Page 40 of Sinbound to the Highlander
“Laird Ruthven,” she exclaimed, with a smile before she embraced him. “Welcome. I never expected to see ye this morn’.”
He embraced her back, and over his shoulder saw Laird Lobhdain enter the room, “I ken, but I believed it best to deliver me invitation in person, instead of sending ye a missive. In the spirit of our camaraderie, I want to invite ye and yer family to me home for a week.”
Evan shifted from her to offer his hand to Laid Lobhdain, “There we can speak more about the marriage and fusing our clans’ strengths. Moreover, I’d like to show ye some things and get yer perspective on what I can improve. Lady Lobhdain, ye can look around for the best places near the loch’s waterfront where Miss Milleson wants the wedding to be held.”
Laird Lobhdain shook Evan’s hand, “I accept yer invitation. When should we arrive, though?”
“I ken in two days,” Evan said diplomatically, “T’would give ye time to set yer steward up to take control in yer absence, and to pack what ye might need for a week. Is Miss Milleson back to health?”
“This morn’, aye,” Lady Lobhdain said, “She came to me room to share the morning meal with Freya and me who, before ye might ask, is also doing well.”
Keeping his eyes on the Lady, Evan bowed, “Happy to hear that. I’ll take me leave, as the air is brewing with a storm. I’d rather nay get drenched on the way back home.”
Something caught his attention from the corner of his eyes, and he quickly looked up to see Freya meet his gaze with a smile before she ducked out of sight. Where she stood was in the same direction where a large window was, so he pretended to be looking through it, at the sky.
Laird Lobhdain followed his gaze and spoke up, “Ye may stay with us, Laird Ruthven, in case ye are apprehensive about the storm. We have more than enough room, and I’m sure Elspeth would love to speak to ye.”
He could, but was not going to. He needed them to see what he saw in Elspeth before they made any more moves. Evan was sure her true nature would come out there, somehow, and her parents would see it.
With another look at the window, he shook his head, “There are a few matters I need to attend to back at the castle…”Namely, what me Maither found about the salve, so I can plan me gift for Freya“and I best get back to see to them. Please, give me regards to Miss Milleson and Miss Crushom. Have yerself a good day, and I’ll see ye all at me home in two days.”
Bowing out, Evan left the room and found the footman still holding his horse. The sky was somewhat fair, but he felt a hard ride would get him back to his home quickly. He set a brutal pace and arrived home just as the angry sky let out its fury.
He dropped into the kitchens to alert the kitchen overseer and house staff to prepare for the Milleson’s arrival. He wasn’t sure if his people could source the fish Elspeth needed in time, but he had faith they would.
Tugging the plaid away, he pulled on a loose robe and went to the window. The rain was getting harder until only sheets of white remained. A sharp burst of wind flung water into his face, and he retreated inside to light his fire.
Winter was setting in, and soon the rains would transform to snow, and the once-green fields and glens would be covered with a constant blanket of white. Rarely did hail come, but he could never assume what would happen, so it would be better to prepare in the narrow window of time they had.
Which is why I need those houses in the villages fixed.
Fixing the belt tight around the dressing-robe, he went to his mother’s room and found her bundled-up with thick tartan robes and blanket.
“Evan, I must declare, that salve ye brought me is a miracle in an urn,” she said happily. “I’ve used it once and the relief it has brought me, stands to ‘tis hour. Never have I felt so much relief,” his mother exclaimed before he could say a word.
Evan stopped himself from shaking his head. Why had he thought anything else? Taking a seat near her, he smiled. “I suppose that requires me to bring Miss Crushom a casket of gold, or the finest silks.”
His mother looked amused, “If she is the simple country girl ye say she is, do ye ken she’ll like such finery? Ken again, Son. Send her somethin’ from the heart.”
“I may nae have to send it to her, Maither,” he said. “The Milleson’s are coming here, in two days to stay for a week, and as she is now a part of the family, Miss Crushom is coming with them. I kent it’s only right for me future bride to see her new home.”
Lady Ruthven nodded, “I ken that is wise, and I’d like to meet this lass, see if she is what ye will need by yer side. But Evan, if ye arenae under so much pressure from the war, why are ye still goin’ into this marriage? If this lass has already made ye doubt yerself, why go on with it?”
“I’ve made a commitment,” Evan replied. “And I plan to follow through with it. If it works, we will marry, but if it doesnae, the Laird and I will part on gracious terms…I pray,” he muttered under his breath.
I cannae afford to make him me enemy.
His mother’s wave brought his attention back to her, and he gave her a wan smile. “When Miss Crushom comes, ye can thank her yerself.”
“I shall,” she replied, tugging the blanket closer. “As for yer wager, put some deep thought into it, Son.”
Dropping a kiss on her cheek, Evan asked, “Would ye like somethin’ warm be sent up for ye?”
“I’ll have me maid do that for me,” his mother said. “Have a rest, Son. Ye look like ye need it.”
With those parting words, he left his mother's room to his, with ideas tumbling around his mind for what to give Freya. His mind flittered back to a bauble he’d seen hanging around her neck. It looked like a fresh-water pearl, but he doubted Freya would have access to such wealth. Perhaps it was river stone, smoothed over time?
Perhaps she might love…
