Goosebumps of fear ran down her back: she was so frightened by this strong, authoritative voice.
– You are right, my dear husband. Walking in the rain is not the best of pleasures. – There was a soft female voice. – I will be glad to keep you company in this cosy and lovely place. Our daughter will understand our tardiness and certainly won't take any offence at us.
– I am glad you find this place lovely," the man's voice parried, and this time there was a coldness in it.
– When the sun comes out again, my dear husband, we can take a walk in the neighbourhood. If you wish, we shall take Miss Anne Boleyn and Miss Mary Carrie with us. – The woman's voice remained still as soft and warm, and this contrast so surprised Brigid that she involuntarily put her palm to her breast and aghhed in pain for the stranger.
It seemed to the girl that her sigh had not been noticed, but the walls, which repeated it with a quiet echo, betrayed her.
– Hey, you there! Over here! Now! What the hell is that? Spies in Norton Castle? – suddenly she heard a man's voice full of anger, and, pale, neither dead nor alive, she hastened to answer.
– 'I'm not spying, sir! I was just coming up the stairs! – squeaked Brigid, praying in her heart that she might be allowed to remain where she was, for she dreaded to meet the owner of that terrible voice and what he would say to her.
– I said, this way!
– Coming, sir!
Tears came to Brigid's eyes. She went up the stairs, almost out of breath, and brushed from her cheeks that salty moisture which not only did not wash away the dirt from them, but smeared it still more.
Soon, trembling with fear and not daring to look at the lady and her husband standing before her, Brigid stopped in front of the unknown guests and lowered herself before them in a deep curtsy.
The staircase was immediately filled with loud, deep male laughter.
– So this is the bird that has been spying on us! – The man turned to his wife, and then threw to Brigid: – 'You don't look well, young miss.
– Thank you, sir," the girl said hastily, and only then realised her mistake: the man laughed even louder.
– Oh, no, miss, it's not my doing! – Through his laughter, he said.
– Forgive my foolishness, sir! – Wanting to disappear, to vanish into thin air, the girl exclaimed. She was so ashamed of her foolish behaviour and tactless words that, if her face had not been covered with mud, the castle guests would have seen it as red as a ripe apple that has absorbed the warm rays of the sun.