Page 125 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

Following him back to the castle gates, Fiona smiled. "Well, that is braw. For a moment, I thought there was a problem."

"Nay," said William. Then, he quickly glanced about, making sure no one else was around. It was alright; the dozy sentry was looking the other way. Facing Fiona, he blurted, "Ye sure she likes me?"

Fiona just laughed so hard that she nearly fell off her horse. "Aye, Brother, she likes ye alright. Anyone can see that. I could see it right the first moment she clapped eyes on ye."

Now it was William's turn to almost fall off his horse. "R-Really?" he said. They had come to a stop in front of the castle, and from the stables, the boy came running to take their horses.

Watchfully, William lowered his tone.

"It's that obvious?" William still could not believe what he was hearing. Fully expecting to be laughed at, he waited.

But Fiona did not laugh. Instead, she answered softly, "Aye, Brother, 'tis as plain as the curls in yer hair." She ruffled his hair affectionately. William hated this, but for once, he did not object. "Och, 'tis so braw ye feel this way wi' yer betrothed. Wi' such things, 'tis nae always guaranteed. Of course, I was lucky. Me an' Clyde were a love match. It's a lot easier when ye dinnae have anyone else pulling the strings."

Fiona dismounted, the pink of the ride in her cheeks. William followed suit, jumping down from his stallion and making for the castle.

"So, ye satisfied, Brother?" Fiona said, as they were through the door.

William nodded.

"Can we look forward to the wedding, then?"

Smiling, William turned to his sister. "Indeed ye can, Sister."

"Braw!" said Fiona, excited. But as she walked off, William's mood shifted.

He was almost, completely, deliriously happy. Nora was perfect. But something Fiona said sat heavy with him.

It's a lot easier when ye dinnae have anyone else pulling the strings.

Immediately, his thoughts turned to Nora and her father.

If anyone was pulling any strings, it was Laird Douglas.

12

"Mistress, yer father..."

Sorcha leaned shyly into the bedchamber as Nora sat chatting to Fiona. It was two days before the wedding. Despite the butterflies in her stomach, she had managed to act smoothly with her soon-to-be sister.

The last few days had passed like wildfire. Every day, a feast, or fayre, or hunting party. And each night, carousing and dancing. Nora had been blown away. The generosity and spirit of the Duncan family had been something she wasn't expecting. And now the time drew close, she grew more fearful. It was not just William. Since coming here, it had become clear just how loved the man was by his family, by his clan—by everyone.

And it was easy to see why. William had blindsided her from the start. He was easy company, fun, amusing, and most of all, very, very handsome. Despite trying not to, she had fallen hard and deep right for him.

Looking up, Nora's doubts must have been obvious. Immediately Grace, who had come with Fiona, cocked her head.

"Ach, hen, we should leave ye in peace." She indicated Fiona, who grinned. Slowly, the pair of them stood up, smiling.

"Aye," said Fiona, her light eyes dancing. She smiled genially. "'Tis time for some father-daughter talk, methinks."

Fiona glanced awkwardly at Laird Douglas, who smiled broadly.

"Aye," said her father, moving into the room. "I am afraid it is. I have come to impart my wisdom. So, ladies..."

Fiona and Grace left the room, giggling. "Hope ye have a bonnie gift for the wedding!" Fiona said, as she departed. Laird Douglas watched them leave with an arched grin. From the door, Sorcha looked on. Her eyes darted down when Nora tried to catch them, but she spied the look in the lady's eyes when she glanced at her father.

She was witness to more than the occasional scene between the two of them, and Nora found herself wondering if she had overheard something she should not. Perhaps her father suspected the same, as he waited for her to leave before shutting the door pointedly and fixing her with a look.

In dread, Nora barely dared glance up at him. Snakes leaped about in the pit of her stomach. Suddenly, she felt sick. This day she had hoped would never come was almost upon her.