"That's all well and good," he sighed, leaning back in his chair. "But how will ye ken that I willnae be needed for somethin' in the castle?"
The question gave her pause. She doubted there would be a circumstance where Hugh would allow another man to accompany her to the village. That would be improper. He did seem to be fairly flexible with her, though.
"I believe that if Hugh's taking me to the village, he'd bring you along if I asked," Anna said after a beat. "If he's insistent on why, perhaps we can say that you need to visit the tailor or some other menial task."
The slightest hint of a smile revealed itself when Marcus said, "Ye're goin' to help me fool me brother?"
She chuckled softly and murmured, "I suppose that's what I'm offering, isn't it?"
With a laugh of his own, he replied, "Perhaps I was too quick to judge ye, Anna. Ye're full of surprises."
His acceptance washed over her in a tidal wave. The smile on her face only grew wider. She hadn't expected gaining a sibling to feel like this. It was as if she were excited to get into trouble with him.
Before she could voice the thought, a rumbling voice said from behind her, "I wondered where ye'd gotten to, Anna. The council is ready to meet ye."
Finding Anna speaking to Marcus was a surprise. Hugh was sure that the two would avoid each other. His brother seemed unable to be kind, and his wife seemed keen on avoiding conflict.
"What are ye doin' here?" he asked Marcus when the two didn't immediately respond.
"We're makin' up," Marcus replied easily before standing. "Ye said that the council wanted to meet her. They arenae bein' difficult, are they?"
"I'm sure they will be," Hugh said, sighing as he rubbed the stubble on his jaw. "Callum was quite pushy about it."
"I suppose it can't be helped," Anna said, rolling her shoulders back.
She seemed to be projecting a confidence she didn't truly feel. Whatever she'd discussed with his mother must have been more helpful than Hugh had anticipated. He'd have to speak to Eilidh when he could to thank her for helping her.
We'll see if it's enough to carry her through meetin' with the council. That'll be the real test.
"Aye," Hugh said, gesturing for her to follow. "Just do yer best. They've already made up their minds about ye. There's nae a thing they can do to ye."
As he led her to the door, Marcus said, "I'll come with ye. Best ye have someone else on yer side."
Hugh's gaze snapped to his brother. Clearly, he hadn't been lying when he'd reported that the two had made up. When hehad more time, Hugh would investigate what had prompted the change. For now, it seemed that all of them were focused on mentally fortifying themselves for the meeting.
As soon as he opened the door for the three of them, the members of the council went silent. All eyes turned to them, and Anna stiffened at Hugh's side. From the looks of it, the meeting was going to be more of a headache than he thought it would be.
"Ye're here too," Callum said, his gaze drifting from Hugh to Anna before landing on Marcus. "We didnae need yer presence."
"I ken," Marcus said as he pulled out a chair for Anna. "But I will stay."
"Hugh—" Callum began.
"Nay, Callum," Hugh interjected, sitting on the other side of Anna. "I'd like Marcus to join us."
Callum narrowed his eyes but said nothing more. He seemed to realize Hugh had been lenient yesterday and that any further dissent would bring corrective action. Hugh didn't need to say a word for Callum to understand.
Despite everyone being present, the council members still took their time settling into their seats. Hugh watched as they stiffly exchanged looks. Whatever they had planned, he was sure it wouldn't be pleasant for any of them.
"Lady Anna Murray," Aaron began, his eyes landing firmly on her. "Or should I say Lady Anna Mullen since ye're already wed to Laird McDonald."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, smiling.
"I wish we could say the same for ye," the short, red-faced member said.
"If it had been under different circumstances," Callum cut in before anyone else could pile on, "I'm sure that we'd be just as pleased to meet ye. Since we werenae able to speak with ye prior to yer marriage, we need to get to ken ye now."
"I understand," she replied, the edges of her facade already cracking.
