“I thought I had time. I knew we were drawn to one another, and I thought ye would wait for me. I plan to speak with yer father on the morrow.”
Silence settled between them as they both grappled with their feelings. Finally, she whispered, “I will consider yer courtship if me father approves of ye.”
Lachlan nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Then let us learn how we feel together, Ailis. With honesty and open hearts, we shall find our way. Ye’ll give me a chance?”
“First ye must speak with me father. If he willnae let ye court me, then there is no reason for us to spend time together. But if he agrees, then aye, I’ll give ye a chance.” She paused. “And I will still be spending time with Cameron. I enjoy his company.”
*
In the McAfeegardens, Ailis and Cameron walked among vibrant blooms.
“Ye have a way with children, Cameron,” Ailis remarked, giggling.
“’Tis nothing,” he replied with an easy smile. “Children are much like wildlings—give them respect and fun, and they’ll follow ye anywhere.”
Ailis glanced sideways at him, eyes filled with mirth. “And what of the not-so-small wildlings?”
“Perhaps,” he teased. “Though such creatures require a more delicate approach.”
Their conversation flowed from childhood tales to future dreams. Despite the growing bond, Ailis’s thoughts strayed toward Lachlan—the mysterious highlander occupying her mind.
Ailis cherished the simplicity of this connection while delaying the inevitable decision that loomed on her horizon.
*
Lachlan McClain observedthe grand hall’s festivities from a distance with an unusual seriousness. Ailis McAfee whisked through the dance with Cameron, her laughter filling the air, and he longed to be the one she was laughing with.
Throughout the dance, Ailis was keenly aware of Lachlan’s presence. Their eyes met briefly before she focused on her partner again. Cameron complimented Ailis’s dancing, but she shrugged it off modestly. Their stolen glances were charged with unspoken questions.
“Tell me, Ailis,” Cameron inquired as the music played, “does yer heart ever yearn for something it cannot name?”
“Perhaps,” she answered softly, sensing Lachlan’s gaze upon her. “But the most important thing I can do is take care of me duties, and then hopefully, things will happen the way they’re meant to.”
“True,” Cameron agreed with a tender smile. “One must choose wisely, lest the heart lead us astray.”
As the dance ended, couples exchanged bows and curtsies, basking in their shared joy. Ailis, however, was fixated on Lachlan McClain, who strode away from the hall with determination.
“Ye have me heart in a birl, Lachlan McClain,” Ailis whispered, her hand in Cameron’s as they left the dance floor. “And I fear what might come should ye learn to wield it.”
“Did ye say something?”
She smiled. “I was merely mumbling to meself.”
To Ailis’s surprise, Ian appeared beside her, glaring at Cameron. “May I have this dance, Ailis?”
Ailis stood for a moment, trying to decide the easiest way to tell the man she wouldn’t be willing to dance with him. “Nay, I’ve promised the next dance to Cameron,” she finally answered.
Ian focused on Cameron. “Are ye a laird’s son then?”
“Nay. Just a man.”
“Her father will never let ye marry her.”
“We’ll see,” Cameron muttered, his eyes locking with Ian’s.
“We will.” Ian stood for a moment before retreating. Ailis let out a sigh of relief when he disappeared into the crowd.
“Thank ye for being me excuse not to dance with the man. He is not someone I care to spend time with.” She stopped herself before adding that Ian sickened her.
