Beyond a Doubt - By Felicia Rogers Page 0,13
the big stone structure in the middle of the yard as a groom led the horse away.
Chapter Fourteen
The Scottish keep had been built from large, irregularly shaped rocks, each one covered with green moss, hanging vines, and beautiful wildflowers. Sights and smells overwhelmed her as Bryce urged her forward.
When they entered the massive wooden doors, they were clasped in a fierce embrace.
“What are you doing back so soon? If you’re looking for Grant, he just left. Who is your friend?”
The varied questions from the unknown woman made her head spin, but Bryce rose to the occasion.
“Arbella Sinclair, this is Lucy Bard.”
“It is nice to meet you.” Arbella shook her hand and turned back to Bryce. “Duncan is on his way. Why don’t you let me take Lucy and get her a bath and some clean clothes while you wait for him?”
Lucy didn’t give him time to answer. “Oh, please.”
Arbella laughed at her enthusiasm. Right then, Lucy would have left with a murderer if they offered an opportunity to get clean. With a wave, Lucy left Bryce.
She was taken to a large room with a roaring fire. A bed with clean sheets and a fluffy mattress filled most of the area. Atop the bed lay a gown of wool. She reached out with her dirty fingers, but quickly snatched them back.
“Hot water is on the way,” said Arbella.
“How can I thank you?”
“It is not necessary. A friend of Bryce’s is a friend of ours. Besides, the Lord calls us to treat those as we wish to be treated.”
The idea that she might have entered a house of Catholics caused an inner cringe. Hesitating but a moment, she asked, “Are you Christians?”
“Aye. We even have our own Protestant minister,” Arbella announced proudly.
Lucy parted her lips. These people were clearly Bryce’s friends. Should she warn them of the dangers they brought upon themselves with that blatant admission?
A knock resounded. Arbella clapped her hands together. “The water!”
Pail after pail was brought into the room and poured into a large metal tub placed before the fireplace. Arbella handed her a bar of soap and left the room.
For a moment, Lucy stared at the spectacle and hoped it wasn’t a dream in the process of disappearing. In a rush of exuberance, she secured the door and removed her clothes. The days of sweat and grime had stuck the material to her frame, lending to a peeling sound as the fabric loosened from her skin.
The water had cooled to the right temperature by the time she slid inside. She scrubbed until her flesh glowed pink. She washed her hair, delighting in the rose smell scenting the air.
When the water turned lukewarm, Lucy stood, dried, and dressed.
Studying the gown on the bed, Lucy determined it didn’t belong to Arbella because of the shortness in length. Short and made for a person yet undeveloped, perhaps even a child. The material felt soft yet appeared sturdy, indigo in color. The dress had gold trim and a square neckline. Lace dangled from the long sleeves. Buttons located in the front made it easier for Lucy to dress herself.
The gown fit perfectly.
A looking glass provided a way to study herself. Twirling about, Lucy noticed how the dark material matched her eyes. Although not her usual attire, the fabric was comfortable, clean, and wonderful.
At the edge of the bed rested a pair of sturdy leather shoes with thick soles. They would be better suited toward walking than her heeled slippers.
Tears formed and slid down her cheeks. Kindness in the world didn’t exist, at least not apart from Christ. Anyone who thought otherwise was fooling themselves.
With renewed vigor, Lucy stood. Refreshed in spirit, and in body, she hungered for food. Perhaps one night in the Sinclair’s company would not put her too far behind schedule.
Outside the room, Lucy searched for Bryce. She walked down a long corridor that ended in a balcony. Then she walked the upper circle that surrounded the main hall. Below her stood men of all ages slapping someone on the back, laughing and behaving in a general way of mirth.
The one to whom the mirth was directed gazed up. The visage took her breath away.
Dressed in a fresh tunic, Bryce’s new plaid was wrapped around his waist, flung upon his shoulder and pinned in place. His hair glistened in the light, water droplets still clinging to the strands. The light caused his skin to glow with a bronze color which served to highlight his strength. But none of this caught