Page 40 of Claimed Highland Brides

PERSUASION

Fiona sat on one of the turrets, out of sight of everyone below her, and watched as Daividh hung about the courtyard, clearly distracted. She wanted to go down to him but she could also see Laird Hunter hanging about. There were a lot of tradesmen about; no doubt the laird was making sure he was getting everything he had ordered. Watching as the preparations for her wedding began in earnest, Fiona felt her anxiety ramp up.

I’m not prepared for this.

Her heart pounded unevenly in her breast and her breath came short, vision shrinking to pinpoints as she felt panic overwhelm her. She stumbled backward, blinking to clear her eyes, trembling hands seeking purchase on the wall. Someone caught her from behind—strong, familiar arms—and she relaxed with relief.

“Wha’s the matter Sister?” Jamesina’s voice was low, gentle, and concerned. It soothed Fiona’s troubled breast at once. She shook her head.

“I dinnae think I can do it, Jamie. I cannae marry him.”

Her sister just continued to hold her, not saying a word.

“I...there is something gang on here. Something sinister. I’m afeared.”

“Wha’ do ye want tae do? Shall we gang tae hame?”

Fiona sighed. “How I wish...but I dinnae think we would be safe there.”

Jamesina’s grip tightened. “Safe from...yer husband-tae-be ye mean?”

“Aye.”

Jamesina gasped. “Wha’ has uncle Donnchadh got ye intae?”

“I dinnae ken.” Fiona shook her head. “But it isnae guid.”

“Oh, Fi. Tell me then, what d’ye want frae me? Ye ken I’ll do anything for ye.”

“If I had any clue, ye’d be the first tae ken.”

The two sisters regarded each other bleakly, as they supported each other in the darkened corridor.

* * *

Daividh wiped his muddy feet against the floor rug outside Laird McCormick’s study and entered with trepidation. When he’d received the summons, he’d assumed it had something to do with his disappearance. After all, the man might have noticed. But as he walked to the castle he’d wondered if there was more. What if the laird somehow knew about his tendresse towards Fiona?

What will I do? Should I make an offer for her, or deny it? What would be safer for her?

Even as he walked into the laird’s study, he had no clue what he would do.

“Campbell! There you are. I have a request to make ‘o ye.”

Daividh raised his eyebrows at the laird, surprised at his chipper attitude.

“Och aye? And what might tha’ be?”

Laird McCormick sighed but did not seem too put upon. “’Tis my nieces. They are feeling rather restive and would like tae wander aboot the countryside and collect flowers or such. I have nae idea wha’ it is young lassies like tae do. I need for ye to pick another warrior and accompany them.”

Daividh’s heartbeat picked up speed and he kept his face studiously blank. “O’ course. I should be honored.”

McCormick narrowed his eyes at Daividh, “Ye mun’ make sure they dinnae get in any trouble. Take them doon tae the market and let them buy their trinkets and watch th’ acrobats and then bring them back.”

Daividh nodded. “O’ course. I’ll do tha’.”

He turned and left quickly, pulling in a deep shaky breath as he wondered how Fiona had pulled it off and made it seem like her uncle’s idea too by the sound of it. He made his way to the courtyard, where most of the garrison was emerging from breakfast, and snagged Simon before he could get his armor and begin training.

“We have another assignment, mo charaid. Come wi’ me.”