Page 20 of Bound to a Scot
She shook her head. “Nay. Naethin’ like that, Lorn. Twas just a conversation I was havin’ with him. It seems the Laird is who me husband had chosen tae marry Cecilia.”
Lorn’s face immediately darkened. As protective as he was for her, he was ten times as protective about Cecilia. He watched over her the way an older brother might. It was something she was grateful for as most of the girls Cecilia’s age who ran around in the castle shunned her the way their mothers shunned Emmeline out of their fear of Burchard.
“I dinnae ken he was lookin’ tae make a match fer her,” Lorn said thoughtfully, his expression tinged with disapproval. “She’s so young.”
“Aye. Far too young. I tried tae speak up fer her, but ye can imagine how well that went over with Burchard.”
A wry grin twisted the man’s lips. “That would explain his foul disposition this evenin’.”
Emmeline laughed softly. “Aye. It would. And I’m sorry if he took me outburst out on ye.”
Lorn waved her off. “’Tis naethin’ I’ve not gotten used tae. Yer husband’s moods are like the weather—they can change in the blink of an eye. I’ve learned tae prepare fer anything and take naethin’ personally. ‘Tis the only way I can keep from throttlin’ him some days.”
“Some days, I wish ye’d dae just that.”
They shared a quiet laugh together, their bond and affection more than clear. Emmeline was grateful for Lorn. He was the only person she felt able to talk with openly. He was wise and sometimes helped check her impulsiveness with rational thought and discussion, which she appreciated. Emmeline was self-aware enough to know she had a temper of her own and sometimes made rash decisions. She was grateful to have somebody with Lorn’s wisdom to help her temper her impetuousness.
Lorn frowned. “What kind of man is Laird MacLachlan?”
“He seems kind,” Emmeline answered.
“Would he make a good husband to Cecilia?”
A bitter smile crossed her lips. “I dinnae think any man would be good enough fer her.”
“Aye. Same,” Lorn agreed with a nod.
She sighed. “But I suppose all things considered, he wouldnae be a bad man fer her tae marry. As I said, he seems kind. Seems tae have a good heart. I dinnae ken how it happened, but it seems Burchard stumbled ontae a good man.”
“I’ll assume ‘twas by accident. He doesnae tend tae surround himself with men of the highest character,” Lorn said dryly.
“Nay. He doesnae,” Emmeline agreed. “Fer his part, Maddox is nae thrilled with the idea of marryin’ a girl so young.”
“Then why is he agreein’ tae it?”
“His people have fallen on hard times and need the help Burchard is offerin’,” she replied. “He told me he daesnae want tae marry, but tis Burchard who’s forcin’ the match.”
“That doesnae surprise me. He demands loyalty and he thinks there’s nay better way tae ensure that than through marriage.”
“Makes me ill that he’s usin’ Cecilia fer his schemin’.”
“Aye. I’m nae keen on the idea either. But ‘tis the way of the world, I’m afraid.”
“I ken. Daesnae mean I have tae like it.”
They were silent for a long moment. Lorn suddenly seemed tense, his face clouded over. She could see he was thinking about something and whatever it was, it clearly troubled him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Just… ye mentioned his schemin’ and it made me think about somethin’.”
His words trailed off and she waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. He drew inward. But his expression grew darker and even more troubled.
“Ye’re worryin’ me, Lorn,” she said. “What is goin’ on?”
“I dinnae ken. Nae fer sure.”
“But ye’ve got an idea?”
