Page 72 of A Fearless Rebel

“I find that sad. I am sure Catriona must have been heartbroken when we married.”

Lady Fraser studied her for a moment. “I do not remember her being particularly sad. Esme would know better. Everyone was in a bit of a shock that he was to marry a Mackenzie.”

“Of course,” Ava acknowledged, a familiar pang in the pit of her stomach. “I was the last person ye would wish for yer son.”

With a soft chuckle, Lady Fraser patted her arm. “I would not go that far. I do find ye and my son to be quite compatible, if not too much alike. Both of ye have a rebellious nature, which brings trouble.”

When the group of cleaning servants were assembled, Lady Fraser spent several minutes asking about their families and inquiring if one of them, who was not present, had given birth yet. She turned to Ava. “We must ensure to send a basket with food and a blanket I embroidered for the wee one.”

Ava was astonished at how much Lady Fraser not only took care of on a daily basis, but the fact she knew each member of the staff so well. Once she had a free moment, she vowed to sit down and write notes so to remember what had transpired.

Once again, Lady Fraser spoke to the staff about her upcoming travel and answered some of the same questions that the others had asked. She promised to bring regards to relatives, which delighted several.

By the time they sat in the sitting room and drank hot cider, Ava was overwhelmed. “I must admit to being impressed by ye. The staff respects and cares for ye.”

Lady Fraser nodded. “It is an interdependence, Ava. We depend on the servants for our well-being. Everything from eating to our clothing and horses. In turn, they depend on us to have a purpose and a means to support their families.”

The staff at Mackenzie Keep was kept to a minimum. Although she knew the names of the cook and her chambermaid, her mother had insisted that they keep them at arm’s length. Servants were dismissed constantly for the most minimal of infractions. Some days, they had only one or two to do a myriad of tasks.

“When do ye leave?” Ava asked, not sure she was prepared for the huge undertaking.

“Three days hence,” Lady Fraser replied, placing her cup down. “Tomorrow, I will begin packing and send a message to Matilde,” she said, referring to her husband’s brother’s wife. “I will make sure she has begun to pack as well.”

Last meal was crowded, but everything went according to plan. Ava studied how the meal was served to each person and once they finished, bowls were quickly taken away so they would not linger. Those that attended second meal had more time to linger, but they did not stay very long. Only those who slept inside the keep and a few visitors remained.

Keithen sat next to her. He’d been in deep conversation with the laird and a council member for most of the meal. Because Lady Fraser kept a constant commentary, pointing out items she considered important to be brought up to the staff, Ava could not hear what Keithen and the laird spoke about.

When Ava yawned, Keithen turned to her. “Ye should go to bed. I will join ye after a while.”

She had much to speak to him about, but it would have to wait as he showed no intention of going upstairs at the moment.

Instead of going directly to bed, Ava moved to sit next to Lady Fraser.

“Let us join Catriona,” Lady Fraser insisted. “She is not yet fully comfortable being in the great room.”

They went to the small table and sat down. Catriona gave them a relieved smile. “I was about to leave. I am trying to remain, but it is difficult.” She looked over her shoulder. “With the guardsmen inside now, it’s…” She didn’t have to finish.

Ava noted the woman had barely touched her food but refrained from saying anything about it.

“Have ye reconsidered coming with me?” Lady Fraser asked. “I do believe it will be helpful to ye and to Ava as well.”

“What do ye mean?” Catriona asked.

Ava did her best not to gawk at the woman. Was Lady Fraser about to disclose her insecurities when it came to Catriona and Keithen?

“Just that it will give Ava the opportunity to be Lady of the Keep and Keithen to act as laird.”

“My responsibilities are minimal. I do not plan to intervene in anything,” Catriona assured them. “I would not be averse to remaining in my bedchamber the entire time ye are gone.”

Relieved, Ava let out a breath. “I would actually prefer if ye remain. If I have any questions, I will come to ye.”

Obviously relieved, Catriona nodded. “It is doubtful that I can be of much assistance. My duties are minimal. However, I will help where I can.”

There had never been anything but kindness toward her from Catriona. Ava wondered how it was possible for the woman not to hate her. From what she’d heard, she’d loved Keithen for years.

It could be that she and Keithen were both in love and had accepted that he had to be married. Her mind reeled at the thought that they had been, and continued to be, lovers. Ava gasped and the other women turned to her.

“What is wrong?” Lady Fraser asked.