Page 150 of Claimed Highland Brides

“Torquil MacDonald? Aye, I do ken him. He is retired the noo. Ornery genelman.” Euan grinned.

“Weel, ornery or no’, I need to speak t’him. He is the one who drew up my father’s will.”

“I shall write a letter and make an appointment. Meanwhile, ye have much to do to prepare for the ball. Leave this t’me.”

“Thank ‘e. Diego is already out in search of a tailor and I do believe Miss Douglass has commissioned a modiste to alter one of her dresses.”

Euan smiled and nodded. “Aye, ’tis important that you are presented in yer best light.”

Barclay nodded and bowed. “Then I shall go and acquire suitable attire.”

* * *

Aileen was a little flustered about her dress. The modiste had convinced her to go with a lower necked gown in dark mossy-green that matched her eyes. Sarah had brushed her hair until it shone before fixing it under her hat. She blinked at herself in the mirror.

“Weel, I think I look as bonny as I am going to.”

“Aye, ma’am.” Sarah smiled, clapping her hands together with excitement. “Yer young lad wilnae ken wha’ hit him.”

“My young lad? He isnae⁠—”

“Och! Dinnae try to deny it. I see th’ way ye look at each other.”

Aileen looked away, cheeks heating in embarrassment. “Ye’re mistaken,” she whispered.

Sarah just snorted, turning to put away the brushes, combs, and creams they’d been using.

There was a soft knock on the door.

“Come in.”

The knob turned and Barclay poked his head in, smiling. “Are ye ready to go?”

Aileen’s flush deepened even as she nodded jerkily. “Aye.”

He stretched out a hand to her, and she took it, her own trembling slightly. She took a deep breath and smiled. “Dinnae be ascairt. It shall be well.”

She nodded again, throat too dry for a reply. His hand felt big and warm, surrounding hers like a guardian. She realized that it was the first time she’d ever had her hand in a man’s. He kept her hand in his as he led her to the carriage, and she focused on putting one foot in front of the other without stumbling in confusion.

Diego and Antonio were waiting by the carriage and turned to smile at her. They both gave her an elegant leg and showered her with compliments. “You look very lovely, Miss Douglass. How lucky we are to be escorting you this evening.” Antonio said with a smile.

“Si, èl èsta bueno.” Diego’s smile was admiring.

Cheeks burning, Aileen gave an elegant curtsy before allowing Barclay to hand her into the carriage. They were joined by Diego, Antonio, and the solicitor.

“Now ye mun’ remember, we arenae going to the ball simply to enjoy ourselves. We mun’ do our best to charm the governor.” He looked to Aileen. “Yer family is very prominent in the region, and the governor will be looking to curry favor. Ye mun’ give him hope wi’out making any promises.”

Aileen nodded, feeling even more nervous. Barclay reached out and squeezed her hand, giving her an encouraging smile.

“Barclay, ye will speak o’ yer father’s valor in defense of his home and his family. That he died as a result o’ that. Mr. MacDonald will help wi’ that. He wrote me this afternoon to say he would be at the ball. Two birds wi’ one stone.” The lawyer grinned, showing all his slightly browned teeth.

Barclay nodded and smiled.

“And what about us? What shall we do?” Diego asked.

“Ye and yer brother will stay in the background. Charm the ladies but no’ too much. We dinnae want the governor thinking aboot Mr. MacFarland as an outlander, so we mun’ minimize the Spanish connection. But if ye are charming to his wife and his three daughters, they will speak well o’ ye and perhaps sway him.”

All of them listened intently, nodding along to this plan.