wouldn’t be so fearful. “I will check on you during the night and will stay close, so do not be afraid.”
“I am not afeared, Milady.”
She knelt next to his bedding, tucked the covers around the courageous lad, and pressed her hand on the soft locks of his hair. “I know you are not. You are the bravest lad and spent a good many nights by yourself. You are safe here, remember that. Now, close your eyes and sleep sweet, and I shall see you on the morrow.”
Before she left the chamber, Luthor rolled onto his belly and closed his eyes.
Sorsha closed the door and turned to leave the hallway when she spotted a woman entering a chamber next to Luthor’s. She wasn’t sure where she would sleep or if Shaw intended to share a chamber with her. Rodick never had.
At the top of the steps, she almost bumped into Edra, who carried her valise. “Milady, I wanted to show ye where the laird’s chamber is. And the men brought your belongings.” She ambled down the hallway and stopped at the door where she’d seen the woman enter. While it was good that she wouldn’t be far from Luthor as promised, something struck her about the woman who had gone into Shaw’s room, and instead of entering, Sorsha turned away.
Her heart felt crushed. He was like all husbands, unfaithful, and had a roving eye. How many times had she witnessed Rodrick taking his mistress into his bedchamber? Too many to count. Not that she had mattered because Sorsha had been grateful she did not need to spend the night with him. Still, a woman hoped for a devoted husband and she thought that Shaw would be so.
“I need some air and wish to walk about before I seek my rest.”