A/N: Sherry & Tiffany rock. I'll get caught up on reviews as soon as RL lets me. xx
Chapter 10
The hot bath had been very soothing to Isabella's tender muscles. She had lain in it until the water had turned cold and she had no other option but get out. She quickly dried herself and then proceeded to get dressed in the gown that had been provided for her. It was a very basic dress, unquestionably nothing like the dresses she was used to.
The frock she had been wearing was stained and ripped beyond repair. It seemed as if she would never own anything as luxurious again.
Just as she finished dressing there was a knock at the door. A tall, homely looking woman entered, carrying various items in her arms.
"Lady Swan, I'm Tiffany, the housekeeper. I thought ye would be needing a few things," she said, dropping the items on the bed.
Isabella was relieved to see that she had brought a hairbrush and a mirror. "Thank you," she beamed. She also noted that Tiffany didn't seem shocked to hear her accent. Someone had already told her that she was English.
"Sit down Lass and I'll help ye with yer hair and then show ye to the hall. Supper will be served shortly."
Isabella did as she was bid, grateful for the help.
"The whole castle is buzzing about yer arrival," Tiffany stated as she combed through Isabella's hair. "There is talk about ye being our new mistress."
Isabella shook her head. "Nay, I was merely in trouble and Edward … I mean the Laird was kind enough to come to my rescue."
"Trouble?" Tiffany asked, digging for more details.
Isabella didn't really want to talk about her transgressions, but perhaps if she opened up to the housekeeper then she would gain a friend. She could certainly use one or her existence at the castle would be a very lonely. "My father had arranged a marriage with a Baron. He was a ruthless man, known for his cruelty. I feared what kind of life I would have with him if I were to be his wife. I had begged my father not to force me to marry him, but he wouldn't listen. He insisted that the marriage goes ahead. I guess that the amount of money that Baron Segrave was offering him was more important than his only daughter's happiness. I saw my chance to runaway, so I did. I stole a horse and headed for Scotland. Edward … I mean the Laird came to my rescue just as the Baron's men had found me. He disarmed them and sent them back to England, insisting I return home with him."
"Seems that ye were verra lucky that the Laird was there."
"Aye," Isabella responded, but the truth be told she hadn't really thought about just how lucky she was. If Edward hadn't been there, then there was no doubt she would be in England now, married and possibly being punished for running away. She had stolen a horse, by all rights the Baron could beat her or cut off her hand. Isabella shuddered at the thought. She owed Edward her life.