"It's a long journey," he countered, though he knew that the argument only strengthened hers. "We cannae afford any delays, Anna."
"Please, Hugh," she said almost immediately. She still held herself tall, but she didn't bother to hide her emotions. "I am all he has. My mother passed away when I was young. It has just been him and I for as long as I can remember. It is not just for me, but for him as well."
Hugh's jaw tightened slightly. Truly, they didn't have time for a proper lunch affair. If it were up to him, they would have been wed immediately after he arrived. Instead, the customs of the English slowed the process.
He knew that he couldn't be cruel to her, though. If he didn't allow her any time with her father, she'd look at this marriage as a prison. So, even though he would rather leave immediately, he knew he had to concede here.
"I suppose," he began, speaking slowly, each word picked carefully, "that we could allow a single hour for delay. I suggest we have our lunches packed. Ye can eat on the journey. Spend as much time as ye can with yer faither. I will ensure that the carriage is packed with yer belongings."
While he'd had his initial doubts in allowing her this compromise, the smile on her face assured him that it was a sound choice. When they arrived at Castle McDonald, he'd be dealing with Callum and the rest of his council. They'd be a realpain in the arse. He didn't need Anna to be difficult when they arrived, especially because he knew they'd be critical of her.
"An hour," Anna agreed, the lightness returning. It wasn't as strong as a few moments ago, tempered by the reality of leaving, but she still seemed pleased. He found that he'd like her to keep this demeanor. "I suppose that I can make do."
"Ye seem resourceful, lass," Hugh said as he settled back against the seat. "I believe ye could figure out anythin' ye put yer mind to."
She tilted her head to the side, studying him. She murmured, "You really think so?"
"Aye," he replied, meeting her gaze. "Ye wrote that letter and made a friend. Ye got yerself a husband. Ye're goin' to a new life, away from all those lasses that wanted to tease ye. And ye seem to ken quite a bit about flowers."
"You don't really know about that last bit," she said, the corner of her mouth twitching despite the mask of seriousness she was trying to wear. "I've only said that I enjoy pressing them."
"I imagine that ye learn quite a bit when ye have a hobby, nay?" he said. "Ye ken more than I do about the flowers in England."
"But you know more about them in Scotland," she countered.
"Ye'll learn fast," he said, sure of the statement. The carriage began to slow. "We will get yer things packed, and then ye will have an hour with yer faither. Aye?"
"Yes," she said, sorrow coloring her tone. "Thank you for allowing the delay."
"Ye daenae need to thank me," Hugh grunted. "Ye are me wife now. I intend to keep ye happy. Even if it means losin' an hour of daylight."
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ididnae expect her to be so upset when we left.
Hugh did his best not to stare at Anna, though it was hard to keep his eyes to himself. Salty tracks glistened on her cheeks, and the relative quiet of the carriage was occasionally punctuated by a sniffle from her.
Part of him warred with the fact that she was upset; another part wanted to explain the practicality of his decision. The best he could do for her now was to let her think without his input. He'd wait until she calmed herself down.
For two hours, they rode in a somber silence. Several times, he considered apologizing to her for having her leave so quickly. He stopped himself, knowing that the apology would ring hollow. They'd left out of necessity, and he would do it again if need demanded it.
Finally, Anna spoke, her voice soft with resignation as she asked, "How long is this trip? I don't believe you told me."
"Five days if the weather permits," he said gruffly as he nodded toward the open window. "Rain may delay our travel, but it looks as though we'll miss any storms."
"Five days?" she repeated, sounding horrified. "I've never been on the road so long. I… carriage rides make me feel a bit sick."
"Aye, it isnae a quick journey," he agreed. "Though we are movin' slower than normal on account of all yer things. If it were just the two of us and nothin' else, it would take three and a half. I daenae think the road should be too hard on ye at the pace we're movin'."
For a moment, she remained silent. Then, she nodded, accepting the information. "I suppose the shorter trip would be much more manageable. Perhaps we could make it once a year. And my father could come to the Highlands once a year as well."
"Aye, that could be arranged," Hugh said, glad to have her engaged once more. "Me people would be proud to host yer faither, and we can plan yearly trips."
The compromise seemed more than fair, and it erased some of the deep gloom that hung around her. She finally looked away from her lap to the scenery passing them by. Her shoulders were more relaxed, and as they rode into the English countryside, her face seemed to light up at the flora and fauna that existed there.
Hugh hid his satisfaction. If she enjoyed the views here, she would love the landscape beyond the border. He imagined that the first sunrise she saw in the Highlands would leave her speechless.
"So, what will it be like?" she asked, her eyes never leaving the trees that passed them by. "You've mentioned a castle before."
