Page 46 of The Highlander's Virgin Nun
Had to meet with Jayden early this morning. Rest, and I will find you later.
C.
Rosaline rose slowly, patting down her mussed hair and covering herself with the bed linens. Even alone, the concept of being naked had been made shameful in her mind after her time at the convent. It crossed her mind that she would have to return to her old room to dress, but getting caught in her wedding dress despite the short dash would be shameful.
Just as her thoughts began spiraling, her eyes landed on a sliver of blue fabric peeking from the door of Caelan’s wardrobe. She rose to investigate. As she opened the door, she found one of the dresses she had designed with Mrs. Milloy hanging carefully right in the center. It was beautiful.
Rosaline dressed herself, feeling the fabric closer to her skin than in Alexandra’s dresses, caressing her body more suitably. The sleeves did not fall down her arms, and the skirts did not trail behind her. It was the perfect fit.
She admired her new gown in the mirror and brushed out the intricate curls Alexandra had styled the previous day.
She placed the back of her hand on her cheek. Her skin glowed, and her complexion was smooth. Was this the look of a laird’s wife? Would people see her differently now? Treat her differently? Would they expect instructions from her or discipline?
She would simply have to step out of her room and see for herself.
Rosaline descended the stairs and walked out into the courtyard. The sun shone on the flowers and green grass, and many of the villagers wandered through the gardens, chatting. Those she had conversed with in the past smiled and nodded to her in greeting, no differently than they had done before. A few greeted her as Lady Sinclair, which at first she hesitated to reply to, before recognizing it as her new title. Otherwise, no one treated her any differently.
“Ah, Rosaline,” she heard as someone placed a hand on her shoulder from behind. “I see I was correct.”
Michaela looked all-knowing as ever, quite pleased with herself.
“Good mornin’, Michaela. How are ye?”
“Better now. The future of our clan has finally been secured.”
Rosaline shook her head, looking confused. “Has there been news?”
“‘Tis yer news to announce, dear,” Michaela said, taking Rosaline’s hand in her own.
“Whatever do ye mean, Michaela? I’m sorry, but I’m nae followin’.”
“Ye are with child, me dear.”
Michaela placed a kiss on Rosaline’s hand, flashed her a smile, and then turned and walked away if she had not just changed her life forever.
Rosaline stumbled backward a little, only just catching herself on a small windowsill on the curved staircase wall. She leaned back and tried to catch her breath. She was entirely in shock.
Just then, a large figure descended the stairs, forcing her to school her features and tuck her body in to allow them to pass.
“Pardon me, lass,” the voice boomed.
Rosaline’s eyes snapped up upon hearingthatvoice.
Caelan’s uncle.
She remembered Caelan saying that his uncle did not visit the castle much, and Rosaline wondered what business he could have upstairs in the bedrooms. But perhaps he had an old room here from when he used to spend more time with the family.
The thought quickly left her mind as she placed a hand on her belly, trying to determine the truth of Michaela’s words.
How could her life have taken such a drastic turn in just a matter of days?
CHAPTERNINETEEN
“Mornin’, Me Laird. Tired this morn’ after yer big weddin’ night? I hope ye started workin’ on producin’ an heir?”
Caelan rolled his eyes as he sat down at his desk. “Dinnae be crass, Jayden.”
“Just checkin’ on the future of the clan, Me Laird.”
