Page 9 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

He is a bastard and a whoreson. Instead of saying that, she shrugged.

"Do you like him?"

Should she lie or tell the truth? "We will see how it goes when I talk to him. How about that?"

"Very well. I'm glad you're open to the match. You chose him over Brodie, so...."

Oh, so that's how Will was going to play it. She had not chosen the earl over Brodie. The decision had been forced upon her unless she wanted Brodie to die.

Now, she would do what she must to stop the earl and his evil. Her brother need not know of it. He certainly wouldn't go against the earl nor help the selkies.

After her outrageous behavior a year and a half ago, she had no marriage prospects other than the blackguard. But she didn't care. Aside from Brodie, she wanted to marry no other man.

From behind the desk, Will observed her for a long, speculative moment. "Most women would be ecstatic with an impending marriage proposal from an earl, especially one considered handsome, young, and wealthy."

"I'm nay most women."

"Clearly. You're far different now. When you were betrothed to Brodie, you were happy."

Aye, well, Brodie had been a far different man from Talnaroch. Was he still? Had he changed since she'd last seen him?

She hadn't been happy in such a long time, she'd forgotten how it felt. She couldn't even say she was halfway content since her breakup with Brodie. He had been her reason to smile.

Now, he was her reason for regret.

She glanced down, tears pricking at the sides of her eyes. "I was young and naïve back then."

"And now, at one-and-twenty, you're old and jaded?"

When she glanced up, Will gave a crooked smile.

"Nay, but I ken how the world works. I have no illusions about life being perfect and dreamy. Sisters of chiefs are expected to marry chiefs or nobility."

"Aye, all the other young ladies will be envious that you snagged an earl."

Ugh. She had no interest in making other ladies jealous. They could have Talnaroch.

"Da would've been incredibly proud of you for improving our clan alliances so much."

She wished he would not bring Da into this.

"Better clan alliances mean more safety and security for the clan," he reminded her again, obviously obsessed with the prospect. "I ken you wished to marry Brodie, but since that is nay possible now, Talnaroch is a good choice."

"I had no notion you were so ambitious."

"All chiefs are, whether they admit it or not. Not just for myself, but for the clan as a whole. He's a powerful ally. Since he's the one you ran away with, 'twould certainly smooth over the scandal if you marry him," Will said.

Did he have to keep bringing that up? Clearly, he was urging her toward the marriage.

Her disgraceful behavior was no doubt a blight upon the clan. "I'm willing to help the clan's reputation." Although that was far down the list of things she worried about. Most importantly, she needed to stop the selkie kidnappings immediately.

"'Tis very responsible of you. Are you willing to sign the betrothal contract this eve?"

"I want to consider it for a while... a month, perhaps."

"A month? He may find a more willing young lady before then. 'Tis only the betrothal, nay the marriage. I will suggest the wedding take place in June and see what he says."

That was around seven months away. Surely, she would finish her mission before then.