She had been treated with such cruelty and coldness by her father for her whole life; it felt foreign to her at first. But now, she could not imagine life without Castle McCloud and its handsome laird.
It was nearing dusk before they made it back to the castle, and Lottie stood at the gates, waiting anxiously.
Jeane jumped down off the horse when she saw her, even though Fergus protested. She rushed to the girl, hugging her tightly, tears pricking at the backs of her eyes.
“Are ye all right? They didnae hurt ye, did they?”
“Nay,” Lottie assured her. “What about ye? Are ye all right?”
“I’m fine,” Jeane assured her, smiling. “And betrothed.”
“Ye’rewhat?” Lottie screeched and then started to cough.
Jeane ushered her back into the castle as the men put up the horses, sitting her down in the foyer on a small couch.
Lottie drew in ragged breaths. “I guess… I guess ye were right. I’m nae ready for regular activities just yet.”
“Nae quite. But ye will be,” Jeane assured her, smiling.
“Tell me more about this betrothal. When did me brother ask ye?”
“Well, he actually asked me when I first arrived, but I wasnae sure he was serious.”
“Ye mean he already asked ye to marry him, and ye saidnay?” Lottie asked incredulously. “I cannae believe it.”
Jeane flushed, but she could not stop grinning.
“He asked me again after he saved me, and I couldnae say nay this time.”
“Of course nae. He saved yer life!”
“Aiden, too,” Jeane said, giving a glance over at Aiden as he walked into the foyer.
“Me hero!” Lottie gushed, standing and rushing to him, seemingly unfazed by her coughing fit. “Ye’re hurt.”
As Lottie fussed over Aiden, Jeane looked at them fondly. Then an arm snaked around her waist, and Jeane leaned back against Fergus comfortably.
He did not speak, only kissed her shoulder then her temple.
“I will need to stitch up that wound,” Jeane said, looking over at Aiden and Lottie.
“Aye, it’s good to have a healer in the castle,” Lottie said, peering at Aiden’s injury.
“It’s nae bad,” he assured Lottie. “Makes me look rugged, wouldnae ye say?”
He raised his eyebrow and winced from the pain. Lottie giggled.
“I’m so glad ye’re safe and sound, Liliana.”
“Aye, me too,” Jeane agreed. “It’s all thanks to ye. If ye hadnae gone to get Aiden and Fergus, I’d be well on me way to marryin’ a monster right now.”
Jeane walked over to Lottie, taking her hands in hers as she led her upstairs to her room. Lottie leaned on Jeane, the day’s stressful events having taken a toll on her ailing body.
Jeane gave Lottie her supper draught and then took her hands in her own.
“Me name is Jeane Forrest,” she said quietly. “I’m finally safe.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
