Page 34 of Her Highland Prophecy
“Mary and I are nay betrothed. I ken that ye approve of the match with her, but we wouldnae have been happy,” Gordain said in a bit of a softer, placating voice.
“And ye think that ye will be happy with a Sassenach? What does she ken of our ways?” was his father’s acidic reply.
Despite their betrothal being a sham, Diana would not stand to be insulted to her face. His utter dismissal of her both riled her up and, if she was being honest, hurt her. Would she be such an awful match for his son?
“I don’t know much,” she said, and both sets of matching green eyes turned to stare at her, “but I would be willing to learn. I know that you may think that I am not good for your son, but I am very fond of Gordain and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help him.”
They continued to look at her without saying a word.
She was surprised at how true her words were the moment she said them. She was very fond of Gordain and, despite the limited time that she had, she would do everything in her power to help him while she could.
“Look,” she continued when instead of speaking, the two men turned to glare at each other. “Why don’t we take a few days to calm down and think about this? And then we can talk about it more rationally.”
The Laird scoffed, while Gordain placed a hand on her elbow. He shook his head.
“It isnae that simple,a nighean,” he said. “The Clan already kens that I have brought ye with me and they are expecting an official announcement at the feast tonight.”
“The feast?”
“That guard we met near the borders? He would have told everyone about our arrival.”
“Can’t we maybe postpone it?”
“I’m afraid that willnae be possible, even if me Faither is nay ready to admit it.”
Diana realized that he had planned it this way. He had hinted to the two guards that they were betrothed so that the entire keep would know before they arrived and prepare for it, pushing his father into a corner.
Of course, that wouldn’t stop the Laird if he truly did not want them to be married. He could most likely overrule the entire clan if he wished. Except, he wouldn’t if he were anything like Gordain had described him. He would likely seek to preserve the peace.
The Laird looked pensive at his son’s words. He walked around to the window behind his desk and looked out at the grounds with his hands clasped behind his back. The silence was unnerving after the heated argument. Eventually, he turned back to them.
“I will allow the feast and the announcement at dinner tonight,” he said, and Diana nearly sagged in relief. They had passed the first obstacle. Granted, it was one that they had never even imagined would exist, but life had a way of doing that to you.
“We thank ye, Faither,” Gordain said and took her hand in his.
“Thank you,” Diana parroted as well, but did not say anything further. She was sure that he could see the gratitude that shone out of her eyes. He waved them off.
“Gordain, will ye stay for a few minutes? I want to talk to ye about something. Ye probably want to get some rest, Lass?” he asked her.
Without waiting for an answer from either of them he opened the door and spoke to someone down the hallway. A moment later, a young girl of about sixteen walked into the room. She had blonde hair neatly arranged underneath a cap and a plain brown dress that was otherwise very well maintained and clean.
“Margaret will show ye to yer room,” the Laird said, pointing to the girl and Diana had no choice but to leave with her, casting one last look in Gordain’s direction.
She followed the young woman back through the corridors that she had walked through with Gordain earlier. She recognized a couple of the tapestries that hung on the wall, but otherwise she was utterly lost. If they left her in the middle of the stone labyrinth alone it would probably take her days to find her way out.
The maid finally stopped in front of a wooden door like the one in the Laird’s office. There was nothing on the door to distinguish it from the dozen doors that lined the hallway. She grimaced. She would definitely need help to find her way around.
The room itself was spacious with a fire already going strong.
“Thank you, Margaret,” she said to the girl who made an awkward curtsy in return.
“Ye are welcome, me Lady. Is there anything else I can do for ye?”
“Do you know where I can find a dress for dinner tonight? I’m afraid the ones I have with me are not appropriate for such an occasion.”
“I dinna ken, Mistress,” she replied thoughtfully. “I can ask the other lasses for ye if ye like, but it would be a Scottish dress.”
“I don’t mind,” Diana said quickly. “I’m sure whatever they can spare will be lovely.”
