New Governess at Ballindalloch Castle

[Perplexia]

Having been cast aside and sent to a strict Catholic school for orphaned children when she was 8. Mary Elliot was raised with a moderate education and prepared for the simple life as a governess. She knew little of the world, and maintained a megar hope of ever being lucky enough to see it. Often disciplined for daydreaming, her imagination was always active. It is because of this that she wasn’t content to stay a teacher at this school she had been condemned to as a child. So she placed an advertisement in the post for a governess position.

Mary had little hope of receiving an answer, but a few months after the post she received an offer of a position. She was to travel forthwith to a place called Ballindalloch Castle located in Banffshire, Scotland. Having never been out of England, she was overjoyed at the opportunity to begin her hope of seeing the world. There was little information about her employer. Simply that he was a man who sought a governess for his ward. His title and name had been left out. Travel had been arranged and paid for, and she was to leave immediately.

As the carriage took her away from the old school, she didn’t look back. The ride took several days over the dirt roads. She stayed to herself on the stops, it wasn’t quite thought proper for a single woman to be traveling alone in the 1800’s. There was still unrest between England and Scotland, and she was unsure of how she would be received as a Sassenach/English woman/outlander. The clans that once were had been disbanded after the attempt of getting Charles Stuart on the throne in the failed Jacobite rising in 1745. This was before her time of course, but it was still fresh in the minds of the Scots.

Having been alone all her life, it didn’t bother her what others' opinions may be of her. She would perform her position to the best of her ability, and in a few years she would post again to a different part of the world. But for right now this was an adventure, her first, and she was beside herself. Her small petite figure with ample bosoms were covered under her frock and a blanket as the carriage made its way through the arch at Ballindalloch. The castle was one of the most gorgeous sites she had ever seen with its high towers and massive grounds of green. If there was a heaven on earth, this must be it, she thought.

The journey had been long, a maid took her to the head housekeeper Mrs Fitzherbert who promptly ordered her a meal. “Your ward Miss Elizabeth Arnold is eagerly waiting your arrival, it took a great deal to get her to bed this evening” she let out a hearty laugh. “The Master of the Castle is not at home, he rarely is. I shall have you shown to your room after your done eating, and let you rest, it must have been a tedious journey.”

“Thank you Mrs. Fitzherbert. I look forward to my duties, and thank you heartedly for the meal.”

 

[cumnchat]

The lone rider

halted in the lee of the group of Scots Pine that stood atop the rise that overlooked Ballindalloch castle, he paused for a few minutes then spurred his steed forward to the castle where the head stable lad was waiting to take care of his horse.
Lord Hamish Arnold swept into the great hall, his kilt swirling around his knees, calling for Mrs Fitzherbert in his broad Scottish accent that would have been all but indecipherable to anyone but a fellow Scot.

"Fitz, a plate of cold meats and a large whisky if ye please, I'll tek them in the breakfast room. By the by has the Sassenach girl arrived yet, she should be here by noo?"

Mrs Fitzherbert scowled to herself as she hated the way Lord Arnold shortened her name to Fitz, "Nae respect" she grumbled to herself before replying,

"It's ready waiting on ye mae lord, the girl has arrived and had some supper then I sent her to her room to rest, she's tired out poor thing, she's a pretty young thing, I would advise you to leave it until the morning tae speak to her."

"Thank you Fitz," Mrs Fitzherbert bristled again, "Leave her until morning she can breakfast with Elizabeth and me in the morning room."

Mrs Fitherbert curtsied, "Very good mae Lord."

As Hamish tucked into his supper he reflected on how he came to be his eight-year-old niece's guardian while his brother was in the Americas to make his fortune thus necessitating his need to employ a governess as he was often away sometimes for days at a time. This also meant he had little time to meet suitable females, not that he found them particularly interesting, as far as he was concerned a woman was only put on earth to warm a man's bed and do his bidding when either was required.

Come morning he was already seated when he heard Elizabeth coming down the stairs chattering away at thirteen to the dozen to someone, who, he assumed was the new governess. 'At least they seem to be getting on well together ' he thought. He looked up as the door opened and Elizabeth stepped in and with an exaggerated bow she proclaimed,

"Introducing Miss Mary Elliot, mae new friend and tutor."

 

[Perplexia]

Mary awoke feeling bright and refreshed. The sun showed through the castle window revealing her wonderfully lavish room. For the first time, in as long as she could remember she had a bounce to her step. A new life, and a new adventure awaited her.
Taking a bath was first on her agenda. The long trip had left her feeling grimy. Once clean and refreshed she placed on her plain governess dress and placed her wavy auburn locks upon her head. Taking a look in the looking glass her bright green eyes looked back at the same plain image she’d seen all her life. Nothing special, just an orphaned girl with an active imagination.

Exiting her room she walked the halls taking in the images of the nobility of the past. It was a safe assumption they were late relatives of the laird/lord that owned the castle now. “Madame Madame” squealed Elizabeth as she came running from her room toward her giving her a big hug.
“I am so happy you are here, we will be great friends, and I promise I will be a good student”
“Well I am very glad to hear that Elizabeth. I look forward to our lessons and talks.”
“I want to learn everything!” she exclaimed
“Well everything is a lot” she laughed “But I shall teach you what I know, and we shall discover and learn new things together, but first we should go to breakfast”
Elizabeth nodded and talked all the way down to the breakfast room.

"Introducing Miss Mary Elliot, mae new friend and tutor."
Elizabeth exclaimed with an over the top bow. Mary made note that etiquette would be one of things that was a high priority.
Mary looked up from Elizabeth and set her eyes upon the Lord. First she was captivated by his youthful appearance, and his rugged handsomeness. “Mi Laird” she said, giving a perfect curtsy.

Elizabeth took her hand pulling her to the table. “You sit here Mary next to mae.” Mary let out a light laugh shaking her head whispering in her ear. “The correct thing to say is ‘it would please me greatly if you would sit here next to me please’. Elizabeth twisted her lips for a moment and repeated. “it would please mae greatly if you would sit here next to me please”

“It would be my honor Miss Elizabeth, thank you”. She gave the girl a smile and a light pat showing she did a good job. Elizabeth beamed.
The Servants pulled out their chairs and took their seats. “Thank you,” Mary said. Elizabeth repeated “Thank You”. Mary was glad, she could already tell Elizabeth was eager to please and would be a little mini me. So she knew she would have to be sure to show her best side in her presence.

The food upon the table was more than Mary had seen her entire life at one time. She took a little bit of the things she’d never tried, she certainly didn’t wish to appear as a glutton that would eat her employer out of home. Elizabeth's table etiquette was decent. Which meant she had been taught some things. A little refining in some areas and she would be the perfect lady some day.

 

[cumnchat]

The governess's entrance was unusual, to say the least with young Elizabeth bowing to her uncle before introducing the young woman as her friend and tutor. Hamish smiled at her youthful exuberance then his eyes followed MissElliot to her seat beside Elizabeth as she had been asked but not before correcting her on etiquette, which Elizabeth accepted with unusual good grace. Breakfast continued in relative silence, Miss Elliot appearing to have a healthy appetite for some of the stranger food before her but not overeating. When they had finished Hamish told Elizabeth to get her schoolbooks together and wait for Miss Elliot in the day room which was to be where lessons were to be conducted.

"If you would come with me Miss Elliot, we will take a walk in the garden while we talk, you can tell me about yesel'"

As they walked, for some inexplicable reason Hamish took Mary's arm and tucked it under his own so they walked side by side and close together so they kept brushing against each other. Hamish was quite taken by Mary's appearance and secretly thought to himself 'Aye, she's a right bonny lass and damned pretty too', it took all his willpower not to put his arm around her waist. From time to time he caught the scent of her perfume, light, fresh and flowery unlike most of the women he knew where their scent hung about them like a cloud.


Their conversation centred mainly on Mary's time in the orphanage, her ambitions and dreams for the future,

"Ah hope ye stay wi' us for some time, Mary Elizabeth has taken quite a shine tae ye," then he looked embarrassed

"Ah hope ye dinnae mind that I call ye Mary, Miss Elliot sounds so formal, of course in front of others it will be Miss Elliot the same as ye must call me Hamish in private but Mae Laird in public otherwise tongues may begin tae wag." He gave a wry grin.

"Ah dinnae wish tae pry but do ye have someone ye left behind in England, someone ye care about ah mean, ah mention it because a bonny lass like yersel will attract a fair amount of attention from most of the young bucks in Banffshire, Ah dinnae wish to say who ye can or cannae see but ye should know that no young men will be welcome here"

They completed their tour of the garden all too soon for Hamish's liking but he told Mary,

"Young Elizabeth will be champing at the bit no doubt, wanting to show ye how clever she is so ye run along now and tonight after supper ye can tek a glass wi' me and tell me all aboot your first day."

He watched wistfully as she left wondering to himself why she was having such an effect on him. Then he scolded himself.

"What am ah thinking ah'm 30 years old, much too old for the likes of her?"

 

[Perplexia]

"If you would come with me Miss Elliot, we will take a walk in the garden while we talk, you can tell me about yesel'"

“Yes my Laird” she said politely.

As they walked he tucked her arm beneath his own. She questioned the propriety of it. But not wanting to seem rude said nothing. Never having been this close to man, nor truly interacting with one since her Uncle had passed she was taken back by how comfortable she felt. It was an odd experience, but one she would surely log in her diary later.

Talking with him seemed easy. She told him of how she was treated by her Uncle's wife after he’d passed, and how she cast her to the orphanage before he was cold in his grave. It had been an odd feeling of how excited she had been to leave and have the opportunity to read, and learn about the world. It hadn’t been an easy upbringing, but she had been able to excel at her work and qualify as a governess well before many of her peers. Hard work hadn’t been something she was afraid of. Her dreams consisted of learning as much about other places and cultures as she could. Other than that she had no real ambitions. After all, what could a woman of her station expect out of life?

"Ah hope ye stay wi' us for some time, Mary Elizabeth has taken quite a shine tae ye,"

“I have only just arrived, My Laird, I have no plans on leaving anytime soon,” she laughed lightly. “Miss Elizabeth is very bright and eager to learn. I think with a little tutelage she will become a very accomplished young woman. I have taught many children in my stay at the orphanage, very few show the ambition to learn.”

“Ah hope ye dinnae mind that I call ye Mary, Miss Elliot sounds so formal, of course in front of others it will be Miss Elliot the same as ye must call me Hamish in private but Mae Laird in public otherwise tongues may begin tae wag.” Mary wasn’t quite sure what to say. It took her a moment before she replied. “I must admit that I haven't been on familiar terms with anyone since the orphanage. I had a friend once, and she called me Mary, but she died a long time ago from fever.” She frowned lightly at the memory. “As it is your wish My Laird, Hamish. I think that in private it would be okay.”

"Ah dinnae wish tae pry but do ye have someone ye left behind in England, someone ye care about ah mean, ah mention it because a bonny lass like yersel will attract a fair amount of attention from most of the young bucks in Banffshire, Ah dinnae wish to say who ye can or cannae see but ye should know that no young men will be welcome here"

Mary blushed at the question and complement he bestowed upon her. “No My.. Hamish” she caught herself from saying My Laird and then continued. “There were no men other than the groundskeeper, and his wife would have objected.” she let out a small laugh at the thought. “I have no interest in attracting a suitor of any sort. I might be a governess, but I hold the virtue and manners of a lady. I’m here to educate Miss Elizabeth, and I believe the best way to do so is by setting an example of what she should aspire to be. So there is no worry sir of any man calling for me, as it would be most unwelcome.”

Never had she seen a garden of such beauty, not even the ones in the books compared to the elegance of this place. For a castle, it was bright, airy, and warm. Not to mention Hamish. It still seemed odd to call him by his name. But still there was something about him that captivated her. Perhaps it was his rugged good looks, or the way he asked her about herself as if she mattered. It had been a wonderful beginning to her new life.


"Young Elizabeth will be champing at the bit no doubt, wanting to show ye how clever she is so ye run along now and tonight after supper ye can tek a glass wi' me and tell me all aboot your first day."

“As you wish Sir’ she gave him a soft smile as she looked up at him through her lids and curtsied.

Mary went and found Elizabeth in the day room and went about the task of testing her accomplishments so she would know where to begin. After lunch they resumed her studies and took a walk about the garden discussing flowers and how some had medicinal purposes, others could be eaten, some were poisonous etcetera. Her thoughts had wandered to Hamish on occasion and had to snap herself out of daydreaming. This simply wouldn’t do, there was no point in accepting his good manners as anything but the kindness of a well mannered employer. She was a governess, and he was a Laird. Their worlds weren’t allowed to intertwine. Where did these girlish notions come from?

When the school day had ended, Mary decided to take a walk around the castle grounds. She needed to discipline herself, thinking of Hamish as anything more than her employer or at the most a friend, was the surest way to find herself unemployable. No, she must keep her distance, and maintain a bit of formality in her mind. As she walked and pondered her fingers would graze and finger the tall grass. Returning back to the castle in time to clean up and change to another plain governess dress for dinner.

Once again she was astonished at the amount of food. Elizabeth was as usual full of life and chatter. She smiled at the young girl's liveliness and curiosity about the world. When dinner was over, she went to the Laird den for the drink and talk he requested.

 

[cumnchat]

The rest of the day passed slowly for Hamish as he couldn't get Mary out of his mind, several times he found himself standing outside the day room where he could hear Mary carrying out her lessons and Elizabeth asking questions, he was sorely tempted to interrupt the lessons for no other reason than he would be able to see Mary and maybe catch a whiff of her perfume again which sent his pulse racing, however, he curbed the temptation and forced himself to walk away.

At dinner Elizabeth dominated the conversation, telling Hamish that she had learnt all about geography, to prove it she declared proudly "Did ye, ken Uncle Hamish, that Paris is the capital city of France and Rome is the capital of Italy? There are others that ah cannae remember but ah have them written down in mae geography book so ah can learn them off by heart."

Hamish chuckled at her exuberance, "Yes ah did ken about Paris and Rome but ah'm sure ye will soon be able to tell me them all."

After dinner, Elizabeth went to her room to memorize what she had written in her book while Hamish and Mary retired to the parlour.

"Tek a seat Mary while ah pour us a drink, a whisky with lots of spring water for ye ah think, fer mesel it's neat
whisky, ah cannae abide spoiling good whisky with water."

He stood behind her and put his hand on her shoulder and commented,

"Ye have beautiful hair Mary, it would please mae greatly if you let it down in the evening it is too severe a look for leisure time."

He then sat down opposite her and leaned forward just to be that much closer to her.

"Now tell me, how was your first day, no regrets?"

 

[Perplexia]

The parlor was beautifully embellished with a case of books, a piano, a double seated bench and two antique chairs that had probably been in his family forever. The chairs faced each other in front of the giant hearth that had a blazing fire warming the room. “Thank you” she said while receiving her drink. Mary had never had whisky before, or any spirit drink to think of. He stood behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. She stiffened as the electricity from his touch pulsated through her body. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath as he said:

"Ye have beautiful hair Mary, it would please mae greatly if you let it down in the evening it is too severe a look for leisure time."

“I’m sorry my Laird, I don’t wish to cause offense to you, but if it were seen it could sully my reputation as one who forgets her station, or worse.If I ever hope to secure another position it would rely heavily upon references and inquiries. I think its best if i maintain my professional stature.”

He then sat down opposite her and leaned forward just to be that much closer to her.

"Now tell me, how was your first day, no regrets?"

“No” she said with a soft smile. Elizabeth is more advanced in some areas than in others. But with work and dedication I think she can become equally well rounded. She’s a bright girl with a craving for knowledge. Where I'm from it was custom for the men to wish the woman to stay uneducated and ignorant. So I commend you sir for allowing her the opportunity to expand her mind and create her own opinions.”

It was hard to breathe with him so close. “Please excuse me my laird, I think i may not have recovered quite yet from my journey. With your permission I would like to retire for the evening. “

 

[cumnchat]

Mary stiffened as Hamish put his hand on her shoulder, thinking that she must think him much too forward he hastily removed it and tried to put her at her ease by asking about her day and she told him that Elizabeth was proving to be a good student but then she cut their conversation short and asked to be excused as she was tired still from her journey, he could hardly refuse so he insisted on walking back to her room with her, lighting the way with a candle and jokingly made an excuse,

"Ah dinnae wish to alarm ye Mary but there is a legend that one o' mae ancestors walks the corridors at nicht, it's said that he appears out of nowhere and walks right through ye and disappears again into a wall. Ah have never seen the apparition so ah dinnae ken if there's any truth in it or not but better safe than sorry as they say."

On reaching the door of her room Hamish tried to spin out the time by asking if she had everything she needed and he told her that Ms Fitzherbert would see to anything she was lacking. With a wicked glint of amusement in his eye he told her,

"Poor Mrs Fitzherbert, ah call her Fitz and she hates it but ah do it anyway just to see her scowl, now that is a sight to behold."

Hamish was running out of things to say to delay leaving Mary, he could hardly suggest that she ask him into her room, that would be most improper so he bade her good night and left to go back to his whisky in the parlour. On his way back he berated himself for behaving like a lovesick schoolboy, then it struck him could he actually be in love with Mary, a strip of a girl he had known for barely twenty-four hours? Commonsense said he was being ridiculous while his rating heart told him it was a distinct possibility. IF, he was in love with her nothing could possibly come of it as she couldn't possibly feel the same way, she had made that plain earlier when she couldn't wait to leave him and go to bed.
He sat there for a couple of hours drinking a whole decanter of scotch before staggering to his room and collapsing fully dressed face down on the bed, which is where found himself when he awoke in the morning, his head thumping

 

[Perplexia]

"Ah dinnae wish to alarm ye Mary but there is a legend that one o' mae ancestors walks the corridors at nicht, it's said that he appears out of nowhere and walks right through ye and disappears again into a wall. Ah have never seen the apparition so ah dinnae ken if there's any truth in it or not but better safe than sorry as they say."

Mary smiled softly "Thank you for the warning My Laird, but I do not believe in such superstitions. But I do appreciate your warning."
"Mrs Fitzherbert has ensured i have everything I need. As i'm not use to having much, here I have everything I need."

"Thank you for seeing me to my room My Laird, It's a big place and i surely would have got lost in the dark"

As he bid her goodnight she went into her room and closed the door. Watching from below as the flicker of the light disappeared. Did she make the right decision by refusing to let down her hair? Her mind wandered to his hand upon her shoulder and the sudden anguish she felt when he removed it. They had just met, and already she was beginning to day dream about him. His reputation could handle a scandal of an affair with a governess. Hers on the other hand could not. A man of his wealth and fortune would be expected to marry a woman of equal ranking and station. Generally she would bring with here a sizeable dowry and properties that would add to his wealth. She was none of those things.

Letting her long auburn locks down she changed to her nightdress and crawled into bed. When she closed her eyes all she could manage to see was his face, his smile , hear his voice say her name. Mary went about making a plan, if he got married, or when a year had passed she'd look for a new situation. This helped to calm her enough to finally fall asleep. Though thought of him with a wife whom draped him in front of her caused her to toss and turn for the rest of the night.

She rose just as the sun was beginning to rise, and went down to the kitchen where she took a light breakfast. With her cloak around her she walked the grounds letting her mind be settled by its beauty. Feeling refreshed by her walk she went to the day room and prepared the lessons for Elizabeth's day and waited for her by reading a book.
Eventually she came bounding in after her breakfast smiling and full of chatter. Once settled, Mary started her lessons and kept her focused until it was time for lunch. "Let us have a picnic today by the pond, and after lunch we can discuss the inhabitants of it and see if we can find some fine specimens that you can show your uncle later." Elizabeth seemed excited about that idea, she seemed to have a great fondness for him, and from what she observed he was great with her.

It was a partly sunny day when they went for their picnic, a nice breeze added greatly to the ambiance. When done eating Elizabeth set about looking for things of interest to learn about and do a presentation for her uncle. It was a great way for her to learn to speak in front of others with confidence and intelligence. Overall she had gathered quite a few plants and bugs to show. "Come, let us take these back to the day room and we shall work tomorrow on your presentation. It's time for us to get cleaned up for dinner." They walked back to the castle and after depositing the items. Mary went to her room to clean up and change. The sun had caused a few freckles to appear upon her nose, and her cheeks to brighten. She hesitated before going to dinner, ensuring her hair was up and tidy. She entered the dining room and took her place at the table.

 

[cumnchat]

Throughout the day his mind was never far away from thinking about Mary and thinking of ways to be in her company without being too obvious, eventually, he came up with two ideas and after dinner, he invited Mary into the parlour again with the excuse that he wanted to hear about the day's activities. This time he didn't offer her whisky as he explained,

"Ah wasnae thinking last nicht when ah foisted whisky on ye, ah should ha' realised that ye had probably never had the pleasure o' letting the golden nectar tickle your throat so there's lemonade or orange whichever ye prefer."

Again he stood behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder feeling a pleasurable shock shoot along his arm and head southwards towards his groin.

"Ah have a couple of things Ah wish ta put to ye Mary some of which ye may not agree with but as your employer, ah reserve the right to insist, ah find your reasons for not letting your hair hang loose unacceptable, there will only be the two of us and you look so severe and governess like, ah would like to see the real you, relaxed and comfortable,"

With that, he freed her thick auburn locks so they cascaded onto her shoulder and framed her face, accentuating the rosiness of her cheeks and cute bow lips. He stepped back to take a look and smiled,

"There that's much better, ye look even prettier now, That brings mae to the next subject, your clothes, or more specifically your lack of variety, ah can't help noticing that ye wear the same dress for tutoring two days in succession and the same in the evening, ah am not criticising their cleanliness or condition it just suggests to mae that ye have nothing else to wear, ah should ha' realised that considering where ye came from that ye wouldnae have much in the way of clothes, Again, ah would be neglecting my obligations as your employer if ye dinnae have at least three new similar dresses, your old ones ye can use for times when ye are going somewhere like the woods or the brook and ye have an accident like tearing your dress. So this Saturday ah will take ye into Ballindalloch to the best dress shop in the town and get ye fitted out as befits your position. The third thing starts with a question, Can ye ride? Ride a horse ah mean, if not ah will teach ye. Ye need ta be able ta ride in this part of the country, hansom cabs are few and far between. That's all, now you can speak."

 

[Perplexia]

"Ah have a couple of things Ah wish ta put to ye Mary some of which ye may not agree with but as your employer, ah reserve the right to insist, ah find your reasons for not letting your hair hang loose unacceptable, there will only be the two of us and you look so severe and governess like, ah would like to see the real you, relaxed and comfortable,"

Before she could respond he had let her locks loose.

“There that's much better, ye look even prettier now, That brings mae to the next subject, your clothes, or more specifically your lack of variety, ah can't help noticing that ye wear the same dress for tutoring two days in succession and the same in the evening, ah am not criticizing their cleanliness or condition it just suggests to mae that ye have nothing else to wear, ah should ha' realized that considering where ye came from that ye wouldnae have much in the way of clothes, Again, ah would be neglecting my obligations as your employer if ye dinnae have at least three new similar dresses, your old ones ye can use for times when ye are going somewhere like the woods or the brook and ye have an accident like tearing your dress. So this Saturday ah will take ye into Ballindalloch ton the best dress shop in the town and get ye fitted out as befits your position. The third thing starts with a question, Can ye ride? Ride a horse ah mean, if not ah will teach ye. Ye need ta be able ta ride in this part of the country, hansom cabs are few and far between. That's all, now you can speak."

Mary carefully tailored her thoughts before speaking. “As my employer, you are within your rights to choose what clothing I may wear while performing my duties. However, my duties as governess stop when I release Elizabeth for the day. So I therefore reserve the right to wear my hair as I choose when not performing those tasks. Perhaps with time I may feel comfortable in our nightly meetings and choose to let it down. However, it is still my choice.”

Elizabeth wound up her hair and placed it back upon her head to emphasize her point.

“To answer your other question My Lord, I do not know how to ride. I would be pleased to learn from you. As for Elizabeth's studies, she is doing well, she will have a presentation to show you after lunch tomorrow if you have the time. Please understand Hamish, It will take me time to become accustom to your ways and preferences, i merely ask that you allow me the time to come to my own conclusions and decisions. I may be a lowly governess, but I am still a lady with morals. My experiences may be quite limited, my accomplishments the same as any school girl with the ambition to better herself with knowledge. But i do know myself, and I know enough of the way things are to warn myself against improprieties. I am new here, i have already heard murmurs about being the Lairds favorite. I shan't wish to encourage them by forgetting myself or my station.

One day you shall find yourself a wife, or perhaps Elizabeth will go back to her father. I will then need to find a new position. It’s common for gossip to escalate and become a black mark upon my credibility. I know you do not wish for my reputation to be tarnished. I do find your company refreshing, as brief as I have been in it. It is nice to have someone to share thoughts, dreams and ideas with. But you are a Laird, and I am a governess. It is the way it is. Even though you have not behaved improper or otherwise, it does not mean that those with imagination may not tell tales. Perhaps you could join me for my morning walks. Or perhaps we could invite Elizabeth to play the piano while we discuss things. It would ease my mind greatly as to not have to worry about the impropriety others may think. Thank you for the thoughtfulness of my drink preferences.”

With that she poured herself some lemonade and allowed him the opportunity to respond.

 

[cumnchat]

For a few moments after Mary's reply, Hamish was speechless as she somewhat defiantly wound up her hair and placed it back the way it was before, he felt as though he had been reprimanded instead of the other way around, perhaps he was being too presumptuous in thinking that she would fall in with whatever he said as if he was her master.

"I ,,,,, I,,,, I,,,,," He stammered unable to form a coherent answer.

However, Mary saved him the embarrassment of standing there with his mouth open like a goldfish by continuing and giving him some hope of recovering the situation.

" To answer your other question My Lord, I do not know how to ride. I would be pleased to learn from you. As for Elizabeth's studies, she is doing well, she will have a presentation to show you after lunch tomorrow if you have the time. Please understand Hamish, It will take me time to become accustomed to your ways and preferences, i merely ask that you allow me the time to come to my own conclusions and decisions. I may be a lowly governess, but I am still a lady with morals. My experiences may be quite limited, my accomplishments the same as any school girl with the ambition to better herself with knowledge. But i do know myself, and I know enough of the way things are to warn myself against improprieties. I am new here, i have already heard murmurs about being the Lairds favorite. I shan't wish to encourage them by forgetting myself or my station."

"Teach ye to ride? Of course, it will be mae pleasure. Elizabeth, tomorrow after lunch, of course, ah will be there."

He paused for a moment as he realised that he would need to choose his words carefully If he didn't wish to alienate Mary again.

"Of course it will take time for us to get to know each other's likes and dislikes, forgive me if ah appear to be telling you what you should do or be in your spare time, it was just mae personal preference to see your hair loose. Ye may be a governess but hardly lowly and ah have no doubts whatsoever about your morals. Ah have heard nae murmurs about ye being made favourite wherever they have come from they're completely without foundation and if ah find out who is saying such things ah will deal with them, ah can only think that it is because you are new and ah have spent some time in your company but let us not forget Elizabeth has also been with us on several occasions."

Hamish paused again giving himself time to go over in his mind what Mary had said about him marrying and the possibility of her leaving, again though she seemed to contradict herself instead of suggesting ways in which they might stop tongues wagging she suggested that he join her on her early morning walks meaning he could be alone with her with no-one about to spy on them and spread gossip.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to walk with you in the mornings Mary and listening to Elizabeth play the piano will at least stop her chattering for a while. take your lemonade and tell me about your day."

They sat chatting for a good hour before Hamish said he was off to bed and asked Mary if she would like him to take her to her room again.

"We dinnae want 'auld spookie' tekking ye awa ta his den do we?

 

[Perplexia]

It was apparent to Mary that Hamish hadn't been told No in a long time. She had to hide her smile at his reaction. She was equally glad that he accepted it with grace and humility instead of blowing up at her. In her limited experience she found that people above her station didn't like to be told how it was. Though she promised herself a long time ago she would never be afraid to stand up for herself and what she felt was right. She would never be a meek woman.

Mary was glad when he said he'd make time for Elizabeth's presentation. It would make all the hard work she put into it pay off by his attendance. "she will be quite elated that you shall be there My Laird"

He mentioned it would take time to get to know each others likes and dislikes and she simply nodded in agreeance and added "it is said great things come to those that wait" Mary also knew that if she knew him better there was a chance she would like him better and perhaps deeper. Either way that posed a risk to her heart. But as long as she kept silent and stuck to her plan one day she may be able to forget him. Though with the way he was looking at her right now she doubted it.

"I think perhaps for now it is best to just ignore the murmurs Mi Laird rather than to acknowledge them and give them power. Surely if you defend me or our friendship it would only let them take flight. It is simply best to take precaution with when and how we are seen."
"yes" she replied to his statement of Elizabeth playing piano for them. "It will also allow her to feel a bit more grown up to be allowed in the company of adults, and especially performing for you who she adores greatly."
She thought for a moment and added. "I am often up as the sun rises, I enjoy meeting the new day and taking in the smells and sounds." It was an olive branch of sorts, a way to be friends without worrying about being seen. It had been a long time since she had someone that talked to her instead of at her.

When asked about her day she replied of the topics that her and Elizabeth went through, how she spent a great amount of time collecting and requesting an explanation on all of them. "she is quite inquisitive and eager to learn about everything. Which in my opinion is not a bad thing. Perhaps when she grows up it will inspire her to encourage the same in her own children, and so on. The world is always changing, and those willing to accept that, will propel the furthest in it." thinking for a moment she added "Would you mind if I borrowed books from your library for my own reading?"

Laughing lightly she said "If you insist My Laird" to his comment of walking her to her room. It was late and the house was quite as he led the way. Stopping at her door she said "Thank you My Laird, for listening and taking into consideration my feelings and thoughts on matters." When he was done talking and they parted ways she went in her room. Her mind was racing as she changed for bed. Even though it had been an olive branch for friendship, it was only going to cause her more distress. Yes she enjoyed his company, and secretly was even eager to join him after dinner each night he requested. But she knew that increased time with him would only lead to more daydreams and wonders about him and his life here. The day would come when he had to find a bride, and even though she knew she's cry herself to sleep each night because of it. The advantages of exchanging words, ideas, and dreams would be something she could remember for the rest of her days.

The next morning, since she knew no one would be about when she reached the gardens she let her hair down and waited for Hamish.

 

[cumnchat]

Hamish woke early and did his ablutions with a smile on his face and silently whistling to himself readying himself to meet Mary for the planned walk in the grounds where they would have no interruptions and he would have her undivided attention and he could impart to her an idea of the affection he held for her and maybe she would let him know somehow if she held any affection for him. He took one final look in the mirror before practically running down the stairs not wishing to waste one precious moment in her company. As he approached her he could see that she had left her hair loose, he couldn't help thinking that she looked even prettier with it down but then he had already told her that.

When he joined her he immediately linked arms with her and remarked,

"Ah see that you have left hair loose is that for mae benefit, am ah forgiven for taking liberties with it last nicht?"

They set off at a leisurely pace heading nowhere in particular until they came to the rose garden where the roses were in full bloom in a kaleidoscope of colours.

"Are they nae beautiful Mary?"

He turned his back on her so she couldn't see what he was doing and when he turned round again he had a large yellow bloom in his hand, he cupped her chin and tucked the rose in her hair behind her left ear,

"There ye are Mary, you enhance each other's beauty now."

They were headed across the large expanse of lawn when Hamish came to a sudden stop and whispered to Mary,

"Be still and silent and ye will see one o' the most magnificent sights Scotland has to offer."

He stood behind her and with one arm around her holding her just below her bust the other over er shoulder and pointing as he whispered in her ear,

"There can ye see it, Mary? Tell mae ye can see it."

About a hundred yards away from behind a large leafy bush strolled a fully antlered stag, looking proud and haughty at the two of them before galloping away.

Hamish slowly let out a breath that he didn't realise he had been holding and still holding Mary he said,

"Wasnae he beautiful? Ye are so privileged tae see that ye ken. We both were, I especially, three things of unrivalled beauty in an hour, ah doubt it happening agen but I can still look forward to seeing you each morning, If ah'm invited that is. Let's go in tae breakfast and ye can tell Elizabeth all abaht it."

He finally released her but as he did so he gave her slender neck the lightest of kisses before walking away

 

[Perplexia]

"Ah see that you have left hair loose is that for mae benefit, am ah forgiven for taking liberties with it last nicht?" "oh you think its for your benefit, quite full of yourself aren't you My Laird" She teased. "As a woman I reserve the right to hold a grudge forever. However, given light of the beautiful morning I shall forgive you, as long as you do not repeat the error." Mary smiled lightly as they began their walk arm in arm.

"These are some of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen" she replied to his question. "I've only seen their likeness in books"
Mary blushed as he took her chin and placed the flower above her ear. "thank you". He was too charming for his own good. 'Just a secret friend is all he can be' she reminded herself.
'he's simply flirty by nature.'

As they walked he stopped and silenced her pointing out a beautiful stag and they watched it gallop. "stunning" she replied to the question of its beauty.

"No" she replied to him stating about telling Elizabeth. "Somethings are meant just for myself. This walk, and what we saw being one of them."

She glared at him after he kissed her neck lightly as he let her go. "You cannot do things like that" she exclaimed rather flustered. "I am not your sweetheart or a lady you are courting. You were suppose to act as my friend on these walks. I had finally thought I had found a place where I could be myself and accepted as that. I thought I had found someone that viewed my mind as an equal, someone i could share ideas and thoughts with. But it appears that you cannot be trusted. I will not be toyed with like a simpleton" with that tears fell from her eyes. Her feelings and emotions raw and on the surface, perhaps having showed him too much of them in the process.

Taking the flower from her hair she pushed it into his hand and turned and began walking briskly back to the castle tying her hair back upon her head in the process.

 

[cumnchat]

Hamish felt slightly nonplussed as Mary all but turned on him and accused him of acting improperly and walked back to the castle seeming to be angry as she defiantly took the rose from her hair and pushed it into his hand then wound her hair back up on top of her head.

Breakfast would have been a silent affair were it not for Elizabeth's incessant chatter not seeming to notice the coolness between her uncle and Mary, When breakfast was finished Hamish spoke to Elizabeth,

"Go to the day room ad prepare for your lessons, Elizabeth, Ah wish to speak to Mary privately, she will be along shortly,"

Dutifully Elizabeth left the table leaving Hamish and Mary alone together.

"What have ah done that is so awful that ye turn on me? Have ah insulted you, demeaned ye in some way? Was it the briefest of kisses that ah laid on thy neck? Ah assure ye there was nae ulterior motive behind it, ah was nae looking for a response from ye, ah was sg ho caught up in the moment of sharing the sight of the stag with ye and wanted ye tae know that ah wouldnae ha' wanted to share it with anyone else."

He took both of Mary'shands in his and gently pulled her to her feet so she stood facing him almost touching,

"If ah had wanted ye tae know how much ah like ye ah wouldnae ha' kissed thy neck but your lips, like this"

He suddenly leaned forward and his lips softly brushed Mary's soft lips.

"That is it, ah willnae kiss ye agen unless ye want me tae, meantime ah still am your friend and ye are my equal, now go Elizabeth is waiting for ye."

 

[Perplexia]

Breakfast seemed hauntingly quiet other than Elizabeth's cheerful smile and chatter. She couldn't look at Hamish for fear of bursting into tears for all she was feeling, and the wanting to be the things he could not give her.
When he excused Elizabeth she wanted to run and hide, instead she sat somberly in the chair.

"What have ah done that is so awful that ye turn on me? Have ah insulted you, demeaned ye in some way? Was it the briefest of kisses that ah laid on thy neck? Ah assure ye there was nae ulterior motive behind it, ah was nae looking for a response from ye, ah was sg ho caught up in the moment of sharing the sight of the stag with ye and wanted ye tae know that ah wouldnae ha' wanted to share it with anyone else." "I told you in the garden it was improper. You cannot do that type of thing, it muddles my mind."

When he took her hands and pulled her ever so gently to her feet she stood inches from him.
"If ah had wanted ye tae know how much ah like ye ah wouldnae ha' kissed thy neck but your lips, like this"
with that he kissed her softly, chastely. Mary felt it to her toes.

"That is it, ah willnae kiss ye agen unless ye want me tae, meantime ah still am your friend and ye are my equal, now go Elizabeth is waiting for ye."
Tears ran down Mary's face. "No, let us go to your den for a moment". The servants luckily hadn't arrived to clear the table until after he had made his statement. Mary could still feel his touch in her hands, his lips on hers as she moved with purpose to his den.

When he closed the door she stood there facing him, inches from his face. "You do not understand" she started with softly. "When you do things like that, no matter how innocent it may seem to you, it matters more to me. It reminds me that I am a governess, and you are a Laird. It reminds me that I will never know that kind of affection or tenderness again. It confuses my mind, it makes me feel things I have never known before. In three days I have known more understanding and had more happiness then i shall probably never have again. When you kiss me, it makes me want more, not just of your kisses, but more then a girl of my station should dream of. Things that cannot be. I don't want to love you Hamish, because then i will know the heartache when you marry someone of your proper station. I could not bare it." Tears fell from her eyes as she opened her soul up to him.

 

[cumnchat]

Hamish regretted his promise not to kiss Mary unless she asked him to as soon as the words were out of his mouth but then with tears running down her face she replied,

"No, let us go to your den for a moment".

He followed her to his den and closed the door behind him, they stood facing each other barely touching, close, but oh so close he could smell her perfume. She began softly, tears in her eyes.

"You do not understand when you do things like that, no matter how innocent it may seem to you, it matters more to me. It reminds me that I am a governess, and you are a Laird. It reminds me that I will never know that kind of affection or tenderness again. It confuses my mind, it makes me feel things I have never known before. In three days I have known more understanding and had more happiness than I shall probably ever have again. When you kiss me, it makes me want more, not just of your kisses, but more than a girl of my station should dream of. Things that cannot be. I don't want to love you, Hamish, because then I will know the heartache when you marry someone of your proper station. I could not bare it."

The tears began to stream down her face again, rolling over her delicate rosy cheeks. As she spoke Hamish began to realise that it was Mary's perception of her position and status that had caused her to rebuff him when in reality she wanted him as much as he wanted her. With his heart pumping, he held her waist and drew her to him and embraced her, his hand strayed to the back of her head and he laid it on his shoulder looking towards him. He could feel her young body, warm against his, warm and comfortable, he could feel her breasts pressed against his chest. He was silent for a moment or two gathering his thoughts.

"Now ah understand ye lassie, ye think that ah care abaht position and status? Not one iota, ah dinnae care what people might think or say, what matters is that ah care abaht thee and ah believe ye care abaht me. If that is the case ah'm afraid ah cannae break the promise ah made tae ye abaht not kissing ye but,,,,,,"

His eyes twinkled merrily,

"Ah give ye permission tae kiss me, as much as ye like, also tae put thy mind at rest ah have nae thoughts of getting married for a while yet and if ah do ah hope it will be to ye."

Unconsciously his hand drifted over her breast, feeling the soft round firmness through her dress.

 

[Perplexia]

When he pulled her to him, and laid her head upon his shoulder embracing her in a tight hug her body relaxed and molded against him. She couldn't remember the last time she had been hugged. To know that he didn't hate her because she had grown feelings when she shouldn't have. To know that he finally understood why she was so upset over his improper actions was a relief. Perhaps now he would stop his advances and just be her friend. Perhaps then her day dreams would stop if he would only confirm he understood and made it clear that it was true they would never be able to be more than friends.
When he spoke that is what she anticipated, yet he shocked her with his declaration.

"Now ah understand ye lassie, ye think that ah care abaht position and status? Not one iota, ah dinnae care what people might think or say, what matters is that ah care abaht thee and ah believe ye care abaht me. If that is the case ah'm afraid ah cannae break the promise ah made tae ye abaht not kissing ye but,,,,,," he paused pulling her back to see his sparkling eyes. "Ah give ye permission tae kiss me, as much as ye like, also tae put thy mind at rest ah have nae thoughts of getting married for a while yet and if ah do ah hope it will be to ye."

It wasn't a proposal, but it was hope, hope they could find a life together in the future. Her daydreams weren't going to stop, station wasn't an obstacle for him, one day she may be able to call herself his. The hope she had never thought to be possible was ignited. But she was still uneasy, the liberties he took without any declarations were still lingering in her mind. She had scolded him for kissing her neck, then he kissed her lips even after she had made it clear no such improprieties were acceptable. Could she trust him to act as a gentleman and not a horny whore monger?

It was then his hand drifted to her breast. Mary swiftly pushed it away, and looked at him with the same shock and disbelief she had earlier. "I want to believe you, but your actions contradict your words. If what you say is true you will treat me as a lady, and not a woman of ease. If your intentions are true, you will court me proper, which involves keeping your hands and everything else to yourself. You will show me that you can be a true friend, for that is the foundation of everything. I do not care about your title, I do not care about your money. I care for the man I walked the gardens with that first day. You will show me the respect that I am deserved. When I feel you are true, then and only then may I tell you your promise is null and give you the liberties of a chase kiss. Yet if you break my trust again, i will leave."

With that she gave a light curtsy and headed out to the day room where Elizabeth would be waiting with eagerness.

 

[cumnchat]

"Hamish knew he was risking everything when he cupped her firm young breast in his hand but the desires of a red-blooded male overcame his senses, she pushed his hand away and gave him a shocked and almost disbelieving look and berated him yet again.

"I want to believe you, but your actions contradict your words. If what you say is true you will treat me as a lady, and not a woman of ease. If your intentions are true, you will court me properly, which involves keeping your hands and everything else to yourself. You will show me that you can be a true friend, for that is the foundation of everything. I do not care about your title, I do not care about your money. I care for the man I walked the gardens with that first day. You will show me the respect that I am deserved. When I feel you are true, then and only then may I tell you your promise is null and give you the liberties of a chase kiss. Yet if you break my trust again, I will leave."

In his heart he knew that he would do as she asked of him, he dare not risk her threat of leaving if he overstepped the mark again, he could see that she meant it. The one redeeming feature of this morning had been the certainty that she did care for him, it was now up to him to prove his love for her. He had no real experience of courting a woman, all his previous dalliances had been with women who had succumbed easily to his advances with their eyes firmly set on his title and his wealth, Mary though was different, she cared for him.

"Ah am truly sorry, Mary, ah didnae mean to insult ye or thy virtue, it is just that ah ha' never met a woman like ye afore. Ye make it difficult for mae, but ah will do mae very best tae treat ye as ye wish tae be treated, but please dinnae tek it as a sign of disrespect if ah treat ye tae pretty things now and again, gifts with nae strings attached."

Mary curtsied to him and left to go to the waiting Elizabeth while he stood and thoughtfully stroked his chin
finally, he decided he would get Mary something special when they went to Ballindalloch on Saturday

 

[Perplexia]

Mary had heard his apology. She wanted to believe him, but his recent behavior had left a distrust lingering. In his defense, he was still young, and of course women would have allowed him his indiscretions in hope of procuring a title and access to his wealth. Yet that was not an excuse to assume all woman were of that low moral caliber. He had made her laugh, he had talked with her like they had known each other for years, that was the only reason she was still here.

Elizabeth was biting at the bit when she arrived eager to get her day started. Mary settled in and helped her work on her presentation and identifying the specimens she collected and why they were important. With a couple quick run throughs of the presentation it was time for lunch. Like it had become a habit, they took a lunch outside and enjoyed the beauty of the land around them. When it was over, they went inside and Mary found Hamish busy at work. "Mi Laird, Elizabeth is ready to show you her presentation if you can spare a few moments?" Elizabeth in her anxiousness didn't wait for an answer, with the help of some staff she set up her little display and began.

All in all it was a vary good presentation for her first try. Mary beamed at the girl and helped her and the staff retreat back to the day room. Somehow Mary had managed to avoid looking at Hamish. Elizabeth even thanked him for his time and gave him a proper curtsy. The staff and Mary helped Elizabeth take the specimens back to the day room. They took them back to the pond and released them back into nature. Calling it a day, Mary retreated to her room for a nap, barely rising in time for dinner. Tidying herself up she made her way to dinner. Her appetite was diminished, and she offered little in the way of conversation other than polite smiles and gestures. She wondered if Hamish would summon her to the parlor again, and if he did would his demeanor change and have him behaving like a gentleman.

 

[cumnchat]

Just a few minutes after Mary had gone to assist Elizabeth to prepare for her presentation of the contents of the pond Hamish followed and took a seat so that he had a clear view of all the exhibits, Mary stood with Elizabeth during the presentation which Elizabeth carried out with great aplomb, Hamish noticed, however, that Mary avoided looking at him the whole time.

"Is she so angry with me that she can't even look at me?" He wondered, even so, he managed to watch and listen to Elizabeth's presentation and when it was finished he clapped heartily. Elizabeth, ever the little lady showed her manners and thanked him for his time and dropped a proper curtsey to him. All the women, Elizabeth, Mary, Mrs Fitzherbert and the two parlourmaids who had also been in attendance took all the exhibits away to be returned to the pond. Hamish didn't see Mary again until dinner when she only picked at her food, the atmosphere was strained and the conversation was limited to asking for some item to be passed to another. Hamish desperately wanted to talk to Mary again and find out for sure if he was likely to ever be, in Mary's eyes, trustworthy again.

"Mary, if it is convenient for you I would like you to join me in the parlour, there is something I would like your opinion on."

Deliberately, he did not say what he wanted her opinion on but he reckoned she would think it would be concerning their relationship but he did have a backup plan if things went wrong.

 

[Perplexia]

"Of course my Laird" she responded pushing her plate to the side. Slow to rise she wobbled a little getting to her feet. Straightening out her dress she followed Hamish into the parlor. The heat from the fireplace warmed the room nicely. She waited for him to sit before taking her customary seat pouring herself a glass of lemonade. For some reason she was parched, and yet felt clammy. "I'm sorry Hamish, I'm feeling a bit out of sorts this evening. Perhaps a bug of some sort."

Fanning herself lightly she undid the top button of her collar. "With your permission, I think I may stay to my room tomorrow. I don't want to risk getting anyone sick if that's what this is. Before you suggest it, I don't think a doctor is necessary."

Mary poured herself another glass of lemonade and drank it almost as quick as she did the first one.

"What was the question you wished to ask? Or was that just a rouse for my company " she smiled weakly, but with the hope of lightening the mood of the room.

 

[cumnchat]

As Mary rose to move to the parlour Hamish saw her wobble unsteadily for a moment before recovering, initially, Hamish thought nothing of it and went into the parlour with Mary following behind. He sat and waited patiently for her to pour herself a glass of her customary lemonade.

"I'm sorry Hamish, I'm feeling a bit out of sorts this evening. Perhaps a bug of some sort."

She then proceeded to do something unprecedented in front of him, in some circles, it might have been considered scandalous, as she fanned herself she undid the top button of her collar which revealed nothing more than an inch or so of her slender neck but was enough to gain Hamish's full attention.

"With your permission, I think I may stay in my room tomorrow. I don't want to risk getting anyone sick if that's what this is. Before you suggest it, I don't think a doctor is necessary"

Unusually Mary poured herself another glass of lemonade and quaffed it almost at once.

"What was the question you wished to ask? Or was that just a ruse for my company?" Mary asked with a weak smile.

Hamish was so concerned about Mary that he failed to see that she was attempting to be humorous, instead, he retorted,

"Do you distrust me so much that ah would need to resort to subterfuge to have time alone with ye? Now is not the time to discuss that, ah can see that you are not well so we'll cut this evening short, ah'll escort ye tae your room and get Fitz tae get thee ready for bed when ye are safely tucked in ah will come and sit with thee. Ye look so pale yet ye seem to be so hot, a cold compress on thy brow applied at intervals throughout the nicht should help but if ye are nae better come morning ah will insist on calling the doctor."

Hamish offered Mary his arm and helped her to her feet and slowly up the stairs, careful not to do anything that could be incorrectly construed. He let them both into Mary's room and sat her on the bed.

"Ye wait there while ah find Fitz, dinnae move ye hear." His voice dripped with concern, he didn't know what was wrong and just hoped he was doing the right thing by not calling the doctor until the morning.

He found Mrs Fitzherbert and explained things to her and said he would be back once Mary was tucked into bed. He left it for about half an hour before he returned not wishing to find Mary half undressed and causing yet more distrust. Mary was snuggled down with the bedclothes pulled up to her chin, her hair spread out on the pillows like an auburn halo.

"Try to sleep Mary, if you need anything ah am richt here,"

He waited until it seemed Mary was asleep and gently mopped her hot brow with a cold cloth. and again several times during the night.

 

[Perplexia]

"Do you distrust me so much that ah would need to resort to subterfuge to have time alone with ye? Now is not the time to discuss that, ah can see that you are not well so we'll cut this evening short, ah'll escort ye tae your room and get Fitz tae get thee ready for bed when ye are safely tucked in ah will come and sit with thee. Ye look so pale yet ye seem to be so hot, a cold compress on thy brow applied at intervals throughout the nicht should help but if ye are nae better come morning ah will insist on calling the doctor."

Mary frowned slightly, "I was only teasing Hamish. Please don't be cross" Her voice was weak as she replied. Whatever it was, had taken ahold of her quickly. "yes Hamish" she replied softly to his conditions. As he helped her to her room, Mary wasn't oblivious to his overwhelming concern for her. It was the kindness she had saw in him from their first walk shining through. As they walked down the long corridor to her room she laid her head against his arm. The closeness of him provided her with a comfort she had never known.

His command was firm yet filled with a abundance of concern as he ordered her to stay put and wait for Mrs. Fitzherbert. "yes sir" she replied softly acknowledging his authority and her willingness to comply.
Mrs. Fitzherbert came in quickly and helped her out of her governess dress and into a nightdress. "I'm happy to see Mi Laird in a new light." she said softly. "Whatever it is you're doing keep it up girl, I'm seeing the Laird showing genuine behavior toward you. His dalliance's in the past have always been light and fleeting. He needs a challenge." "You have no objections to the extreme differences in our stations?" Mary asked respecting the woman's opinion. "nay lass, when it comes to the heart it doesn't see such boundaries. For you he will become the man his ma would want him to be. I shan't be eaves dropping, but I heard you give him the what for as good as a good lashing. I had to leave i was laughing so hard. Something the lad needs, a woman that will demand he treat her for her worth."

Mary smiled softly. "Thank you Mrs. Fitzherbert, your opinion and blessing means a lot to me."
"not a problem lass" she said helping her into bed and covering her up. "I shall go now, the Laird shall be pacing by now". Patting her leg through the quilt she left.

Hamish came in and had a servant bring a basin with cold water and a clean cloth. He told her to sleep, and that he'd be right here. Mary shivered under the blanket. Her head was starting to get fuzzy. As she slept memories of her past seemed to come hauntingly to her. The way her aunt berated her, had her beat for things she didn't do. Mary cried out in her sleep "No don't hit me". She tossed and turned violently as she dreamt. She shivered and trembled as her fever rose. Perpetration beading upon her sweet pal face. It came in spells bad dreams than good. "yes my sweet Hamish" she mumbled during one of her good dreams.

When Morning came she was about the same, fever still there, trembling and cold as perpetration still beaded on her brow. When she woke she looked to see Hamish still there looking concerned. "did you sleep at all? I need water I'm so parched." She asked weakly.