Chapter 16

Skye had already packed her trunk with the things she would need for the trip. She did the work by herself because all the maids had gone to help Lady Fiona and Lady Iona get ready with their trunks and everything they would need, and for Lord Malcolm, of course.

Two large trunks – the largest there were – were meticulously cleaned of every grain of dust and carefully placed inside linen, cosmetics, dresses, and anything else the two women requested.

It took several hours for the maids to get everything ready. But the sight of the full trunks satisfied Fiona and Iona, which was a relief.

"I will close my own trunk," Iona said imperatively, and the maid who was about to close it stepped aside. Iona walked to the trunk, smiled contentedly, and gently touched the purple silk dress.

The dressmaker had come three days ago and delivered the new dress. Fortunately, Iona had caused them no further trouble, and the dressmaker had quite rightly reasoned that all had gone well only because there