But they wouldn't be put off forever. If the earl found out where she was... Paisley's hands crumpled the letter without her conscious thought.
The bed dipped as Ava sat gently beside her.
"Are ye goin' to tell me what's goin' on, or shall I guess?" Ava said quietly. "We're friends, arenae we?"
Paisley sighed, biting her lower lip.
"It's a very dull story, I'm afraid. My parents wanted me to marry a particular man – a rich, influential man – and I don't wish to marry him."
Ava shrugged. "Say nay. Dae what ye are doing now. Just leave. They cannae drag ye down the aisle, can they?"
"It's not that simple."
"Tell me."
Paisley drew in a breath and began.
"The man they want me to marry is Malcolm Abbey, the Earl of Ainsley."
Ava gave a low whistle. "Go on."
"Well, he's not exactly my age, and he was married before. He and his wife never had children, and a few years ago... well, she died, but there was always talk about it. It was a sudden death. She fell from a window, and all of her friends and family swore that she would never have jumped. It was said to be an accident, but..."
"Accidents arenae always accidental." Ava said, her voice hard. "And this man wants to marry ye?"
She nodded. "Papa owes him a debt. Money, I think, and it must be a great deal if he can't just pay it back. Papa seemed a little confused as to how he came to owe the money in the first place. Something to do with a card game, brandy that tasted strange... I don't understand it, but he insists that it's a debt of honor, andthat Lord Ainsley would make a good husband and a good son-in-law. He wants to see me married; you know."
"To a man who murdered his wife?"
Paisley gave a groan, dropping her head into her hands. "You don't understand. My parents – especially my father – believe that everyone is good in the world. He thinks that since Lord Ainsley is a gentleman, he is honest, honorable, and good. He thinks that he just struggles to express his feelings, and that marriage to a good woman would help him. He thinks I can change him."
"People daenae change unless they want to change." Ava muttered. "Ye did well to run."
"It's just... well, if my family find out where I am, they'll come to collect me...” Paisley trailed off with a shudder. "And I don't want to be anywhere near Lord Ainsley when that happens. I don't trust him. Not one bit."
"How did ye get away?"
She smiled down at the letter, a sad, pensive smile. "My younger brother and sister helped me get away. I'm lucky to have them. But now, I can't go home. I'm on my own."
Ava pursed her lips, thinking.
"Well," she said eventually. "For now, ye are safe. Ye can stay here until this earl loses interest, cannae ye?"
"Yes, but I'm not sure I can ever go home. Ladies don't run away, no matter how old they are. No matter how rich or influential. I went away without a male protector and a chaperone, so nobody will ever accept me again. My reputation is ruined forever. Nobody would ever marry me."
"Is that the worst thing in the world, not getting married?"
"No, of course not, but..." Paisley trailed off. She couldn't help but compare the earl – tall, thin, fair-haired and with those nasty cold eyes – to Dominic. Dominic was warmer, somehow, more vital, morehuman.
The two simply couldn't compare.
She drew in a breath, squaring her shoulders. Ava was still watching her, waiting for her reply.
"I'm lucky." Paisley said with a smile, taking her friend's hand. "That's what I need to remember. I am very,verylucky."
Ava chuckled. "Luck is a priceless thing. Let's just hope that yours doesn't run out, eh?"
11
