The derisive snort of her own name drew Meg’s attention to Bianca’s conversation. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but surely the pierce of that woman’s voice could be heard clear across Scotland.
“Of course he’s not interested in Meg Mackinnon,” Bianca scoffed, and followed with a tinkle of pretty laughter. “As if the most handsome man at court could really be interested in someone like her. She’s plain, far too serious, too learned by half, and she says the oddest things every time she opens her mouth. No maidenly modesty at all.”
Her chest squeezed, surprised by how much it hurt to be dismissed so easily. But it wasn’t the truth. Alex cared for her. She knew he did. She might not understand why he was holding himself back, but she knew that he was.
One of Bianca’s companions spoke. “But he certainly seems to have singled Meg out for his attentions. I agree that it does seem an unlikely match, but you must admit that Meg’s appearance has improved over the last few weeks.”
“There wasn’t much room for anything else.” They all laughed. Meg’s chest squeezed with each cruel giggle. “Even so, she can hardly be called a true beauty by any standards. Meg is merely a pale imitation of her mother. Mark my words, Alex MacLeod could have any woman at court. If he marries Meg Mackinnon, there is another reason.”
Perhaps Bianca’s cattiness might not have hurt so much if Meg hadn’t thought the same thing many times herself. Intellectually, she knew that she had many other things to offer other than her appearance, but for a short while—in Alex’s eyes—she’d felt beautiful. But Bianca effectively pierced the bubble of Meg’s newfound confidence. She cringed when she thought of how much she’d enjoyed the improvement in her appearance over the last fortnight. Bianca was right, Meg would never compare with her mother—even with her help.
But Bianca’s next words were not so easily dismissed.
“No doubt he’s after her land. Her brother is an imbecile after all.” Meg clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. She knew nothing about Ian. “If he can hold it, Alex would be the virtual chief of the Mackinnon lands at her father’s death. I know some men who would marry a horse for less.”
Meg’s cheeks burned at the cruel comparison.You have more land than I do,Meg wanted to shout after Bianca as she flounced away, her puffy skirts crinkling along the way.Why isn’t he chasing after you if that is all he wants?
Meg’s heart pounded, hearing her darkest fears being bandied about court by the likes of Bianca and her friends. It hurt, quite a lot. Even knowing there was no truth to what Bianca said.
Alex wasn’t Ewen or Thomas Mackinnon. He didn’t want to marry her. He could have compromised her and forced her to marry him, but the fact that he stopped proved the honorable man he was. He wasn’t after her land.
But Bianca’s snide remarks posed a darker question, one that she thought she’d resolved. She shook with the wave of sudden self-doubt. Alex would never be the type of man to wrest control from her brother. He was ambitious and a natural leader, but he was no opportunist. He was honorable. Loyal. She knew it, despite what he wanted others to believe.
But had she just convinced herself of this because she loved him? Had emotions blinded her to the truth of his character?
No. Don’t let that silly woman get to you, Meg,she told herself.
She couldn’t be that wrong.
Chapter 14
Meg and Elizabeth had just settled to finish some embroidery in the small salon that used to serve Queen Anne’s ladies-in-waiting when her mother entered with the most beautiful woman Meg had ever seen.
“Margaret, I have someone I’d like you to meet.” Meg tried not to gape, but the woman was truly exquisite. Long red gold hair, pale skin, and…Meg blinked disbelievingly…dark violet eyes. “Isabel MacLeod this is my daughter, Margaret.”
Alex’s sister-in-law,Meg thought with amazement. They exchanged pleasantries, and Meg learned that Isabel and her husband, Rory, had arrived only yesterday. Meg was surprised she hadn’t noticed her at the evening meal last night. Isabel MacLeod was hard to miss.
Isabel had seated herself next to Meg at the small wooden bench conveniently situated under a large window with a splendid view of the summer gardens. After a few moments, she said, “I’ve been eager to meet you.”
Meg arched her brow. “You have?”
Isabel nodded, studying Meg with unabashed interest. “I’ve heard your name linked with Alex’s more than once since I arrived, and I wondered at the woman who had finally captured my recalcitrant brother-in-law’s heart. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen proof of it last night.” When she saw Meg’s confusion, she explained, “I was walking with Alex past the dining room when he saw you.” Still grinning, she said, “I only wish his sister Margaret could be here to enjoy it with me, but her first child is due any day.”
Meg’s cheeks flamed under Isabel’s close scrutiny. Her heart beat a little faster.
“You’re wrong,” Meg said quickly. “Alex and I are friends, nothing more.” No matter how desperately she wished it differently. But if anything, Alex had seemed even more preoccupied and distant since that night two days past when she’d overheard that horrible conversation with Bianca. The conversation that still weighed on her despite her vow to ignore it.
If only she knew what it was that Alex was really doing at court. More and more, she thought it had to do with the MacGregors. She recalled his anger when she’d spoken of their plight with the king. Had he turned outlaw in an attempt to find some justice for the broken men? Was he at court not for a nefarious purpose, as she’d first assumed, but for a heroic one?
Isabel caught Meg’s troubled glance. “Did I say something wrong?”
Meg shook her head. “No, of course not.” She frowned, remembering something. “I’m just surprised to hear you speak so fondly of Alex. I’d heard rumors—” Meg blushed, realizing she’d spoken bluntly again.
Isabel returned her frown, appearing to weigh her words carefully. “Whatever is between Alex and my husband does not change how I feel about Alex. I will always care for him as a brother. I want him to be happy. And I sense he has found happiness with you.”
If only it were true.She didn’t want Isabel to see the pain her words had inadvertently caused. Self-consciously, Meg turned her face to the window, attempting to dry the sudden dampness brimming around her eyes with the warm sunlight.
“You love him.”
