Page 41 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
As he made his way back to his study, Archie, his trusted aide, appeared in the doorway.
“Men left a half hour ago to intercept Clyde’s soldiers,” Archie reported.
Hunter nodded without a word, then added, “And, Archie, fetch a priest. Have him on standby for the weddin’.”
Archie blinked, his eyebrows knitting in surprise. “Are ye sure ye’re nae rushin’ into this?”
Hunter met Archie’s gaze firmly. “I’m nae rushin’. I gave me word to Emma. Now, ensure me orders are carried out.”
15
The gravity of Hunter’s words weighed heavily on Emma, his icy demeanor piercing through her heart. She had seen the worry concealed in his eyes—the fear veiled by his stern gaze.
She had hoped for a moment of tenderness, reassurance through a gentle kiss, but all she received was frosty indifference. With a heavy heart, she retreated, her footsteps echoing the turmoil within her.
Upon entering the drawing room, she was met with Lydia’s concerned gaze. Emma managed a weak smile as she fought back the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.
“Emma? What’s the matter?” Lydia asked as she moved to Emma’s side and pulled her closer.
“It seems that the weddin’ will be tomorrow,” Emma announced, much to Katie’s dismay.
“Tomorrow? That gives me nay time to prepare for anythin’,” Katie gasped as she clutched her hand to her chest.
“Why the sudden change?” Nora asked.
Emma swallowed hard as she glanced at Katie and Violet. Uncertain of how they would take the news, she realized it would be best to just let it out. But as she opened her mouth to confess, she found herself choking on the words.
“The Laird and I agreed that havin’ the weddin’ sooner rather than later would be best.”
“He just doesnae want a big weddin’,” Violet said. “Of course, he’d find a way to take the fun out of the occasion.”
Emma glanced at Nora and Lydia, wishing there was some way she could convey the news of Geoffrey’s men’s approach without saying a word. But her sisters were oblivious to the danger lurking on the borders of Hunter’s lands.
“I’ll just have to go and speak wit’ him,” Katie protested. “Make him see that rushin’ this willnae end well. To organize a weddin’ for tomorrow? It takes months to plan these things out. It was bad enough that he only gave me a week. But now, only a few short hours? It’s unheard of.”
“Lady MacRoss,” Emma said as she tried to keep her emotions in check. “It’s been settled. The weddin’ will take place tomorrow. Besides, this is what the Laird wants.”
“And what about ye? Is this what ye want?” Violet asked as she reached for Emma’s hands.
Emma glanced at her sisters and forced a smile. “It is,” she stated. “The sooner we wed, the sooner our new lives can begin.”
Nora clasped her hands over her mouth, and Emma knew instantly that Nora was able to read the warning behind her words.
“We have time to coordinate the feast and a few games,” Nora suggested as she approached Emma. “The weddin’ doesnae have to be uneventful. We can make it memorable.”
The news of Geoffrey’s impending attack seemed to hang in the air between them, a chilling reminder of their looming threat.
Katie, oblivious to their silent glances, stood up and smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt. “Well, if that is what’s goin’ to happen, then we have a lot to do to prepare. Violet, come with me to the kitchen. We’ll get the feast sorted out. Emma, ye’ll need to make a list of the games ye want to play. And I’ll have a servant fetch the tailor. I’ll nae have me daughter-in-law without a proper dress.”
Emma was fully aware that her wedding would be in no way, shape, or form a grand spectacle, but its implications were monumental. As they quickly began arrangements, the shadow of Geoffrey’s forces loomed closer.
The day was a tumultuous blur of fittings and arrangements, Emma’s gaze frequently wandering to the window, expecting Geoffrey’s men to barge in at any moment.
As dusk turned into night, the feast took place, echoing with laughter and joviality. Still, Emma remained reserved, her thoughts burdened by the looming threat.
She found herself alone on the terrace, her gaze lost in the darkness. A disconcerting touch startled her. Spinning around, she found Hunter behind her.
“How are ye managin’?” Hunter asked as she noticed the concern etched on his features.
