Legacy of Love_Highland Hearts Afire Page 7

  “I suppose that will be fine.” Mara chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, then smiled. “As long as we are na gone too long. I have duties to perform before the evening meal. If not done, I will catch the lash from your brother. I had planned a trip to the village, but na until after my chores were finished.”

  “I certainly don’t want you to be punished on my account, so we won’t linger. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to see to your duties when we get back.” Gwen looped her arm around Mara’s shoulder and ushered her toward the door. “Let’s go. Judging by what I saw before entering the castle, there is a lot to explore and I’m anxious to get started.”

  As the two women emerged from the keep, they were greeted by a blast of crisp autumn air. Gwen inhaled deeply, allowing the scents of the village fires, heather, and pine to fill her lungs. Most of the trees surrounding the curtain wall had already turned color—the rows of quaint waddle and daub huts set against a tapestry of red and gold. “It’s so beautiful and makes me long to be in Virginia right now, riding my horse and taking in the fall foliage. Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year.”

  “Virginia, m’lady?” A puzzled look crossed Mara’s face.

  “It’s the name of the shire where I lived before coming home. A small place far to the east of here. I’m not surprised you’ve never heard of it.” Eager to change the subject, Gwen clasped Mara’s elbow and tugged. “Come, there is much to see.”

  As they strolled the cobbled streets, wove in and out amidst the crofts closest to the castle, Gwen marveled at the structure of each building, the tidy gardens, and the abundance of chickens and geese wandering about the yards, but her favorite thing was stopping to talk to the crofters and vendors along the way. No one seemed concerned with who she was, and the people were most pleasant to talk to, which made her wonder why Mara felt they might need an escort.

  As they neared the outskirts of the village, Gwen had her answers. Most of the homes in her line of sight were nothing more than dilapidated shanties, many missing walls or parts of the roof. Filthy rags hung in the windows to protect the inhabitants from wind and cold. Unlike the other part of the village, she saw no well from which to draw clean drinking water, there were no cook fires burning, and the scent of peat and heather was replaced by that of human excrement and animal dung. Thin, barefooted children with dirty faces, tangled hair, and shabby attire raced around shouting and playing tag. An old woman sat outside a small hut and as they passed, Gwen realized she was blind.

  The old woman held out her hand. “Alms. Have you anything to spare? A crust of bannock will do. I’m old and dinna require much,” she rasped, her voice thick and hoarse.

  Mara quickly reached into a canvas sack she carried at her waist and took out a small loaf of bannock and a few pieces of dried venison. She broke off a piece of the bread and gave it to the old woman, along with the bits of meat. “Here, Agnes. I’m afraid it’s all I could get today, but I will try to bring you more tomorrow.” She leaned in close and kissed the woman on the cheek, then turned in time to face the mob of children who ran toward her with hands outstretched. After dividing what was left of the bannock amongst them, she faced Gwen. “I’m sorry, m’lady, but there are so many hungry bairns, and they all know I never come home to visit my parents without something in my pockets.”

  Speechless because of what she’d just witnessed, Gwen blinked several times before she could say anything. “There is no need to apologize. Had I known things were so bleak for these people, I’d have seen that you brought more to give them.” With a hand clutched to her throat, Gwen scanned the area, appalled by what she saw. “I don’t understand why some have so much and others so little. Are they not all part of the clan?”

  “Aye, they are,” Mara said. “Some villagers are in the laird’s favor, but the majority are na. We’ve had a poor growing season the last couple of summers, so food has been scarce. That is one of the reasons I thought we should bring an escort. It is na uncommon for thieves to lurk in the shadows, and they will take anything they can, be it food or coin. They’ll steal the arisaidh off a woman’s back if it means they willna freeze that night, or take a bit of bannock from a wee bairn so they dinna go hungry.

  “Well they’re welcome to mine.” Gwen took off her woolen shawl and wrapped it around the old woman’s shoulders. “There you go, Agnes. I hope this will keep you warm and cozy.”

  Agnes grasped her hand, her boney, gnarled fingers digging into the flesh. “Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Tears rolled down her soot-smudged cheeks.

  “I think I do know. And you are most welcome.” Gwen found it hard to speak, a lump of emotion cutting off her air. She coughed to clear her throat and patted Agnes’s hand. “I will have Mara bring you some broth and other supplies later today.”

  “That was verra kind, Lady Gweneth, but there are so many in need, and once word gets out that you’ve helped Agnes, many more will come,” Mara said. She grasped Gwen’s elbow and tugged gently so they were out of earshot. “You canna help them all.”

  “I can certainly try. This is an outrage,” Gwen said. ‘Each member of the clan is as important as the next, and there is plenty of food to go around if everyone shares. I’ve no doubt the castle storage rooms are overflowing with flour and salted meat. And the children . . .” Again she clasped her throat. “They’re so thin and pale. I noticed several of them limping and many have open sores. I even saw a little girl with a cleft lip, and the other children were taunting her. Where I come from this would be unacceptable.”

  “You must come from a wonderful place. But here life isna fair, m’lady, and those with wealth, nice homes, and food, turn their backs on those who have naught. The children are sickly because they dinna get enough to eat and when they do, it is usually turnips and greens. They seldom get meat, milk, fruit, or breads.”

  “I’ve no doubt they are suffering from malnutrition and illnesses like Rickets and Scurvy. Not to mention head lice and other unmentionable things. What they need is proper medical attention and a healthy diet.” Gwen sighed when she noticed a pregnant woman limping back to her hut, carrying a toddler on one hip and a small bundle of weeds in her free hand. The sight reminded her of the documentaries she’d seen on TV of third world countries. But there was no reason for these people to be in such dire need when the rest of the clan had so much. If she did nothing more while in this time period, she intended to do what she could to help ease their suffering.

  “Does Lady Lilith know of the despair of more than half her people?” Gwen asked.

  Mara nodded. “She does and it breaks her heart.”

  “Then why doesn’t she do something to fix things?”

  “She would if she could, m’lady, but her husband and son willna allow her to interfere or to help. She is banned from going into the storeroom on her own, and she is forbidden to visit this area of the village. She went against her husband’s orders once and paid the price.” Mara clucked her tongue and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Felt the lash she did.”

  “How horrible,” Gwen said. “She is lairdess of the clan, how can she be treated so badly and banned from areas of her own home?”

  “It is the way of it, m’lady. Women are deemed useful for two reasons, rutting and bearing babes. If a wife fails to please their husband in either way, he can get rid of her like he would livestock.”

  Gwen mentally added another item to her list of things she hoped to correct before she left this century. In addition to helping the children, she’d do her utmost to see that Lilith was respected and no longer chastised by her brute of a husband and son.

  “We really must be on our way, m’lady. We’ve tarried here long enough and should get back to the castle,” Mara said.

  “I thought we were going to visit your parents.” Gwen glanced at the hovels. “I can’t believe they live in this area of the village when your mam was once a servant in the castle.”

  “My parents are
simple folk. My da is a farmer, and like most of the crofters, they have naught when the crops fail,” Mara explained. “My mam would still be working for Lady Lilith had she not fallen down the steps of the castle and broken her hip while carrying a basket of laundry. I was just fortunate to have seen fourteen summers so was old enough to take her place. This way, I can bring them food and other things they need when I visit, so they are much better off than most. Even if my mother does give most of what I bring to the hungry bairns.”

  “She sounds like a wonderful woman. She is very kind to look out for the children. I really would like to meet her.” Gwen took Mara’s hand, but the lass stood her ground.

  Mara shook her head. “I’m sure she would love to meet you too. She worked for Lady Lilith when she gave birth to Damen and will be so happy to learn that you dinna die at birth as the mistress was told. She doesna like or get along with your brother, but I am sure she would like you verra much.” She tugged Gwen toward the castle. “We will visit on the morrow. Right now, I must get you back to the keep afore Lord Damen finds out you are not there.”

  Gwen agreed it was time to return to the castle. She didn’t want to get Mara into trouble with Damen, and she certainly didn’t want to give him reason to hate her more than he already did. “When we visit your parents on the morrow, not only will be bring them some supplies, but we will also bring along several loaves of bannock, some fruit, cheese and dried meat for the others in need.” Having seen enough heartache and sorrow for one day, she spun on her heel and headed back toward Castle MacQuin with Mara in tow.

  As they entered the keep, a short stout man raced toward them, huffing and puffing. “There you are. Where have you been?” He doubled over to catch his breath. “Lord Damen went to your mother’s chamber looking for you and was not pleased to find you missing.”

  “I wasn’t aware I was forbidden to leave the solar,” Gwen relied curtly. “After cleaning up, I felt the need for some fresh air, so asked Mara to accompany me for a walk. We were only gone a short time.”

  “Long enough to pique his lordship’s ire.” The man glared at Mara. “You know better, lass. You should have told Lord Damen what you were planning and gotten his permission.”

  “The steward is correct,” Damen growled. “What have you to say for yourself, Mara?”

  The women turned to face Damen, Gwen stepping forward with her chin held high, before the maid had a chance to speak. “I apologize if I have done something wrong, but the walk was my idea. Mara did say we should check with you first, but I didn’t see the need, we didn’t plan to be gone long and saw no point in disturbing you for something to trivial,” Gwen said. “I also told her I would take full responsibility.” Gwen stood her ground, despite the icy glower of contempt Damen shot in her direction. “If anyone is punished it should be me.”

  After making the ladies endure a few agonizing moments of silence, Damen spoke. “You are newly home so I will forgive your indiscretion. But only once. In future you willna leave the castle without an escort and my permission. There are many dangers to be found in the village, men who would cut your throat without giving it a thought.”

  “And with good reason. Starving men will go to extreme lengths,” she muttered under her breath, but not loud enough for Damen to hear. “Again, I apologize and will do my best to mind your rules in future.” The words left a nasty taste in her mouth. Gwen was not a woman to cower before a man, no matter who he was—or thought he was. But in this case she decided to do what she could to appease him and protect Mara. She would return to the village with supplies for the poor, but what Damen didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. She’d have to be more careful next time.”

  Damen glared at Mara. “Have you no chores to tend to?”

  “Aye, m’lord,” Mara stammered and bowed.

  “Then be off with you,” he growled. “Get out of my sight afore I change my mind and see you punished. If I hear of you taking my sister on any more visits to the village without my permission, I’ll na be so lenient.” Damen dismissed her.

  Gwen glared up at him. She knew challenging him was not the smartest move she’d ever made, but she was not one to back down. She might be in the fourteenth century, but the modern independent woman she was raised to be was still there, and after the atrocities she’d witnessed today, she could not just stand there holding her tongue. “Am I to be your prisoner?”

  “If that is what it takes to keep you safe and out of trouble,” Damen said, his expression darkening.

  “I was in no danger and saw some things that need attention. There are children starving, and old women forced to beg for crusts of bread, and—”

  “This is my village and I will soon be laird. I dinna need a stranger coming into this castle and telling me how to run my clan,” Damen said. “I dinna know where you came from or why, but if you think for one minute you are going to interfere with my position in this clan or in this castle, you are sorely mistaken. Be forewarned, your time here is limited.” With that, he whipped around and stomped away, leaving Gwen to ponder his threat.

  Chapter Eight

  Gwen wandered the length of the chamber, the confrontation with Damen leaving her not only furious with his audacity, but also wondering how she’d ever be able to make a move without his knowing about it. She wouldn’t put it past him to assign a guard to watch over her. If she wasn’t allowed to leave the castle on her own, she couldn’t look for Beatha and might never find her way back to the twenty-first century. The plight of those living in the impoverished area of the village also weighed heavily on her mind, and ridding her thoughts of the children’s gaunt faces was going to be impossible until something was done to help them.

  A rap at the door disturbed her musings. “Yes, who is it?”

  “You sent for some food and drink from the kitchen, m’lady?” a man asked.

  “I did, please come in.” She tugged open the door, then cleared the way so the man could enter. Her eyes widened as she examined the overflowing platter he carried.

  “Forgive me for saying so, m’lady, but for a wee lass you have a large appetite. There must be enough here to feed a small army of men.” The servant placed the tray on the table.

  “I certainly hope so,” Gwen mumbled under her breath. “Thank you for bringing this up so quickly. Could you tell Mara I wish to see her?”

  “I’m pleased to be of service. If you need anything else, let me know.” He bowed and left the room.

  Gwen scurried over to the tray and took inventory of the food supplies, then chuckled, remembering the expression on the man’s face when he mentioned the quantity she’d requested. Four rounds of bannock, a block of cheese, some dried venison, fruit, and vegetables would appear excessive by most standards, but she had no intention of consuming any of it herself. She quickly loaded the food into a canvas sack she found on the shelf, added the leftovers from earlier in the day, then pulled the drawstring tight. If Damen was angry that she’d left the castle without his approval, finding out she was planning to send food to the poor would make him livid. He had forbidden her to leave the castle, but he’d said nothing about sending supplies to those in need.

  Another knock on the door brought her running. “Who is it?”

  “Mara. I was told you wanted me, Lady Gweneth.”

  After glancing into the hall to see if anyone was watching, she ushered Mara in. “I’m glad you came. I have something I want you to do.”

  “I’m your maid, m’lady, all you need do is ask if you want me or need me to do something for you,” Mara said.

  “I’d rather think of you as a friend and not a servant. I am quite able to do most things for myself. I do however appreciate help with the laces on my gowns.” Gwen said, smiling. “But that is not why I asked you to come. I have a favor to ask, but feel free to refuse if you wish.”

  Mara raised a brow. “What is it?”

  Gwen moved to the bed and picked up the sack of food. “I managed to procure some supplies a
nd wonder if you could see that those in the village who need it get some. It’s not much, but maybe the children can go to bed with something in their stomachs tonight.”

  “Och! You’re wrong m’lady, there is a great deal of food here. How on earth did you get this? Lord Damen isna sympathetic to the plight of his people and would never allow his mother to help the poor.” Mara peered into the sack again, her eyes wide.

  Gwen squared her shoulders. “I know Lady Lilith was forbidden to assist the poor, but am sure she would if she could. As for Damen, I didn’t ask his permission. “I merely asked the kitchen to send me some food to my chamber. I told them I was very hungry and what I required,” Gwen explained. “Those impoverished people are as much a part of the clan as everyone else and deserve assistance. The fact that so many children are ill and starving is not acceptable.” She leaned closer to Mara and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Besides, what Damen doesn’t know can’t make him angry.”

  “I am surprises they dinna question why you asked for so much.”

  Gwen laughed. “When the servant arrived he did look surprised to learn I had such a large appetite, but never questioned me.”

  Mara giggled and looked into the sack again. “I’m sure he was quite shocked that a wee thing like you could eat so much.”

  “Now that I’ve acquired the supplies, I was wondering if you’ll deliver them,” Gwen asked. “I hate to involve you, but since your parents live there, it would not seem odd for you to be in that area. Plus, you know who are the most in need.” She rested her hand on Mara’s shoulder. “But if you think it too dangerous, I understand if you say no, and I will find another way to get these things to the needy.”

  “Of course I will do it.” Mara clutched the sack to her chest. “I’ll go once I help you get ready for the evening meal. This is the first time you’ll be meeting your father and you will want to look your best.” She pulled another gown from Lilith’s trunk and placed it on the bed.