Page 80 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

“Aye. He’s coming with his father to collect… to take John back home.”

Evanna nodded. Of course, Ashton would come for his brother. And Evanna would have to face him.

“We deserve to be happy,” he said. “Give it time, and ye’ll see I’m right.”

Aleck took his leave. Evanna watched him go.

Her heart broke at the thought of losing him. But she was determined never to see him again. This was the farewell she had been unable to give him before. But she would do so now. This would be their one last night together. Its memories would sustain her for eternity.

Chapter Thirty-One

A messenger had arrived a little after midnight. He had handed over a letter for the Laird. He had then retired to the stables where he was given food and his horse watered while he waited for the Laird’s reply.

It was a short missive from Lord Winchester, informing the Laird that he, his son, and their retinue, would reach the castle tomorrow by noon. He requested that they be hosted for a few days in which they could properly prepare for John’s final journey.

The Laird sent back a message in the affirmative and asked his butler to prepare the East wing for their guests. A dinner was requested from Mrs. MacTavish that was neither grand nor poor but provided enough sustenance for a Lord and his men.

He was a little perturbed that Lord Winchester had arrived before Henry Ashby. He missed his friend dearly and would have been glad of his support in the coming days. As things were, he hoped Evanna would recover enough to help him host their guests. If he recalled correctly John’s younger brother was a good friend of hers, and if he could dispel the clouds of gloom over her head, he would forever be indebted to him. Even if he was an Englishman.

* * *

Evanna rose early and prepared herself with great care. She noted the dark circles under her eyes and the hollow of her cheeks. Brushing her hair into submission she tied it in a low bun and pinched her cheeks to get some color in them. It was paramount that she did not look depressed, or sad if she wanted to achieve her goal.

She had spent the night tossing and turning, thinking of all the ways she could make amends for her sins, and only one solution had presented itself. Her decision would not be easy for her father to accept. But she needed his blessing before she could take a step forward. She would never make the same mistake twice. If he refused, she would spend the rest of her life dedicated to her duties in Glenlivet. She would not do anything without his permission; certainly not run away if he refused her.

Satisfied with her appearance, she made her way to her father’s chambers where he was breaking his fast.

“Evanna!” He rose from his seat, delighted to see her out of bed and walking unassisted. “Come in. Sit down.” He pushed a plate of cheese and fruit towards her. “I cannae tell ye how much it gladdens me to see ye like this.”

“I’m better now, Da.”

“Ach, but yer skin and bones. Here. Eat some porridge.”

“Thank ye, Da.” She obliged him and took a few spoonfuls of porridge.

“Lord Winchester and his son will arrive by noon. They will stay with us for a few days before they journey back.”

The porridge turned to ashes in her mouth. She couldn’t possibly face Ashton. What would she say to him? How would she explain? She would rather die of mortification before facing him.

One small mistake, and she had lost it all. Aleck, John, and now her friendship with Ashton. Was she destined to suffer nothing but tragedy?

But this made her firm in her decision. She was doing the right thing. This was the only solution.

“I’ve prepared rooms for them in the East wing. Do ye think that’s wise?”

“It has the best views of the hills,” she said.

“Cook is preparing something for dinner, but I think ye should look it over and make yer suggestions. Ye’d ken what yer friend likes best.”

“I will.” She licked her lips, gathering courage. “Da.”

“Hmm?” He bit into an apple.

“I need to ask for yer permission.”

“Permission for what?” he asked.

“There’s a convent in Ireland.”