ran a hand over her cheek almost as if Kenzie’s own thoughts brought forth the action. “How old are ye, Kenzie? If ye don’t mind me asking.”
“I just turned twenty-five last month.” Braxton’s burst of laughter startled her. “What is it?” she asked, not sure why her age was so amusing.
“You’re older than we are now,” Braxton said, his smile warm and full of mirth.
“Ye are, lass. We’re not far off ye in age, but certainly not yet twenty-five.” Gwen smiled, before pulling her to stand. “Now come, my dear. I want to show ye to your room and get ye settled. Would you like a bath brought up before we sup tonight? Even though we’re only moving in today, some staff have been here for a week or more, and we’re perfectly able to attend to any wish ye may have.”
The thought of a bath seemed heavenly, and Kenzie was tired after her travel. “I would love one, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“’Tis no trouble at all, lass.”
They walked from the room and headed up the familiar staircase. To know that her ancestor really had lived in and enjoyed a house that she now called her own was truly an amazing, wonderful thing. So many great memories, of family, children, births, and unfortunately, even deaths had happened under this roof. Life can’t get much better than it is now.
Her room was inlaid with the same dark wood that the staircase was made of, and funny enough, it was the room Kenzie had used as a child, before her mother had packed them up and left for London.
Kenzie pulled out the few gowns she’d brought with her and hung them in the armoire before looking out the window, watching as day gave way to late afternoon. Gwen fussed about her room, making sure the maids understood their duties to her new guest and ensuring the bath and linens were brought up promptly. Kenzie smiled at Gwen’s fretting like an old mother hen about her chick.
“There we are, dear. I think the water is at the right temperature now.”
“Thank you, Gwen,” Kenzie said, sitting down and pulling off her shoes. “And thank you so much for making me welcome. I wasn’t sure how you’d take my arrival here. I’m so happy that you approve.”
“Well…” Gwen went to the dressing table and picked up a ribbon, coming over and tying Kenzie’s hair back to keep it from getting wet. “I canna lie, it does make me a little nervous that you’re here. This time is hard, and I certainly don’t want anything happening to ye, but it also fills my heart with joy, knowing my children, my lineage, survives through the next few centuries, right up to yer own time.”
Kenzie could see how such knowledge would be pleasing for someone who’d otherwise never know. “Do you think it’s possible for me to visit with Abby Cross, your brother’s wife? I should so like to see her again.”
“Oh aye, we’re due to travel there in a few weeks for the christening of their new bairn. I know Abby was so thankful to ye, and so I have no qualms with them seeing ye. And I would also think Aedan would love to thank the lass who secured his future happiness.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Gwen sighed. “Well, I’ll leave ye for now to have ye bath. Come downstairs when you’re ready, and we’ll have supper.”
Kenzie watched her go, grateful that Gwen was so loving. She looked around the room, the animal furs on her bed, the roaring fire next to the small wooden tub. She undressed quickly, wondering if, when they traveled to Druiminn Castle, the Laird of Ross would also be there to congratulate the couple on their new baby. Needing the ladies room, Kenzie looked behind the screen in the corner of her room. She had hoped against hope for a lovely flushable toilet, but no, there was none. Instead, a pretty pink bowl sat on the floor. How was she going to squat over that? There was also no sign of toilet paper either, merely some torn up pieces of cloth. Lovely…
Thankfully, she could bathe after relieving herself. Kenzie lowered herself into the tub, hoping the Laird of Ross would show his face at some point. She was in the seventeenth century after all, to see the man and possibly find out how and why he had disappeared without a trace.
Kenzie soaped her arms, liking the smell of lemon and