Lachlan stepped aside without another word, his chest tightening at how easily she’d agreed to leave.
She stepped past him, her shoulder brushing his side just enough to set his teeth on edge. She paused at the doorway, looking back at him only once.
“I meant no disrespect,” she murmured.
Lachlan did not respond. He couldn’t.
’Tis better that she hates me now.
He closed the door behind her with quiet finality, leaving her alone in the corridor.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Marian threw on her cloak and stepped outside the castle the moment the rain slowed to a mist.
It was a wet, cold afternoon, but the last thing she wanted was to remain confined to her chambers because of the wishes of an angry laird.
Since her arrival at Glen Carrick, she had longed to explore the lands and learn more about them. And today, she was determined to fulfill that longing, even if it meant risking catching a cold.
She stepped into the large courtyard, testing her feet on the muddy ground. Mrs. Campbell had been generous enough to loan her a pair of Highland boots, and she intended to put them to good use.
The mist clung to her hair as she walked across the courtyard, a cold chill settling into her bones. Still, she merely wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
She turned toward the back of the castle, following the narrow path that led to the glen and the ridges beyond.
Her chest tightened at the thought of the previous day and how Lachlan had spoken to her when she had wandered into the secluded chamber.
He acts as though I’m a prisoner, expecting me to stay within my chamber at all times.
She frowned. The mere thought tasted bitter in her mouth.
And yet, he doesn’t adhere to his own rules.
Quickly, she shook off the guilt that had begun creeping up her chest, steeling her resolve. She wasn’t going to allow him to treat her like she was one of his subjects when she might very well be the rightful owner of Glen Carrick.
It is still my inheritance, and I have a right to it.
The path to the glen was just as muddy as she had expected. She held up her skirt, walking gently until the ground began to firm beneath her feet. She walked along a short curve that opened into the glen she’d only ever seen from the castle windows, and a loud gasp escaped her lips.
It is even more beautiful than I imagined.
A soft breeze blew against her, and she closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh air.
For a moment, she simply stood there, listening to the gentle murmur of the water as it wound its way through the valley and allowing its calmness to settle around her.
She moved closer to the steep edge of the glen, carefully measuring each step to avoid slipping. Once there, she bent down, pulling off one of her gloves to scoop some of the water into her palm. Her lips curved into a smile as she watched the shimmering water slip through her fingers each time.
She almost forgot herself… until she sneezed.
She straightened up, looking around to make sure no one had seen her.
Perhaps it is not a good idea to play with water in the cold.
She raised her chin and walked around the ridges, taking in the land and the way it stretched without an end in sight.
Perhaps I should explore the rest of the estate.
The idea struck her once she’d gotten enough of the glen and ridges. She turned around, walking toward the far end of the estate.
