Maggie Mine by Starla Kaye

understand, My Lord. I’ve had trouble getting the staff to do anything I’ve asked of them.”
    “Perhaps it is because they can’t hear you when you speak to them. I can barely hear you and I’m standing much closer to you.” He didn’t have time for this. His men needed his instructions. But he needed to make some attempt to settle Maggie and Fia into their new home. Their temporary home, he reminded himself.
    He sensed Maggie beside him, knew she could easily handle the situation, but she had no role here other than as guest and she was aware of that fact. He also knew she waited to see how he would deal with the matter. Drawing on his limited tolerance with ineptitude, he forced something close to a smile and faced the dozen or so curious people still watching and waiting.
    “As Lady Stanhope was trying to convey, she asks that a bath be prepared for Lady Urquhart. I ask that you prepare one for her. Her travels have been hard and tiring. A bath would certainly be welcome.”
    Several nods of understanding and acknowledgement came his way. Relieved, he added, “I’m sure Lady Urquhart would also appreciate something to eat after she has refreshed herself.”
    “Certainly, My Lord. We will take good care of your guest,” stated a rather plump woman with a warm smile. “I’m Abigail, My Lord, your head cook.” She gave him an awkward curtsy and then she began herding the other servants back toward the keep much like a chicken hustling her chicks along.
    When he gazed at Maggie, he found her studying the slightly older Lady Stanhope. He could sense she wasn’t impressed by Mary’s offer of hospitality; certainly she disapproved of the weak manner in which the woman had attempted to deal with the staff. Mary stood, looking awkward and distressed, until she caught him watching her. Then she raised her chin and smiled once more. He wasn’t sure why, but he feared trouble ahead between the women. Neither woman would be staying here long, if he could help it. But he would not tolerate arguments or strife between them. He had enough to deal with in taking over as the new lord here and making sure all of the men worked well together.
    Maggie broke the few seconds of strained silence and called after the departing group. “Please prepare a bath fer Fia as well.”
    Mary blinked in puzzlement. “But she’s your… . ” It was evident she didn’t understand Maggie’s concern for her maid. Staff people normally took care of their own needs. The Lady and Lord of a holding rarely got involved in such a manner.
    “Fia has had a rough time traveling, too. A bath would be appreciated,” Maggie countered, her mouth tightening in a stubborn line.
    Abigail turned back and smiled in approval. “’Tis no problem, My Lady.”
    Fia looked uncomfortable, but grateful. She hurried to catch up with the others. “I shall help prepare the baths.”
    “I’m sorry,” Mary said with an apologetic glance at Nicholas. “I suppose I should have thought about her as well.”
    “The request was beyond the norm, but then Lady Urquhart and Fia are very close.” Nicholas found he respected Maggie even more for her concern for her friend.
    “I will remember that, My Lord.” Mary looked toward the keep and the people hurriedly walking back inside. “I will go make sure the cooks find something for your guest to eat for now. And Fia, too, I assume. Then I will direct them about preparing the evening’s sup.” She turned to walk away.
    Even though her statement had been quietly stated with no doubt good intentions, Nicholas didn’t like the way she tried to settle into his household and take the place of what would normally be the lady of the castle’s duties. The thought reminded him of her announcement that she planned to take her sister’s place and she felt her future lie in becoming his wife. She was pretty enough and would not be a hardship to bed, but other than that, he did not see them as in any way suiting. They