Page 23 of Her Highlander’s Darkest Temptation (Highlanders of Cadney #14)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
F or a moment, Lydia considered making up some lie.
But Laird Ranald, Donall, looked so vulnerable, so weary and so broken, that she didn’t have the heart to do so.
And really, what did it matter if she told some of the truth?
She could still word it carefully so it would seem to fit with the story of her life as she’d told it to him thus far.
“My parents passed away when I was very young. My uncle took me in but he never cared for me. I was a tool, a pawn to be ignored or discarded or used at leisure, valuable only for what favor he could trade my existence for, since he had no children of his own. For a long time, I hoped that if I could be meek enough, quiet enough, serve well enough, that he would come to love me, or at least value me. And then he told me he would sell me to a man whom I am almost certain is a murderer.”
“An’?”
“And I could not accept it. I fled and became a servant, hiding from him, and from the man he wished to give me to. My friend Elswith - she was an older woman who once worked for my mother - helped me. It was she who suggested that I flee into the Highlands, when rumor came that my uncle might find me.”
“I thought ye said ye became a servant when yer parents died.”
“My uncle did not permit idleness, though he took pains to ensure that I was as… unmarked… as possible. He wanted me to be pretty and obedient so that he could demand more value for me. And at least talented enough to look like a prize, even if he permitted me to know nothing of value for making my way in the world.”
“An’ after ye fled?”
“I was frightened. My uncle had taught me not to question, but I had - and still have, at times - so little idea of how things are done. Elswith often completed the tasks I was assigned for me, so I would not look laggardly, and at the time I was grateful. I did not realize her kindness would prove my downfall until I fled with the caravan, and she could not come with me.”
“Sounds difficult.”
“It was. I wish with all my heart that she could have come with me, but at the same time, it is a relief to finally be learning everything I should have known before. And… it is very strange. I never imagined I would have such responsibilities and duties. Nor that I would be so content… or feel so free.”
Laird Ranald chuckled. “Freedom as a servant… ye are a strange one. Mayhap one day, ye’ll even tell me what yer last name might be.”
“Mayhap, my laird… but not tonight.” Lydia smiled and bent to take his plate away to wash.
When she looked back, Laird Ranald was gone. Lydia sighed, then finished tidying the kitchen. She had no idea if she had made her own situation better or worse, and no one to ask.
She wished Elswith were there to ask for advice. Laird Ranald was asking questions, and she was now apprenticed to Evelyn, who was no fool
Also, she could not decide what to make of Laird Ranald.
He was cold at times, gentle and courteous at others.
He seemed aloof, but then he was kind. And the story he told…
she was certain there was much more to it, but even so, she could at least understand why the seamstress in the village had said he had been through much.
Even as little as Laird Ranald had told her made her heart ache.
It had made her want to console him, find some way to help him.
It was clear that his memories troubled him and disturbed his rest. The way he’d told his story, the haunted look in his eyes, spoke of deep wounds that cut to the very soul of him.
Despite her precarious position, Lydia wanted to help him.
With a sigh, Lydia shook her head, then moved to tidy up the last of the food and utensils.
She was being foolish, to think there was anything she could do - especially considering her own situation.
For now, it was best that she return to her bed and get what rest she could, in preparation for the next day’s work.
There was no telling what it would bring, but Lydia was determined to put forth her best effort for as long as it proved possible for her to remain at Ranald Keep.