Page 17 of Falling for His Cousin’s Betrothed

“Come join us for refreshments, Laila.”

It was Alastair. Laila rolled her eyes and pulled herself up to a sitting position.

“I’ll be down shortly.” She stood up and watched as the water trickled down her legs, then she stepped over the edge of the tub and dried her feet on a caramel-colored bath rug. Shelley had left her a pair of linen trousers, a pressed tunic, and a wool sweater, so she stepped into the clean clothing, then smoothed her hair away from her face. She wondered if Robert had told Alastair of their adventures about his fallen horse, their night in the forest, and their journey to the pub owner’s lodge. Then she shook her head. Surely, Robert wouldn’t reveal such information, lest it compromise his trust from Alastair. She walked quietly out of the bathroom, down the marbled stairs, and into the study where the two men sat, a bounty of bread, cheese, olives, figs, and port wine before them.

“These figs are delicious.” Robert was holding a brass mug in one hand and a ceramic plate in the other. “Come, Laila. Join us for this celebration.” He moved over on the long, cherrywood bench, where he sat, and Laila lowered her gaze. She wanted nothing more than to sit beside Robert, but how could she when Alastair was penetrating her with his eyes, telling her, silently, to join him on the other side of the table? She sighed and gazed softly at Robert, then slid delicately beside Alastair.

“I recall with great pleasure the day these were harvested from the trees beyond Edinburgh.” Alastair sipped his port and then tossed his head back with a laugh. “We had several horses with us, and one of them took off, unbeknownst to his dismounted rider, across the loch, over the valley, and through the Sitka clearing beyond Gladbourne.” He sipped his drink. “I wasn’t sure we’d get that stallion back.”

“You can recall the days when Auntie Delphine took us riding for foxes. Yes?” Robert took a sip of his drink and leaned forward. Alastair nodded.

“With great clarity. She would round us up early in the morning to play sports, and I can still remember wanting only to remain in my woolen sleep shirt, watching the sun rise from my bed. But you know Auntie!” Alastair laughed.

Laila reached for a silver spoon from which she scooped up three figs, two olives, and a piece of cheese. She stared momentarily at her plate, then took a polite bite of the fig. Alastair poured her a mug of port, and she held it slowly up to her lips.

“It sounds as if the two of you had quite the adventures as children.” Laila took a sip of her port, then another bite of her fig.

“You are correct,” said Robert, smiling at her as he ate a piece of cheese.

The rain had slowed, and a soft, gray mist draped itself across the valley. Laila gazed at the soft chiaroscuro outside, deciding it resembled a door, with only bare trees in the distance for its hinges. She took another sip of her drink and briefly closed her eyes. It was reassuring to be in the company of such esteemed characters. At the same time, it was also unnerving, knowing that Alastair had marriage on his mind and realizing that she would have to conceal her feelings for Robert.

“Perhaps the three of us can take a stroll around the grounds early in the morning,” suggested Alastair. “I do believe there are plenty of architectural structures you might find compelling.” Laila took a sip of her port and inched her foot, ever so slightly, under the table until it reached Robert’s boot. He looked at her and took another piece of cheese off the plate.

“I believe I’m about ready to turn in for the night,” said Robert after taking one last sip of his drink and setting his mug on the slate table.

“Rightfully so,” said Alastair in agreement. “I’m going to get the bedrooms prepared for your stay, and I shall meet you in the hall.” He got up as Shelley entered the room. She cleared away the plates and the mugs, then walked quietly away.

“I shall hope to sleep by your side tonight,” whispered Laila, breathing a sigh of relief that Alastair had finally left the room.

“Shhh.” Robert furrowed his brow and shook his head. “I don’t want to upset Alastair in any way. The entire scope of events has me perplexed.” He leaned down to tie his bootlace, and Laila inched closer to his side.

“I have no intentions of marrying him, Robert.” Her heart panted for what she knew was the truth in her heart, but she knew Alastair and the law of the clan would see otherwise.

“It matters not what your intentions are, Laila. You have an arrangement.” He sat upright and smiled at Shelley when she reentered the room. “Enjoying this calm after the storm?” he asked.

Shelley nodded. “Very much so, sir. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.” She nodded, cleared away the dishes, then walked back to the kitchen. Laila clutched Robert’s arm.

“You can’t let me be taken by him. I want no part of it.”

“Laila, you don’t have a choice. As much as I want to remain by your side, I’m sorry that I won’t be able to go behind my cousin’s back. Such betrayal could cost me my life.” Robert’s brow was furrowed, his face reddened.

Laila looked down and nodded sullenly. “Where I come from, we are taught to fight for what is just and right.” She folded her arms across her chest and stared back at Robert. He sighed, then ran his hands through his tousled hair. Laila pursed her lips and whirled around just as Alastair reentered the hall.

“The sheets and blankets are folded, prepared on each of your beds.” He stood proudly and adjusted his shirt-coat. Laila toed the marbled floor with one toe and cocked her head to the side. “The first guest room is to the left of the woodwind chamber, and the second is around the corner, overlooking the courtyard.”

“Thank you, Cousin.” Robert smiled and nodded.

“I asked Shelley to prepare the freshest duck eggs with sourdough, plus ginger-filled bread for breakfast tomorrow.”

“The thought of such a delight has me hungry already.” Robert had a knack for cordiality, and Laila could tell he was doing his best to place a buffer between himself and any possible contention that might arise from Laila’s persistent desires.

“Good night to you both.” Alastair nodded and turned back down the hall, Robert and Laila following a few steps behind him toward the darkened library. The wind, now only causing a slight sway in the Sitka spruce outside, whistled softly, whispering songs of Scottish lore. Laila, for a brief moment, thought about Alan, of her past and how simple it had once been. She longed to give her father one last hug and fought back a tear as she rounded the corner.

“Here we are.” Robert extended an arm when they reached the first of the guest quarters. Laila stepped gingerly inside and looked up at the ornate artwork donning each plum-colored wall.

“How beautiful,” she said, sitting down immediately on the double bed. Plush caramel-colored blankets were folded at the foot of the bed, and a large, white lace pillow lay at the headboard. All Laila could think about was lying down and going to sleep. “I’m happy to take this room, Robert.” She sighed and folded her hands on her lap.

“Good night, then, Laila. Sweet dreams.” Robert paused after speaking. He didn’t really want to leave her, but what other choice did he have? There was nothing worse than a man who dishonored his kin, and Robert wanted no part of sullying his pristine reputation.