Fated Hearts 02 - Highland Echoes (11 page)

Grace walked with Kristen to the kitchen, where they always ate with Innes. While they were eating, the serving maids cleared the tables after the meal. On seeing Grace, one of them said, “Grace, Lady Sutherland says ye’re to come to the hall now.”

Grace nodded. “Thank ye. Grandmother, will ye mind Kristen for me until I come back?”

“Of course I will, lass. Ye don’t think she’d like any honey cake, do ye?” Innes said, winking at her.

“I would,” said Kristen.

“Aye, well, save me some,” said Grace, kissing her daughter’s head before she left.

Grace took the basket to the great hall. Although the meal had been cleared away, the trestle tables were still set up and people, mostly men-at-arms, still sat at them. She walked to the refectory table where Lord and Lady Sutherland sat. Ian sat with them, as did a number of guardsmen, including Michael who smiled broadly at her.

She curtsied. “Good evening, my lady, Laird.”

“Good evening, Grace. Do ye have some ribbon to show me?” asked Lady Sutherland.

“Aye, my lady. It is still attached to the loom. If ye like it, it is better to weave it in one long piece. If ye don’t like it, I’ll take it off the loom now.” Grace sat the basket on the table, removing the loom and unfurling the finished ribbon for Lady Sutherland to inspect.

Her eyes grew wide. “Grace, this is beautiful. It is finer than the sample I gave ye.”

“Thank ye, my lady. I’m glad ye like it.”

“What is this?” Asked Laird Sutherland.

“I heard Grace could weave ribbon so I gave her silk thread and a sample of ribbon that I liked,” explained Lady Sutherland.

Laird Sutherland reached for the ribbon. “Let me see it.”

Lady Sutherland rolled her eyes. “Because ye are an expert in such finery?”

He snorted. “Nay, I just want to see it.” He fingered the ribbon and moved it into the candlelight. “This is very nice and worth ten times the cost of the thread at least.”

“It probably is,” said Lady Sutherland, “but this isn’t meant to be sold.”

“Ye plan to use it on a new garment?” he asked.

“Nay, I plan to give it to Bram’s betrothed.”

“That is an excellent idea, Rodina.”

She frowned at her husband, and to the amusement of the other men at the table, said, “Ye always sound so shocked when ye say those words.”

“Mother, ye should know by now that Da is surprised when anyone other than him has a worthy idea.

“Where’s yer loyalty, Ian?” Laird Sutherland asked?

“I have two parents, Da.”

“Thank ye, Son,” said Lady Sutherland. “Grace, this is beautiful work. I would like at least ten ells of it. Can ye have that for me in a week?”

“My lady, it is difficult to weave much more than an arm’s length in a day. That much would take close to two weeks.”

“I would really like it finished in ten days. I’ll send more thread to ye tomorrow.”

Ten days?
Grace would have to work at least ten to twelve hours a day to complete ten ells in ten days. She wasn’t sure that was possible, but she would have to try. Arguing with Lady Sutherland in front of so many people would be disrespectful. “Aye, my lady. I’ll do my best.” She put the loom back into her basket, curtsied, and started to leave.

“Ye haven’t been dismissed,” said Laird Sutherland.

Grace froze. “I’m sorry, Laird.”

“Do ye think ten ells will be sufficient, Rodina?”

She nodded. “It should be enough to fully trim one garment.”

“I think another ten ells of a different design would be nice.”

“Aye, husband. That would be a very generous gift indeed. A very generous gift.” To Grace she said, “then when ye have finished this one, Grace, I’ll decide on another design for ten more.”

Twenty ells?
“M-my lady. Using the silk thread and working an intricate design, I-It takes about an hour to make a finger’s length.”

“Well, you will certainly be busy for the next three weeks then, because that is when the work needs to be completed,” said Laird Sutherland.

“A-aye, Laird.”

“Now ye are dismissed, Grace,” he said.

“Thank ye, Laird. Good evening, my lady, laird.” Grace curtsied again and left the hall. Twenty ells of ribbon in three weeks. How was she going to do this? She wasn’t sure it was possible. It would certainly mean she needed to work as long as there was good daylight on fine days. On rainy days she would have to work by candlelight. What would Laird Sutherland do if she didn’t finish in time? She was working herself into a panic.
What never helps, Grace? Panicking. Panicking never helps, Mama.
She stood outside the keep alone trying to gain control before she returned to the kitchen.

The rear door opened. Michael stepped out and walked towards her. “Are ye all right, Grace?”

She nodded, fearing her voice would reveal how close to tears she was.

He put his hands on her shoulders and dipped his head to look into her face. “Nay, ye aren’t. Ye look terrified.”

“I’m not sure I can make as much as they want me to in just three weeks. Today was a fine day. It is harder to work when I don’t have sun. And I have Kristen to care for.”

“Then ye won’t make as much or it will take longer. Lass, ye can only do what ye can do.”

“But what will the Laird do if I can’t make the twenty ells he wants?”

“My guess is tell ye to finish it or settle for less. Grace, don’t let this scare ye so. He isn’t unreasonable.”

She nodded but expecting her to do intricate weaving for ten to twelve hours a day, on top of other responsibilities, seemed unreasonable to her.

“Ye still aren’t convinced, are ye?”

“Nay,” she whispered.

“What worries ye most?”

“I have a wee daughter to care for. She entertains herself well, but she is only three. I have always worked around what she needed and it has been enough.”

“Then we will get ye some help. What if Calder’s lass, Teasag, came to help mind her for a while, at least in the morning?”

“Teasag isn’t much more than a wee lass herself.”

“She’s eight, she has younger siblings, and it isn’t as if ye are leaving them alone. Ye’ll be close by but ye’ll have an extra pair of hands and eyes.”

“Aye, ye’re right. That would help.”

“Then, I’ll see to it.”

She nodded. “That’s very kind of ye.”

He peered into her eyes again. “Better now?”

“Aye. Perhaps, with a few hours’ help from the lass, I can to do this.”

“Good. Get some rest. Ye’ll have Teasag and a proper table tomorrow.”

“Really, the trestles and board ye brought me today are fine.”

“Ye are a fierce one for arguing, Grace. What did I tell ye earlier?”

She smiled. “Thank ye, Michael.”

“Ye’re welcome, lass.”

The next morning, Grace rose just after daybreak and took care of the household chores as she usually did, while Innes went to the kitchen to begin her day. Thankfully, because Innes ran the kitchen, Grace didn’t have to worry about preparing or cleaning up after meals at home. However, there was still plenty of other work required to keep the cottage tidy and the people in it clean. The sun was up for eighteen hours on these midsummer days but it was the twelve hours in the middle of the day that provided the best light. If she could finish her other work and have Kristen dressed and fed by terce, the third hour of daylight, she would be able to get a good start on her weaving.

A few minutes before the church bells rang terce, Michael arrived with Teasag. He carried the small wooden table he had promised. Grace had only just returned from the kitchens with Kristen after breaking their fast.

“Good morning, Grace. Will I leave this table outside?”

“Aye, thank ye, Michael. I can work by the window inside in the morning, but I like working in full light.” To Teasag she said, “good morning, Teasag, I am so happy that ye are able to help with Kristen for a bit.”

Teasag beamed. “I don’t mind. I can stay until Kristen takes her nap.”

That would give Grace seven hours of uninterrupted work. If she could squeeze a few more in during the late afternoon while minding Grace herself, she could accomplish quite a bit. “I truly appreciate yer help,” said Grace.

Michael smiled. “Well, I’ll be going. I have the watch on the gate from terce to none. If ye need anything, send word.”

“Ye needn’t—” At his raised eyebrow Grace smiled. “I mean thank ye, Michael.”

The morning flew by. It was so much easier to work and concentrate with Teasag there to distract Kristen. Grace was able to block out everything, even the usual activity of the outer bailey, as long as she didn’t have to worry about Kristen.

She had to smile though. Teasag seemed quite enthralled by the process of weaving ribbon and stopped playing occasionally to watch Grace for a minute and see her progress.

When it was time for the noon meal, Grace sent Teasag and Kristen to the kitchen to eat. “But what about ye?” asked Teasag.

“I’ll eat something later. Perhaps after Kristen wakes from her nap.”

When Teasag returned after they had eaten, she carried a small basket. “Innes said ye were to eat this. She said stopping for a few minutes won’t hurt.”

Grace smiled at her. “I will stop a bit later, don’t worry.” Teasag frowned, but didn’t argue. Grace kissed Kristen’s forehead. “Kristen, pet, it’s time for a rest.”

Kristen yawned. “But I’m not tired.”

Teasag rolled her eyes and Grace winked at her. “Well don’t go to sleep then. Just lay down and close yer eyes for a few minutes.”

“Awight, Mama. I won’t, cuz I’m not tired.” She yawned again but went inside the cottage to her pallet.

When Kristen was out of earshot, Teasag said, “My younger sister puts up a much bigger fight.”

“Sometimes Kristen does too. It’s always worse the more tired she is.”

“Aye, it’s the same for my wee sister.” Teasag paused a moment. “Um…would ye mind…well, I mean I told Mama, I would come home when Kristen was napping, but could I watch ye weave for a bit?”

“If ye told yer mother, ye’d be home, ye should go, but if ye want to stay and watch tomorrow and it is all right with her, ye can. I’ll even teach ye how to weave with yarn.”

“Would ye?” Teasag clasped her hands in front of her and bounced on the balls of her feet. “I’d like that.”

“Good. As long as it’s fine with yer mother, it is the least I can do for all the help ye are giving me.”

“I’m sure it will be all right.” She darted away, stopped, and ran back. “I’m sorry. Have a good afternoon. I’ll see ye tomorrow at terce.”

Grace grinned. “I’ll see ye in the morning.”

Grace’s mother had first taught her to weave with wool on linen warp threads. She would need a flat piece of wood. Michael’s watch was over at none, perhaps he could get that for her. Grace could set it up for Teasag this evening so as not to waste daylight.

Happy about the idea of teaching Teasag how to weave, Grace worked the afternoon away. It seemed it had been no time at all before Kristen walked out of the cottage, rubbing her eyes. “I told ye I wasn’t tired.”

Grace smiled at her, holding out her arms. “Aye, ye told me.”

Kristen snuggled into her mother’s arms for a few moments.

“Can we cwimb the hiww?”

“We can take a little walk. I need a break but I don’t think we can go to the top today.”

“Can I pick fwowers?”

“Aye, ye can.”

Grace moved the table, stool, and loom inside. She and Kristen walked to the gate in the outer wall as the church bell rang none. The watch had changed as they approached.

Michael grinned at her. “Things are going well?”

“Aye, they are. Thank ye for yer help.”

“My pleasure.”

“Can I trouble ye for another small thing?”

“Anything that is in my power.”

“I need a thin piece of wood a little wider than the length of yer hand and about as long as yer arm from the elbow to the finger tips. The smoother it is the better.”

“That should be no problem. What do ye need it for?”

“Teasag. She wanted to stay and watch me weave while Kristen napped. I told her she could tomorrow if her mother agrees and that I would show her how to weave yarn. I need it for that.”

“Grace, will that take too much of yer time?” asked Calder who was also coming off duty too.

“Nay, it is rather simple really. It is how my mother first taught me to weave. If ye think it will be all right with Una, I will set it up for Teasag tonight.”

“I’m sure it will be. I suspect Teasag is thrilled,” said Calder.

Grace nodded. “Aye, I think she is.”

“Michael, since it is for my wee lass anyway, I can find the wood.”

Michael clasped his chest in mock affront. “And deny me the opportunity to serve? I think not.”

Calder laughed. “Suit yerself.”

“I usually do, Calder,” Michael said with a bold grin. “Grace, lass, I’ll bring it to ye a bit later.”

“Thank ye. That will be good. Kristen and I are taking a short walk. I need a bit of a break.”

“Where are ye going?” asked Calder.

“I wike to cwimb the hiww,” chirped Kristen.

Calder frowned. “The headlands?”

Grace nodded. “Aye, but not far today.”

“Grace, I’m sorry, ye can’t,” said Calder.

“Why not?”

Micheal was frowning too. “Bram left orders. Ye weren’t to walk the headlands with Kristen alone.”

“Are ye jesting?”

“He’s concerned for yer safety, Grace,” said Calder.

“So are all Sutherland women forbidden to walk the headlands?” Grace had trouble keeping the irritation out of her voice.

“Nay. Just ye,” said Michael.

Grace was bewildered. She had lived most of her life well away from the Morrison clan leaders. She answered only to her parents, then her husband, then…no one. Well that wasn’t quite true. She left Lewis because of Fearchar. Still, she left rather than submitting to him. “Can he do that?”

“Aye, he can,” said Calder. “In fairness, Grace, I prefer that my wife and children stay off the headlands if I’m not with them.

“Well, I’m not his wife.” This was exasperating. “What if I just walked through the gates and up to the headlands?”

“Please don’t. One of us would have to stop ye,” said Calder.

“Or go with ye. He said ye weren’t to walk them alone,” said Michael.

“But that isn’t what he meant, is it?” she asked.

Calder shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Still, if ye are determined to go, Grace, I’ll go with ye,” said Michael, “and deal with Bram when he returns.”

Grace sighed. “I can’t ask ye to do that. If we can’t go on our walk, I’ll say good afternoon. Come Kristen, let’s go home.”

“But ye said we could cwimb the hiww and I could pick fwowers.”

“I’m sorry, pet, we can’t go for the next few days.”

“Why?”

“Ask Sir Bram when he returns,” said Grace bitterly. “Come, sweetling, if we can’t go walking, I have to get back to work.”

“But ye said I could pick fwowers.”

“How about ye play peevers instead?”

Kristen nodded eagerly.

When they reached the cottage, Grace scratched a peevers court into the dirt. She played with Kristen for a few minutes before bringing the table, stool, and loom back outside and resuming her work. When Kristen became bored with peevers, Grace told stories and sang songs with her as she worked.

She accomplished much less while distracted but still as the shadows began to grow long, Grace had completed about half again as much as she had the previous day.

Michael arrived with the wood she requested as she was putting away her supplies. He carried the table and stool inside for her. “It looks like ye accomplished quite a bit today.”

“Aye, I did. Having Teasag to help with Kristen made a huge difference.” Grace frowned. “That and not taking a walk, I suppose.”

“I’m sorry about that, Grace.”

“It isn’t yer fault.”

Kristen climbed up on a stool by the table and opened the basket sitting there. “Ye didn’t eat yer basket of food.”

“Nay, I guess I didn’t.”

Michael frowned. “Ye haven’t eaten since morning?” He looked in the basket, took out a hardboiled egg, peeled it and handed it to her. “Eat.”

She rolled her eyes but took a bite out of it, grumbling, “I don’t need to be told when to eat. I am a woman grown.”

“God’s teeth, do ye do anything without arguing?”

“Of course I do.”

“And, ye are going to prove that to me by arguing?”

She frowned at him, but finished the egg.

“Now that I know ye aren’t going to perish of hunger, what did ye need this board for?”

“Ooh, I’ll show ye.” She opened the chest containing her belongings, removed an iron bradawl, a small carving knife, two colors of linen thread, and a small, flat piece of wood. “May I have the wood?”

He looked at her curiously, but handed her the wood. It was the perfect size, exactly what she had asked for. She sat at the table and using the bradawl, bored eight holes in a line, equally spaced across the top of the board, about a knuckle’s width from the edge.

“What are ye doing?”

“I’m making Teasag a simple tape loom.” She used the carving knife to make the holes a little bigger and smooth the edges.

He continued to watch her work. “Ye do handle a knife well.”

She smiled. “People who try to stop me from taking a wee walk with my daughter would do well to remember that.”

He laughed. “I should probably warn Bram about that, but I’m not sure I will.”

When she was finished she held it up for him to see. “Done.”

“That’s it? It doesn’t look remotely like yer loom.”

“It isn’t, but it is easy enough to learn with this. I’ll show ye.” She cut lengths of linen thread and put one strand through each hole. She tied each strand of linen in slip knot over the small flat piece of wood. When she had finished, she took the loose ends on the other side of the loom, looped them into a knot about a foot from the end, braided the threads to the end, and looped the end into another knot.

“These are the warp threads,” she explained. She looped the braided end around a table leg and tied it. Sitting on a stool, she placed the wood between her knees, wedging it against the edge of the stool and pulling down on the strip of wood holding the end of the warp threads. This pulled them taut. “She’ll weave yarn using a tapestry needle over and under the warp threads. I’ll show her how to make it into a belt.”

She looked up at him and was pleased to see he looked sufficiently impressed. “If she likes it, I can show a woodworker how to make one that will open the sheds alternately like my ribbon loom does.”

“Grace, this is brilliant.”

“I bet ye’re sorry ye became a warrior now.” She teased.

“Alas, it is too late for me. But Teasag will love it.”

Kristen had been watching raptly. “Can I do it, Mama?”

“Very soon Kristen, when ye are just a bit bigger.”

She smiled. “Gwanny says I get bigger evwy day.”

“Aye ye do, pet.”

Michael said, “Speaking of yer granny, I expect it’s time for the evening meal and ye need to eat. Come with me to the hall?”

Grace shook her head. “Oh, nay, we eat in the kitchen.”

Michael frowned at her. “But everyone working in the castle dines in the hall.”

“My grandmother doesn’t.” Grace decided not to point out that she didn’t work in the castle.

“Well, I’ll walk with ye to the kitchens then.”

Ye, needn’t bother
was on the tip of her tongue. Michael’s eyebrows shot up in challenge. Grace laughed. “Thank ye, Michael.”