She gasped in horror. “Of course not!”
The countess’s expression implied that nothing in this world was a matter “of course,” but she didn’t argue. “Did he hurt you, then? Or do you imagine that you will fall desperately in love with an Englishman?”
That wasn’t what she thought. Well, not exactly. “Liam fell in love with an Englishwoman.” And when the countess didn’t understand, she quickly explained. “Lord Loughton married Lady Clara in Scotland. And they—”
“Oh yes. Lilah’s odd bird of a friend. So she made a match of it then? And they are in love?”
“Apparently,” Mairi groused as she drank more brandy. “I was to be his bride. His father and my father agreed on the day I was born, and so I became chatelaine.”
“But the gentleman didn’t want you?”
Mairi winced and took refuge in her drink.
“And now you’re here because you’re sulking? Because you’ve been rejected—”
“No!” How could she explain something she barely understood herself? “I have known the men of the MacCleal clan all my life. And Connall’s clan is no less familiar.”
“Are they all as handsome as him?”
“No. That’s Connall’s great pride. He’s got a pretty face and a bonnie body.” That was putting it mildly. There was no equal in face and form to Connall Aberbeag, and he knew it.
“A vain man, then. It’s a hard path to marry a man who is prettier than oneself. I don’t blame you one bit.”
Connall was more than a pretty face, and she took issue with the thought that the man was prettier than her. But she wasn’t given a chance to object as the countess continued on.
“Marriage must be looked at in a practical way. Without a dowry, he’s the best you’re likely to get. And that’s assuming he wants you as a wife and not a mistress.”
“I’d twist his bollocks right off if—”
“That’s enough of that!” The words were sharp as Mairi quieted immediately. The lady waved a hand in front of her red face, clearly overcome by heat whether from embarrassment or drink. The lady moderated her tone. “I’ll steer you to gentlemen who won’t mind that you’re penniless. If love blooms, then everyone’s happy. But if it doesn’t, you’ll need to take my direction and marry the man best suited to your situation. Do you understand me?”
She did not. “Exactly what kind of man is best suited to me?”
“A Scotsman, I should think—”
“No!”
“Then a widower or cit. We’ll see. Magic can happen if you prepare for it.” She narrowed her eyes. “And you will be preparing a great deal in the next few weeks. Best resign yourself to it.”
“I’ve worked hard all my life,” began Mairi, but the lady waved her hands furiously in front of Mairi’s face.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, don’t ever mention that!”
Mairi bit her lip. Just how much of herself would she have to hide?
Meanwhile, the countess leaned back in her chair. “Now that that’s settled, it’s time to discuss your dresses. And your hair. And your accent.” The lady folded her arms across her chest. “They all have to change.”
