Page 11 of Highland Jewel
To Maisie’s thinking, their form of “sisterhood” consisted largely of staying out of each other’s way.
“Were you attacked?” Morrigan stared at the spencer jacket Maisie had tucked under an arm. The folds failed to hide the bloodstain.
“No, I’m fine. There was no attack. Only an accident.”
“You’re lying.”
“And you’re asking too many questions.”
Morrigan refused to back away. “You should never allow him to treat you this way.”
“Him?” Maisie looked up, startled. “You think a man did this to me?”
Morrigan bit her lip, looking down the staircase before she replied. “As a matter of fact, I do. I think you’resecretly meeting with some man. And I fear he’s responsible for this. Am I right?”
She nearly choked, trying to get the words out fast enough. “Listen to me. There isnoman. I havenosecret beau.”
Morrigan shrugged. “Lie all you want, but I’ve seen how often you sneak out of this house. And don’t think that I’m such a fool as to believe any of those ridiculous excuses you have the servants pass on to Isabella. You have to be meeting a man. Why else would you be going out?”
Maisie closed her eyes and shook her head in frustration. Morrigan’s assumptions were exactly what she would expect. No one in this household took her seriously. If she were ever to mention what she was doing, they’d all laugh. She couldn’t possibly be involved in anything so important.
She shouldn’t blame them. She’d deliberately let them think she was dull, insipid, and inconsequential. “Tractable” and “docile” were words she’d heard Isabella’s husband use in reference to her. And she wasn’t about to let their perception change now.
“Think whatever you like. But you can put your mind at ease on one issue.” She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. “I’ll never allow a man to abuse me. Never.”
They locked stares, neither blinking for a long, heavy moment.
Finally, Morrigan stepped to the side. “Very well. But from what I see, you’re not keeping yourself safe. You think you’re strong, but you’re like one of those beautiful and fragile dolls you had back in Wurzburg. Men take advantage of the likes of you.”
Maisie sighed. She turned away, then went to her room and closed the door. Morrigan could think whatever shewanted. Now was not the time to explain herself to anyone.
The following morning, she and Morrigan were still at the breakfast table when a manservant came in with a card.
“You have a gentleman caller, miss.”
Maisie’s teacup froze halfway to her lips. Men never called at the house for them. At twenty and twenty-one years of age, she and Morrigan were slightly beyond the age of marital pursuits, and they rarely participated in Edinburgh’s society events. Of course, her sister hadn’t married until late, but her union was one of convenience, not romance. Marriage to Archibald had allowed Isabella to continue practicing medicine.
Maisie wasn’t unaware that men found her attractive. But this past year, she’d felt growing within her another passion, and the thought of giving up her work was untenable.
“Are you sure it’s for me?” She couldn’t imagine who might be calling.
“Aye, miss.”
She picked up the card off the tray.
He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. Maisie stared at Lieutenant Campbell’s card. He was crossing boundaries, breeching walls of privacy. For a moment, she considered refusing to see him, but she guessed he wasn’t here on a social call. Yesterday, his reprimand had been severe, and she’d cut him off when she got out at South Bridge. If she tried to send him off, she suspected he wouldn’t hesitate to ask to see Isabella or Archibald.
“Please show the lieutenant into the drawing room.”
The manservant went out, and Maisie pushed to her feet. Across the table, Morrigan was smirking at her.
“Is this the man?”
“He is no one.”
Morrigan dropped her napkin on the table and came to her feet. “Good. Then you won’t mind me coming with you to see for myself.”
“Don’t, Morrigan. Don’t meddle in my affairs.”
