“He had it commissioned some time ago,” the man said, rather gruffly. “It was ready only yester morn.” Captain Muir paused as if considering his next words carefully. “He was sure to tell me that he hopes you will wear it as your wedding costume.”
Audrey Keane’s motions in admiring the fine dress stilled and she half glanced over her shoulder at the captain. Then she carefully let the gown fold on itself inside the trunk and closed the lid, letting her fingertips rest atop it for a moment while her red head was bowed.
“It would make a fine wedding costume, indeed,” she murmured, almost sadly.
“What is it, Audrey?” Captain Muir asked. “You put on as though you’re not happy at Roscraig. I ken that you and Tav are both above my station now, but am I nae longer a friend to be confided in?”
Audrey turned to face him, and Glenna slowly let out a silent breath through her lips, relieved that the woman was no longer turned in her direction.
“These people—these neighbors of Roscraig,” Audrey began in a whisper. “They hate me, John. They’re…they’re so cold.”
“Give it time. They will soon be as fond of you as Tav and I.”
“It’s not like Edinburgh,” she protested. “I feel as though I’ve been banished to the very ends of the earth! We’re awaiting the king’s arrival.The king, John! And these people—these country lords…they don’t think I’m worthy of him. Me, not worthy of Tavish, whom I’ve known since I couldn’t so much as see over the shop bench! And I’m the one who invited them!”
Glenna frowned in the shadows.
“And it’s only promising to get worse by the end of the month,” Audrey continued. “Some of the most powerful and influential nobles in all of Scotland will have arrived to hear the king’s decision and see the curious new laird of Roscraig. What if—”
Footsteps echoed on the stairs, drawing both Captain Muir’s and Miss Keane’s attention, and as Tavish Cameron’s head came into the light followed by at least two servants, Glenna took the opportunity to back up the stairs farther. Once she was completely hidden by the curvature of the wall, she gained her feet and fled silently to the uppermost level and slipped into her father’s chamber, closing the door carefully with a sigh of relief at her escape.
“Good evenin’, Lady Glenna,” a deep voice rumbled.
Glenna turned as the large figure stepped out from behind her father’s tall armoire.
“I told you I wasna goin’ anywhere,” Frang Roy said.
* * * *
Tavish wasn’t surprised to find Muir and Audrey Keane on the landing outside the great hall; Tavish knew the captain still doted on Audrey, so of course he would want to present the gift from her father personally.
He turned to the pair of hands waiting behind him and motioned to the trunk similar in appearance to Audrey’s they carried between them. “Take it to my chamber and leave it.” Then he turned back to the man and woman who had stepped away from each other to include Tavish on the landing. He looked at Audrey, who was frowning prettily. “Not enjoying tonight’s feast, Audrey? A shame, since you arranged it.”
“You’d think I was naught more than a servant to these people, Tavish,” she retorted, lifting her rounded chin slightly. “My father likely could buy any man in this Godforsaken wilderness several times over.”
Tavish had to nod in agreement. “The nobility care more for their pedigree than they do for their coffers, ofttimes. Only consider Roscraig as an example.”
“You would make things easier on me by far were you to announce your intentions,” Audrey said pointedly. “Or perhaps you are enjoying the care of the eligible ladies who’ve come to fight over you?”
Tavish ignored the jab. “What of the Misses Haversham and Conner? Certainly the presence of your friends is entertainment for you.”
“They are busied with the attentions of the younger sons of a lesser baron,” she said with bitterness clear in her voice. “It seems everyone here is looking to make a profitable match.”
“Audrey,” Tavish said mildly, “you are my guest and my friend. I would not begrudge you doing the same. My position here is not yet guaranteed, and neither is any agreement between us.”
“Hoping a better match comes along, are you?” Audrey said, her lips thinning. “Someone noble, perhaps? I hear there is a cave at Roscraig, for pilgrims seeking favor. Isn’t that what nobles do? Go on pilgrimages? I shall have to begin at once.”
“That’s not what I mean,” Tavish began.
“You could never hold hope of winning my hand in Edinburgh, Tavish Cameron, and you certainly are not my only option now, no matter what my father thinks.” She turned away from him to face Muir. “Thank you, John, for troubling yourself so for me. I—I would like very much to know that you are to stay on at Roscraig for a while—a loyal friend close at hand means so much.”
Muir gave the woman a short bow. “As always, Miss Keane.”
Audrey’s skirts swept across the landing as she reentered the hall.
Tavish huffed a laugh. “Well, I reckon she told me.” He looked to Muir for commiseration, but the older man was looking through the doorway with an expression of chagrin.
He did not lose it as he faced Tavish. “I’m speaking to you as a friend and not as your captain, Tav, when I say that perhaps it’s best not to string Audrey along.”
