Abigail drew back in horror. "You don't say."
"She'd not like the world to know that, of course."
"Oh, of course, I'll not breathe a word."
"All along, or at least by the time I arrived, Hannish knew Charlotte fancied him, but he paid it no mind. He gave her no encouragement, but as you are well aware, some women easily imagine kindness means more than it does. My brother is a very caring man to all his employees, just as our father was."
"Yes, kindness is often mistaken for..."
"Sassy needs so much more than most young women; it is easy for both of us to favor her just now. My brother and I are not alone in that respect, all of the servants adore her. Sarah especially makes certain Sassy is well cared for. Therefore, it is easy to see how Charlotte might have become jealous and conjured up such imaginings."
"Scars from beatings? How dare Charlotte think to malign the poor little thing? I found Sassy delightful, though she said very little, and now we know why. What can I do to help, McKenna? Tell me and I shall do it."
"I was hoping you might have a suggestion. Hannish and I discussed it at length this morning, and we cannae think of a way to protect her from such hurtful gossip. I had to tell Sassy what Charlotte said and she is horrified. The garden party is in three days and I fear…"
"You fear she will be stared at, if not openly accused. Of course you do."
"I could ask Sassy to stay upstairs, I suppose."
"That would make people think she has something to hide. Tell me, was she the one Mrs. MacGreagor hurt?"
"Oh Abigail, I have never been so distraught. Sassy neglected to call Olivia 'My Lady,' and Olivia repeatedly hit Sassy with her hairbrush. The damage was not severe, although her arms were bruised and a cut on her head did bleed for quite some time. My brother was beside himself with shame for what his wife had done, and when Sassy felt a bit lightheaded, he carried her to her bed so she would not fall on the stairs."
"My Claymore would have done the same…any good man would."
McKenna sipped her tea and let Abigail absorb it all. "I was there and saw everything. I remember Charlotte watching, but it was Sarah who showed us the way. We never go in the servant's quarters."
"Neither do we."
"Sarah stayed with Sassy the whole night and nothing improper happened, nothing at all."
"Of course not."
"My dear, Abigail, you will weep when you hear what Sassy asked my brother."