Page 30 of Claimed Highland Brides

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

“What d’ye really think, Lady Fiona?”

Julieta watched her mistress pace once the warrior had left the room, her face agitated, fingers working at a non-existent knot in her gown.

“Think about what?” Lady Fiona’s tone was abstracted and she avoided Julieta’s eyes. She knew full well what her lady’s maid was asking but she clearly did not want to answer.

“D’ye think yer uncle is selling ye doon the river?” That got Lady Fiona to stop pacing if only to direct a poisonous glare at Julieta.

“I think that…whatever my uncle thinks he’s doing, he should ha’ discussed it wi’ me first.”

Julieta laughed. “Why would he do tha’?”

Lady Fiona shrugged. “If’n it’s money he needs, I feel sure we can lend it tae him wi’out all of this.” She waved her hands about to indicate the mess she was in.

“For sure. So we can conclude that it isnae money that the laird is holding o’er him.”

“What else could it be?” Lady Fiona resumed her pacing.

Julieta shrugged. “Whate’er it is, it mun’ be verra bad.”

Lady Fiona glanced at her, eyes wide before looking away and folding her arms. She came to a stop by the window, looking out into the gathering twilight. “In any case, that isnae our problem. We mun’ think how to get oot o’ this.”

“Ye march up tae the laird and tell him ye willnae do it,” Julieta said at once.

“I cannae. If’n I do, I have tae tell him how I ken. Mr. Campbell still works frae him. I cannae betray him.”

Julieta sighed. “Wha’ then? Wha’ will ye do?”

Lady Fiona matched her sigh for sigh. “I dinnae ken.”

* * *

So far, Fiona had avoided having any meal with her uncle because as much as she wanted to believe in him and trust him, she had to admit to herself that she was upset. While he had done all he could to help them during this difficult time, the truth was that she felt rather put upon and pushed around. Her uncle had arranged a marriage for her that she did not even ask for, without even giving her an opportunity to judge the situation for herself.

Having been the primary caregiver since her mother’s death, it did not sit well with her to be told what to do in this way. Especially since her father had always done her the courtesy of asking for her opinion.

Or maybe it’s that you do not agree with his choices? That insidious voice in her mind whispered to her.

She sighed, resolving that it was high time she and her uncle had a talk. Once the bell rang for dinner, she made sure to change her gown and present herself at the dining hall. Her uncle looked up, surprised to see her, and hastily got to his feet.

He bowed. “Lady Fiona. I wasnae expectin’ ye.”

“Aye well, I thought it high time I joined ye for dinner.” She turned to include Laird Hunter in her smile although she knew it was strained. He had also stood up as she entered and favored her now with a smarmy smile.

“Laird Hunter, I am surprised that ye’re able tae stay away from yer holdings frae sae long.” She could not help digging a bit.

His smile widened. “Weel, I came frae my bride and I’m nae leaving wi’out her.” His voice was steely and determined and caused a sliver of ice to travel down her spine.

She had no words so she simply inclined her head and took her seat. Her uncle sat red-faced at the head of the table while Laird Hunter sat opposite her. A plate was placed in front of her which startled her slightly. At Braenaird they always got their own food and so it was an adjustment to be served.

“Th-thank ‘e,” she murmured, nodding and smiling at the serving girl.

The girl looked surprised to be acknowledged but smiled back nevertheless.

She picked up her spoon and tucked into her soup, eating quietly as she pondered on how to proceed. Having her future husband in the room laid waste to her plans of confronting her uncle, but she hoped to at least find out more about how the whole thing was supposed to work.

She looked up and smiled at Laird Hunter. “Tell me more about Glendale. D’ye live there alone or have ye any bairns?”