Page 69 of Claimed Highland Brides

AN IMPROMPTU MEETING

Jamesina walked into the study, having been summoned by her brother-in-law. She was not in the least surprised to find him seated on the bench near the bay windows, with her sister. She walked up to them, sinking into the winged armchair strategically placed opposite them.

“Is there some ill news?” she asked after examining their faces, a frown furrowing her brows.

Fiona sighed deeply. “I’m afraid there is.”

Jamesina leaned forward, her heart beating rapidly. “Tell me.”

“Ye remember how Uncle Donnchadh made a match for me wi’ Padraig Hunter tae save me from all th’ treasure seekers?”

Jamesina grinned. “How could I forget?”

“Weel, it seems they havenae just toddled off wi’ their tails between their legs.”

“Och aye?”

“Aye. Daividh has heard rumors that there are men at the mines from Laird Hunter’s clan. They’ve come to make trouble in hopes of forcing our hand.”

Jamesina frowned. “So what will ye do?”

“’Tis a family decision is it no?” Fiona said softly.

Jamesina’s eyes shifted to Daividh. “Mayhap, but he is still Laird of Braenaird Keep.”

“And I am in agreement wi’ my wife. ’Tis a family decision.”

Jamesina felt her chest tighten as if something was happening which she did not understand and would not want. “Ye dinnae plan tae…?” She could not quite get the words out.

“We want to honor Da’s wishes but we also want tae keep ye safe.”

Jamesina sighed. “And how will ye do tha’?”

Fiona and Daividh exchanged glances. “We thought I should consult Madame Aifric,” Daividh said. “She kens a thing or two aboot the future. She might have some words of wisdom for us. But Jamesina...even wi’out that, ye ken that we should begin tae find ye a betrothed, do ye no? Ye dinnae have tae get marrit at once but at least ye should be taken.”

Jamesina got to her feet, unable to sit still in light of this new information. She paced back and forth in front of the bench that Fiona and Daividh were seated on. They watched her, tense, holding hands as they asked her to get into the very situation that had resulted in so much tragedy for Fiona.

“I cannae believe ye’d ask this of me.”

Fiona got to her feet, hands stretched out as if to envelope Jamesina in her arms. Jamesina avoided her sister with a shake of her head, moving away from her embrace. “No!” she cried, fiery curls bouncing in frustration. “I dinnae want tae get engaged just tae save me from some mythical unknown threat. Look what happened tae ye!” She flung her hands out at Fiona and was gratified when her sister blushed.

“No Jamesina, ye cannae think we mean tae push someone on ye. But...we thought mayhaps ye could go wi’ Daividh to see Aifric. She might have some advice for ye too. Och Jamesina, ye ken full well I want nothing but the best for ye. I ken what ye dream of—true love—and I want that for ye so much. Ye believe me do ye no?” Fiona peered anxiously into her face even as Jamesina tried to evade her. She was slightly taller than Fiona and so it was a bit more difficult to tuck her face in to hide it away.

“Fine. I shall go wi’ Daividh but only because I am curious. I shallnae agree tae a betrothal just because the two o’ ye think I’m in danger!”

Fiona shook her head solemnly. “We wouldnae do that t’ye. O’ course we wouldnae. I am disappointed that ye even thought for a moment that we would.”

Jamesina took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “I suppose...I misread ye. I apologize.”

Fiona took her arm and drew her in. “Dinnae apologize. I ken it’s a hard time and ye’ve been so helpful wi’ the children and running the keep while we deal wi’ the mines...ye mun’ be exhausted.”

Jamesina sighed. “Aye, I am rather tired.”

Fiona laughed softly into her soft curls. “Aye weel, the solstice festival’s coming up. Ye take the girls up tae Drumacree and have a great time. I shall do my duty for once and look after the keep.”

They released each other, smiling fondly into each other’s eyes. “Oh, will ye? Does that mean ye’re packing the twins away in the carriage too, tae come wi’ us?”

Fiona laughed. “No, I promise ye. Ye shallnae have tae answer any cries for three whole days. Silvia and I shall manage here just fine. Aboot time she started earning her keep as a nanny.”