Beauty and The Highlander Read Online Free PDF Page B

live without protection?"
Analise questioned the maid.
    "I was told by one of the men the nearest town is
a day’s ride. Although we are on the edge of Gordon lands, the surrounding
areas are not claimed by any clan." She pointed away from Carrick's home.
"Over there is another large parcel of land, it belongs to a Campbell."
    They traveled along a short walled bridge toward the
front of Carrick's house. Analise pulled aside skins keeping the back of the
wagon covered and peered out to take in the surrounding grounds. There were
only a handful of people present.
    Two of the accompanying clansmen entered the small
courtyard first, followed by Carrick and finally the wagon and lastly four
additional men.
    Once they dismounted and the horses and wagon taken
away, Analise waited for Carrick. She felt awkward, not sure what to do or where
to go. Carrick came alongside her and took her arm. A small staff of five stood
side-by-side waiting to meet her.
    Her husband introduced her to the cook, the
chambermaid, and two lads who helped around the house. Each bowed or curtsied
at her coming to stand before them. Lastly he introduced her to a curvy maid,
the woman narrowed her eyes at Analise and remained stock-still. She'd seen
this type of proprietary look before and would not allow it to affect her.
Analise lifted her chin and waited for introductions. Her name was Lisbeth who
in addition to keeping the home, must have kept Carrick's bed warm by her
heated regard of him. Plump and tall with large breasts, the woman held very
few charms. Her mouth remained twisted as if she'd smelled something rotting
which for some reason made Analise want to giggle.
    They entered the great room and Analise was astonished
at the lack of housekeeping. The room was musty and dark. The rushes were old
and several chickens pecked through it for food, their droppings evident
everywhere. She took a deep breath and regretted it.
    Carrick's gaze slid to Lisbeth before meeting hers.
"I'm sorry, I gave clear instructions for the house to be prepared for
you. I will deal with this."
    "No." Analise placed her hand on his forearm
and leaned toward his ear. "I ask as your wife you allow me to oversee the
tasks inside the home."
    He nodded and guided her to a staircase and looked to
the chambermaid. "I hope my chambers are in good condition." The
threat was left unsaid, but the young maid heard it clearly. She wringed her
hands together, blushing. "Aye ‘tis, milord."
     
    Two days later, Analise woke once again to an empty
bed. At least Carrick slept with her, but he'd not made to touch her. No
matter, she knew he'd not wanted the marriage. It was out of duty to his clan
that he'd married her. Admittedly she missed his touches and wished for a
husband who cared for her, desired her. But nothing could be done about it.
    She'd rested enough. Today she'd planned to see if her
orders had been followed. The two lads had been directed to sweep all the old
rushes from the great room and to scrub the floors. Today she'd oversee the
cleaning of the tables and chairs as well as the cleaning of the fireplace. She
didn't particularly care for the use of rushes, instead she preferred a floor
to be swept and scrubbed regularly.
    After dressing she went downstairs to the kitchen. The
red-faced cook blustered at her appearance. "Milady, I don't understand
why you insist on eating in here. Lord Carrick eats in the great room. So
should you." Thankfully the cook kept the kitchen pristine, so she did not
fear becoming ill from some sort of rotted portion.
    Analise wrinkled her nose. "I don't see how he
can eat in there. It’s much more pleasant in here."
    With a pleased smile the cook served her and continued
her tasks while she ate. Lisbeth entered, her steps faltering at seeing her.
"Milady, I did not..."
    "Yes, I am aware, the lady of the house should
eat in the great room. You prefer my husband and me to eat amidst the chicken
droppings and dirty rushes of the great room."
    The