Rorie’s mouth gaped open, and her expressions were almost comical as she reacted to Genevieve’s story. By the time Genevieve brought things to the present, Rorie had grasped Genevieve’s hands and held them tightly.
“ ’Tis a terrible, heart-breaking tale,” Rorie burst out. There were tears in her eyes, and Genevieve was shocked at the lass’s reaction.
“I’m glad you killed them,” Rorie said fiercely. “ ’Tis no less than they deserved. They deserved to suffer far more. They should have been gutted and left for the buzzards to feed on their carcasses.”
Genevieve laughed, some of the horrible tension leaving her chest. Her laughter ended in a low sob, and Rorie pulled her into her arms, hugging her until Genevieve thought she might smother.
It felt so good. Both the unburdening and the offer of comfort from the younger lass. Genevieve could feel some of the protective barriers she’d held for so long begin to unravel in the warmth of the Montgomery family.
“I am glad you are here,” Rorie said when she finally pulled away. “You’ll be happy with us, Genevieve.”
Genevieve smiled wanly. “I only hope Eveline can be as understanding as you.”
“Eveline has the biggest heart of any lass I know. You’ll love her, and she’ll love you. I don’t think she has it within her to hate anyone, and if she doesn’t hate my clan after all they put her through, I don’t see her harboring ill will against you either.”
Genevieve let out a sigh of relief. Maybe this would all work out. Maybe she’d finally found a … home. A safe harbor from all the pain of the last year.
“Come, let’s unpack your trunk so that you can settle into your chamber and your new life here,” Rorie said cheerfully. “Then we can go down for the evening meal together.”
Genevieve allowed Rorie to dictate the pace as the two women unpacked the items from her trunk. Rorie kept up a lively chatter that made Genevieve’s head spin.
In all the time Genevieve had spent at McHugh Keep, she’d never once unpacked her trunk, though so few of her belongings had survived Ian’s spite. It would have been too much like admitting defeat. She’d left every item packed, hoping beyond hope that one day she’d leave that place.
Though she would never return home to her father’s lands, already she felt at home here at Montgomery Keep. Hope flowed into her soul, something she’d thought never to feel again.
She was free, and with people who would not harm her. There was nothing sweeter than finally knowing peace.
Chapter 40
Genevieve did wear her cloak to the evening meal. She had no wish to be the object of so much scrutiny as soon as she arrived. She knew at some point all would know of her scars and it was something she would have to deal with, but until she became more comfortable in her surroundings she preferred obscurity.
Rorie accompanied her downstairs. The two lasses had remained above stairs, unpacking Genevieve’s meager belongings and moving other objects into Genevieve’s chamber in order to make it more inviting.
The finished product delighted Genevieve. Her chamber rivaled her own chamber at her father’s keep. It was comfortable and lavish, fit for an important guest.
Rorie had changed the bedding and added furs to the flooring and in front of the hearth. Large candles were placed around the room to lend brightness to the interior. Comfortable chairs had been moved within. Not a single detail had been overlooked. Genevieve could hardly believe it. She felt like a pampered princess when she’d spent the last year as the lowliest whore.
And when Rorie had seen the few dresses that Genevieve owned, she’d instantly vowed to set the women of the keep to sewing more for Genevieve.
Rorie urged her down the stairs and into the hall, where it already bustled with activity as the evening meal was being served. She hurried toward the raised dais, where Bowen already sat, and beamed at her brother as she directed Genevieve to take one of the empty places on either side of Bowen.
Rorie took the other one, her eyes dancing with excitement as she scooted the bench closer to the table.
Bowen reached underneath the table and curled his fingers around Genevieve’s hand, squeezing in a silent message. The gesture comforted her and she squeezed back.
“Do your new accommodations fit your needs?” he asked. “And did Rorie manage to settle you in?”
“ ’Tis perfect,” Genevieve said in a sincere voice. “Rorie did far too much. I feel like a pampered princess. ’Twas not necessary to go to so much trouble.”
Bowen shot Rorie a grateful look. “There was every reason. I want you to be comfortable and happy. You’ve suffered enough ill fortune. ’Tis time for someone to care for you as they should.”
Her cheeks heated at the intimacy in his voice. She prayed that Rorie hadn’t been paying attention to all that Bowen had said.
“ ’Tis odd not to have Graeme, Teague, and Eveline at the evening meal,” Rorie said. “ ’Tis my hope that everyone will be returned soon. There is too much chaos of late. ’Twas much better when nothing ever happened and it was quiet around the keep.”
Though her tone was teasing, Genevieve didn’t miss the wistful note that crept into her voice. The lass obviously loved her family and missed them when they weren’t near.
“Graeme and Eveline will be home on the morrow,” Bowen supplied. “I know not when Teague will be returned. He is assuming my duties at McHugh Keep.”
Rorie’s face fell and she looked down at her plate, toying with the food in front of her.
“He’ll not stay gone forever, sweeting,” Bowen said in a gentle voice.
He leaned toward Genevieve. “Rorie is especially close to Teague. She’s taking his absence hard.”
Genevieve nodded, and then she paused, staring at Bowen.
“Do you know what I like best about Montgomery Keep so far?”
Bowen cocked his head, his lips curving into a delighted smile. “What’s that?”
“The food,” she exclaimed. “If I am never forced to eat another meal prepared by a McHugh, it will be too soon.”
Bowen laughed, a deep, rich, throaty sound that was pleasurable to Genevieve’s ears.
“I find I agree with you there, lass.”
Rorie’s nose wrinkled. “Was it so bad?”
“Yes!” Bowen and Genevieve answered in unison.
Rorie laughed. “ ’Tis little wonder, then, that you haven’t fallen on the meal before you.”