Page 163 of Claimed Highland Brides

Aileen looked forward towards her husband, seeing him in a new light. He projected such an air of calmness and confidence it was difficult to imagine that he was insecure. With his looks, poise, and worldliness, she would never have thought that a throwaway remark from her would be enough to upset him. She wanted to spur her horse forward and draw up next to him. Perhaps take his hand and squeeze it.

She was too shy to execute it, however. Instead, she just kept staring at Barclay until he sensed her gaze and looked back. She offered him a cautious smile and was relieved when he returned it. She hoped that he could see the apology in her eyes. He looked back at Diego, resuming his conversation with no acknowledgment, and she swallowed her disappointment.

As they rode up to the gate, Aileen felt her heartbeat speed with nerves. She was not an adventurous one. She wondered how her sisters would take her change of status.

The guard at the gates spotted them coming and opened the gates, so they could ride through without stopping. Fiona and her husband stood at the entrance, watching them come. Fiona hurried down the steps, hands out as Aileen alighted from her horse. Although she was much shorter than Aileen, she enveloped her sister in her arms, and Aileen felt surrounded by her love.

“How are ye?” Fiona whispered.

“I am vera weel. Thank ‘e, Sister.” Aileen stepped back and smiled. “How is everybody keeping here?”

“Aboot as weel as always. Come, tell me everything.” She slipped her hand through Aileen’s and led her to the house. Aileen laughed.

“First, I should get cleaned up and perhaps some refreshment?”

“O’course.” Fiona let go of her arm as they came to the stairs. “Ye go up to yer room. I’ll have the servants bring ye some hot water to bathe and some honey cakes and sweet tea.”

“Thank ‘e.”

* * *

Barclay nodded respectfully to the laird of Braenaird Castle. “We need to talk.”

Daividh nodded. “Follow me.”

He led Barclay to his study and ushered him to sit. “How did yer meeting go?”

Barclay shook his head. “Aboot as well as ye might expect. The governor was willing to uphold the law but no’ to interfere wi’ family business, as he called it.”

“So, what next?” Davidh leaned back in his armchair, eyes narrowed keenly.

“I shall call for a meeting. Hopefully, my step-uncle will agree to talking terms.”

“What is different this time than before?”

Barclay opened his mouth to tell him about the marriage but then closed it again, remembering Aileen’s words. He gave Daividh a strained smile. “Let us wait until dinner when we can tell everybody.”

Daividh’s eyes narrowed further. “I see. So ye have some news.”

“Aye.”

The laird nodded. “Fair enough. We shall wait. I’ll let ye go so ye can refresh yersel’ before then.”

“I thank ‘e.” Barclay got to his feet and nodded at the laird before leaving. He could well understand Aileen’s feelings of unease now. It was mighty discomfiting to be springing something like a marriage upon a family with no prior notification.

He went back to his chambers to get himself ready for dinner. He chose his red velvet coat and black satin breeches, wanting to look as well as he could for this very important meeting. He stepped out into the corridor and almost bumped into Diego. His cousin took a step back, his eyes wide with surprise.

“You look well, primo. What is the occasion?”

Barclay grinned. “A wedding announcement.”

“Ah.” Diego’s eyes gleamed with understanding. “I should go and change as well then. Perhaps my gold epaulets.”

Barclay laughed. “Now, now. Ye wouldnae want to outshine the groom now, would ye?”

“Of course I would. I always aim to be the most handsome man in the room.” Diego preened theatrically.

Antonio appeared suddenly at his side. “What is going on?” His eyes shone with curiosity.

“We are going to dinner,” Barclay replied.