She turned a brilliant shade of scarlet, making her all the more alluring. “Quite well, thank ye. Fiona has been very helpful.”

Kennan’s gaze slipped to the other maid, but not for long. “And you slept soundly?”

“Och, I’ve never been so comfortable.”

“And my mother is taking good care of you?”

Divana folded her hands, appearing more uncomfortable than he’d ever seen her. “I’ve not seen Her Ladyship since she introduced me to Mistress Barton, but ye were right, there’s plenty to eat, and there’s heaps of blankets on our bed—”

“Our bed?” he asked, ready to strangle the fiend.

“She’s sharing with me, of course,” said Fiona.

“Right.” Kennan rubbed the back of his neck. He’d rather thought Divana would have a bed all to herself, but what did he know about the maids’ quarters? “Well, then, is there anything you need?”

Divana chewed her bottom lip as she cast her gaze downward. “’Tis most likely not proper of me to say—’cause I was told not to speak to any of his lairdship’s kin—”

“Unless spoken to,” Fiona added.

“Aye…if ye must ken, these shoes pinch my feet something awful.” A black slipper slid out from beneath her hem.

“Divana!” Fiona chided.

Kennan moved closer for a better look at the offending shoe. “No bother. I asked.” Indeed, Divana’s foot looked a bit cramped—most likely because she’d gone without shoes her whole life. “I will ensure the cobbler fashions a pair that fits.”

Fiona flourished her duster. “Och, that is ever so gracious of you, sir.”

He looked to the maid and she arched her brows, giving a nervous smile. “Would you mind leaving us for a moment?”

“You and Divana?”

“Aye, if you would, please.”

Fiona curtsied. “Very well, sir.” She glanced between them, blinking as if she didn’t know what to make of the situation or if she ought to leave them alone. “I-I’ll just take my duster to the entry if you should need me.”

Divana brushed a bit of soot from her apron. “I’ll be along after I’ve swept the ash from the hearth.”

Once Fiona slipped out the door, Divana threw out her hands. “I am sorry if I was impertinent. But ye asked and I’m just not accustomed to wearing shoes.”

“I thought not, but the cobbler can make you a pair with a wee bit wider fit that shouldn’t pinch so.”

She crossed her arms and paced. “Ye must think me a shrew with such big feet.”

“They’re not nearly as large as mine.”

“That’s because you’re a man.”

“Yes.” And he was ever so aware of it at the moment.

She whipped around and faced him, her eyes ablaze with dozens of emotions—anger, hurt, confusion, and fear. “Things feel different between us now.”

He almost asked, “How so?” But since yesterday morning, things had suddenly grown quite awkward. “Och, there’s no need for you to be formal in my presence. That’s why I sent Fiona away.”

“She has been kind to me.” Divana turned in a circle, making her skirts billow. “She braided my hair yesterday, and this morn when she brushed it, she said it was too bonny to tie back again.” She drew her tresses through her hand. “I hope Mistress Barton doesn’t reprimand me.”