Helena had to convince her aunt. No matter what, she was married to Alexander, and there was no getting out of it now.
“Ye’ll see.” She squeezed her hands reassuringly and pulled her along, not allowing her a chance to protest. “Come and meet them.”
Alexander stepped down to meet them, bowing slightly to Sophia and taking Helena’s hand with a smile.
“Lady Sophia. We are happy to have ye.” His tone was welcoming, a seemingly genuine smile on his face. He gestured to his siblings behind him. “Allow me to introduce me braither and man-at-arms, Michael, and our sister, Alice.”
Both siblings nodded in welcome, and Sophia returned the gesture, all the while closely examining the interaction between her niece and her new husband with an air of suspicion.
“Ye’re welcome to stay as long as ye like,” Alexander continued, giving Helena a loving smile. “I promise ye will see that Helena is well loved here.”
“Come now, let’s take ye to yer rooms. I’m sure ye will want to rest before the feast this evening.” Helena released Alexander’s hand and linked arms with Sophia and Alice. “Meanwhile, the two of us can visit ye in yer chambers and tell ye all the latest gossip—all those things the men hate that ladies do.”
Alice winked over her shoulder at her brothers, who both looked horrified. The childish looks on their faces made her burst into laughter. “She isnae wrong, ye ken. Ye do hate it. Big bairns, the both of ye.”
“Just make sure to be ready in the mornin’, wife,” Alexander called out, watching them retreat.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sophia’s chambers were comfortable, Alice had made sure of that. A soft fire crackled in the hearth, warding off the lingering chill in the air.
Helena sat beside her aunt, a delicate porcelain cup cradled in her hands, the scent of steeped herbs and honey drifting to her nose. Across from them, Alice reclined in a cushioned chair, idly breaking apart a flaky pastry, her expression one of ease.
Sophia exhaled, leaning back against the embroidered cushions. “I swear, I havenae rested properly since I left home. Travelin’ at me age isnae as easy as it once was.” She took a sip of her tea, eyeing Alice warily. “But I’ll admit, this tea is pleasant enough.”
Alice smirked. “Aye, well, I ken ye expected some poison in yer cup, considerin’ where ye are, but I assure ye, we’re nae as ruthless as ye might think.”
Sophia’s lips twitched—not quite a smile but close enough. “We shall see.”
Helena stifled a laugh, taking another sip of her tea. She was growing used to Alice’s sharp tongue and easy confidence. It was refreshing in a way, though she knew Sophia was still hesitant about trusting the younger woman or anyone with the last name Gordon.
Sophia sighed, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “So, tell me, lass.” She turned to Helena. “Why did Alexander tell ye to be ready in the mornin’?”
Alice grinned, tilting her head toward Helena, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Oh, does our Helena have another outing with me dear braither?”
Helena’s hand paused mid-air, her teacup hovering just below her lips. She cleared her throat. “Somethin’ like that.”
Sophia furrowed her brow, her eyes darting between Alice and Helena. “Another outing? What in God’s name is the point of all these outings? Ye are already wed.”
Alice chuckled, leaning forward. “Oh, ye should hear about them, Lady Sophia. Me braither is quite infatuated with her.”
Helena blushed, watching her aunt carefully.
The entire plan had been to ease Sophia’s mind, to convince her that all was well, that Helena was happy in her marriage. Yet, even now, as she took in her aunt’s expression, Helena saw the concern flickering beneath her usually composed exterior.
Sophia folded her arms. “And where, pray tell, are ye goin’ this time?”
Helena kept her tone light as if it were no great matter. “We’re visitin’ a village on the border to check on the orphans.”
Silence settled between them, the crackle of the fire suddenly seeming too loud.
Sophia’s expression darkened, her fingers tightening around her cup. “That is where he’s takin’ ye?”
Helena forced a small smile. “Aye. We wish to ensure they are cared for.”
Sophia exhaled sharply, setting her teacup aside. “An interestin’ choice for a romantic outing, I must say.” Her voice was edged with something unreadable.
Helena felt a prickle of unease. “It’s important.”
