Page 4 of Claimed Highland Brides

He looked at her and paused, but only for a moment. “Fine then. Get yer things together so we can get on the road.”

“What, now?” she gaped at him in stupefaction. “Ye only just got here.”

“Aye, and yer uncle is expecting ye in twa days. We have tae hurry.”

Fiona shook her head. “I dinnae understand. What’s the hurry?”

Mr. Campbell shrugged. “I dinnae ken. But I have my orders and I intend to carry them out so go and get your things together and let us gang.”

Fiona blinked at him in surprise. It had been a long time since anyone had ordered her about in such a blatantly offensive manner. In fact, now that she thought about it, she could not recall anyone ever speaking to her in such a way.

“I beg yer pardon?” she squeaked.

“Ye heard me. Gang now then.” He waved a hand dismissively. “Daylight’s a-wasting.”

Fiona exchanged shocked glances with Jamesina. Her sister cleared her throat. “Er excuse me sir, in this hoose we dinnae speak tae each other like tha’. I'll thank ye tae keep a civil tongue in yer head.”

Fiona stared at Jamesina, never having heard her speak to anyone in such a stern fashion. In that moment, she reminded Fiona poignantly of their mother. She nodded to show her agreement with Jamesina’s words, pursing her lips at the soldier. He seemed unimpressed.

“I wasnae aware that I was anything but polite.” He mockingly put his hand over his heart and bowed. “Forgive me if I offended. Now can we gang?”

Fiona did not want to leave so fast. She wasn’t ready.

“Yer uncle said there was some urgency. I dinnae think it would be wise for ye tae delay,” Mr. Campbell added and Fiona’s brow furrowed in worry. If there was something that might affect her sisters she should probably find out what it was as soon as possible. She heaved a sigh of resignation and turned to her sister. “Come Jamesina. Help me tae pack and tell the others.” She flicked a glance at the soldier and said curtly, “Wait here.”

He nodded once and turned away towards the window. Fiona shook her head, took hold of Jamesina’s hand, and left the room. As soon as they had reached her bedchamber, Jamesina turned on her with wide eyes. “Ye’re nae leaving here wi’ that man alone. I’m coming wi’ ye.”

“Of course I’m nae leaving wi’ him alone! But ye need tae stay here wi’ the lassies. I’ll take Julieta with me.”

“Yer lady’s maid? What use will she be tae ye?”

“She’ll be a companion and a chaperone. I do not think Uncle Donnchadh would send someone who would harm me. He is here to protect me on my journey.”

Jamesina sighed. “I’ll follow yer lead but if’n I dinnae hear from ye in five days I shall come tae Dunavar tae get ye.”

Fiona grinned. “I shall expect nothing less.”

* * *

Fiona rubbed her horse, Atlas, down, soothing her with words and apple treats before getting on her back, while Mr. Campbell watched impatiently. He seemed put out about everything. The fact that Julieta was coming had earned a scowl. The delay while her lady’s maid packed their things, including food, had him pacing impatiently up and down. And now he was growling under his breath as she soothed her horse.

She was beginning to think that the ride to Dunavar might just be excruciating.

“Why are ye sae unpleasant?” She’d blurted out the words before she could think as she gave Atlas one more treat before mounting her.

“Perhaps I am simply impatient with all yer unnecessary delays. We have tae be at Dunavar in twa days and at this rate we shallnae make it.”

Fiona snorted. “We’ll make it just fine. It isnae that far. But ye willnae tell me why the urgency?”

He shrugged. “I dinnae ken. I am but an escort.”

Fiona nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. “I see.” She pulled on the reins to turn her horse towards the gate. All her sisters were waiting for her by the front door and she dismounted in order to hug them all, despite Mr. Campbell’s obvious disapproval.

“Ye’ll come back soon, will ye no?” Aileen asked softly, her fingers pawing at Fiona’s arm while Ùna wrapped herself tightly around her middle. The twins flanked her, both talking at the same time. She could hardly hear what they were saying.

“I’ll come back as soon as I can, dinnae fash. Jamesina is in charge while I’m gone. Make sure ye heed her or I shallnae be pleased.” She pointedly gave the twins a look.

“We’ll be fine, ye dinnae need to be fashit aboot us.” Jamesina patted her on the back. She lowered her voice, leaning close to Fiona as she flicked a glance at the soldier. “Now be on yer way afore yer guide combusts with impatience.”

Fiona snorted but got back on her horse and followed the man from her home. She looked back once and waved, feeling her heart sink as she left her sisters behind. She had never been away from them for any significant length of time and now, just after her father’s death, it was particularly painful to be parted from them.

Her sisters waved and screamed their goodbyes, running toward her, hands waving. She grinned, waving back just as enthusiastically, letting their exuberance buoy her up.

It will be alright.

She turned toward the front as the gates closed behind them, taking a deep breath as she followed her guide into the unknown, Julieta riding obediently at her side.

“Pick up the pace, we’re already running late!” Mr. Campbell snapped.

Fiona rolled her eyes. This man was so rude.

He turned, meeting her eyes for perhaps the first time. “I dinnae mean tae be brusque wi’ ye but I have my orders and ye dinnae seem tae understand the urgency.”

“’Tis difficult for me to appreciate the urgency, ’tis true. What difference would a day make to a betrothal?”

His eyes widened with surprise. “Betrothal? Ye’re to be wed?”