Chapter 24

Chapter 24
Heading downstairs, it was fascinating seeing everyone busying around like worker ants. However, though they focused on their tasks, some gave her reproachful stares, while others were courteous and friendly.
Jane already knew she wouldn't be liked by everyone. But why were a majority of these girls looking at hers as though they wished to chew her alive?
"Pay no heed to them." Tavish scoffed. "They are just jealous of how close you were to the laird."
Jane raised a brow. "Where?"
"Yes. Given that the Laird rejected-- Ah!-- Nothing. Nothing. I'm just spewing nonsense." Tavish immediately caught herself, wishing Jane could forget her words.
Though she only spent a little time with Jane, she already felt a great connection between them. She felt Jane and she could become wonderful friends. And the last thing she wanted was for Jane to fall into a crying spree and a whirlpool of negative emotions, seeing as their laird rejected her.
Tavish couldn't count how many times she had seen girls fall into depression because of their Laird. Some even went as far as trying to end their lives because their laird rejected them. Though it was amiable to die for love, she felt only reciprocal love was worth dying for.
Tavish also didn't think their laird was wrong for rejecting those women up front. If their laird was to take pity on every woman who he rejected their Laird would have an entire city filled with wives by now. At least he rejected each woman in a way that allowed them to preserve their dignity. Other men would taunt and even go as far as lying or having slept with these women for show.
Yes.
It was common for men to sleep with different women regularly without taking any accountability. Of course, most men did this with ordinary folks, as it was a slap on the face of nobles for a youngster to take their daughters and not want to marry them.
It's not that they loved their daughters, but the fact that a used woman who has lost her 'innocence' was of little political use.
Who would want to marry a used woman?
Pfft~
"So the news going around is that I got rejected?" Jane rolled her eyes, finding it funny. Was Alexander's reputation so great that no one would believe he was the one who made a move on her?
Jane shrugged.
She didn't care much about their absurd thoughts. She wouldn't be here for long. So who cares what rumors circulate about her?
Entering the scullery, Jane was quick to find her food. They had set it aside on a tray and carefully covered its lid while keeping it beside one of the many massive stoves.
A massive team of cooks was already preparing lunch using the many brick stoves. The heat was enough to keep her food warm.
"What a big pretender! She acts like being rejected by the laird is nothing, pretending as though she is disgusted by him."
"Hmph! It's a good thing our laird never accepted her. With how pretentious the English woman is. Anyway, I don't think she's that good-looking. If I too was pampered like her, of course, I would look the same!"
Several girls whispered while sieving stones out from their harvested bags of beans and other grains.
Some thought their words were concealed, while others purposefully raised their voices, mocking Jane at every turn.
Did they think she was a soft bun out of the oven that could be easily crushed? Her fair soft and soft features indeed made her look like she would be the perfect target for bullying.
"Alice!" Tavish exclaimed, taking a protective stance.
Jeez.
How can she be so strong? Jane almost thought she was hallucinating after getting dragged behind Tavish.
Still, she had to admit it felt warm by Tavish's actions.
In the kitchen, several mature women had already noticed the squabbles between them but said nothing.
Anne was also watching from the scullery. Normally, she would've stopped them but didn't. You can tell a lot from a person by how they handle provocations. Nodding to the others, many older women turned a blind eye to the matter, watching with interest.
Tavish's eyes were spitting fire. "Alice! What the hell is yer problem? Why are ye purposefully targeting Lady Jane?"
"Purposefully targeting?" The red-haired Alice questioned slyly. "Tavish, Tavish, Tavish... I wouldn't expect anything less from someone who gets easily riled up. Ladies, when did we say we were targeting Lady Jane?"
Alice's minions shook their heads innocently, as though they weren't the ones who spoke ill of Jane earlier.
"Learn to calm her nerves and live a little Tavish. We were just repeating what others said. Or has it now become a sin to gossip?"
Tavish was so livid that it was only a matter of time before smoke started steaming out from her ears.
"You!-- How can ye be so shameless?!"
"It's okay, Tavish," Jane said, stepping out from behind Tavish.
Looking at Alice's group, she straightened her shoulders and lifted the corners of her lips calmly.
"It's true that gossip is not a sin. But to me, it only shows cowardice. After all, if you're going to about me like I'm not here, at least have the guts to look me in the eye and say it to my face!"
Well played. Anne and many older women smirked, watching Alice's face turn hideous.
To Scots, Cowardice was a trait they detested to the bone, tall less of them, Mackay werewolves.
Being branded a Coward was worse than death.
Grabbing her loaves of bread, Jane walked toward Anne, not giving them time to react.
"Thank you for the food Anne, it's truly delicious. Sadly, I can't enjoy it here, so I'll be eating it on the road. Will that be okay?"
Anne nodded, liking Jane more and more. "Of course, it is, Lady Jane. Ye're free to do as ye like. Tavish!"
"Here, Head Keeper Anne."
"Roll up the lady's bread loaves, eggs and meat. Ye'll also be taking ale as well."
"Yes!" Tavish loudly answered, before scoffing at Alice and her aggrieved group.
Hmph!
Serves them right!
Who told them to fight against her?
In no time, the farce was over. But sometimes, danger seemed far worse than it looked on the surface.
In another corner, a young girl smiled slyly, looking at the food Tavish took away.