Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

"Explain."

Leona looked up from her book as the door flew open, and Maisie stormed in. Isobel followed closely behind her, closing the door gently. She knew exactly what she meant, but she couldn't bring herself to mention it. Instead, she set the novel down and stood from her seat.

"I'm about to get married, Maisie. 'Tis a lot of stress, and m'heart willnae stop beating like a horse's hooves on the ground." Leona chuckled, hoping to throw them both off. Judging by the looks on their faces, she knew that she had not convinced them at all.

How can I tell Maisie that her brother will likely be unfaithful?

Isobel took a seat at the small table near the fire. "Is it because of Ewan Mackie? The servants mentioned that ye were walkin' and talkin' with him earlier."

Word certainly travels fast. "Nay, it's nae that."

"It's me brother, isn't it?" Maisie sighed, sitting down with Isobel.

Leona stood there in the middle of the room, watching them both. With a sigh, she realized that there was no way that she could keep it from them. "Aye, it's him," she finally said in a soft voice. "I just daenae ken him well enough, Maisie. He's a stranger to me."

That wasn't entirely the truth, but it seemed to be enough. Maisie nodded, and Isobel seemed to be deep in thought. Isobel, who looked stunning in a soft emerald dress, leaned forward to look at the book that Leona had been reading. "I heard they are working at Gleann Cloiche, setting up everything for the festival. There's already lairds from other places setting up their own camps," Isobel looked up at Leona. "It will be no small thing, this weddin'. But, from an intelligent stance, it's a good thing. It's a good match, too, Leo. I daenae ken if ye would find better."

She didn't doubt that. In fact, Leona was well aware of how lucky she was that Caelan had agreed. Joining the two clans was good for everyone, and it would end a feud that had lasted decades. It wasn't the match that was the issue; it was what Flora had told her. The words seemed to float around her like flies. No matter how much she swatted them away, they returned.

"Speakin' of the festival," Maisie raised a brow.

Leona went and sat with them. "Aye? What of it?"

"What will ye be wearin'? All eyes will be on ye."

"Nay, I ken that they will all be set on the both of ye. Ye and Isobel aren't wed and ye both are bonnie as can be," Leona chuckled. "I wouldnae be surprised if ye had the lads chasin' ye the whole time."

Isobel scoffed. "We will be too busy dancin' to see any lads."

"Speak for yerself," Maisie grinned with a wink.

"I have a dress for the festival," Leona said, turning her gaze to her trunk. It sat at the end of her bed, still unpacked since arriving. Part of her didn't want to unpack at all, almost not believing she was to stay. "It's a yellow one, with wee flowers. I havenae had a reason to wear it before."

"Shall we all wear yellow then?" Isobel asked.

"Aye, that would be bonnie."

Maisie nodded. "With some flowers in our hair?"

They continued to speak about the festival, effectively distracting Leona from thoughts of Caelan – almost, at least. The part that excited them most and above all else, was the food. After some time, Isobel stood up. "I had best go write to mother," she said. "Before she has somethin' to say about it. I will see ye both at dinner."

Leona watched as she left, leaving herself and Maisie alone.

Maisie shifted in her seat. "Ye ken, I can tell when ye keep some truths from me, Leo. What's wrong? There's somethin' ye have nae told me."

"Maisie, it's nothin'," Leona felt a pang of annoyance at the prodding. Maisie was clever and understanding, and it had both its ups and downs. But above all else, she was relentless. Leona knew she would not give up on it until she was satisfied by the answer. "Let's leave it for now. I'm sure I have too much on me plate, and I daenae wish to add more."

"Friends share," Maisie's tone shifted. Her own fiery temper was beginning to boil. She stood, looking down at Leona with a frown. "I've already considered ye me sister, Leo. I think I deserve to ken what's goin' on, especially in me own home."

Leona stood as well, though the other woman still towered over her. She looked up, taking a deep breath. "Maisie, leave it alone. If ye think yerself to truly be me sister, ye will ken yer place and mind yer own business."

Shaking her head, Maisie turned to the door. "Fine then."

Leona watched, half tempted to stop her, as Maisie stormed from the room. The door slammed hard, making Leona jump a bit at the sound. She took a deep breath and then stumbled over to her bed. Falling forward, she buried her face in the covers and cursed into the blankets.

It wasn't that she did not wish for Maisie to know. If her betrothed had been any other man in the same situation, she would have spoken on it endlessly. But this was different. Leona did not wish to air out Caelan's business with the maid or any of the other lasses he entertained, especially not to his sister.

Rolling over, she stared up at the ceiling. "I need to talk to him."

His eyes moved across the table, taking in each person with a frown. Maisie, Isobel, Mother, Jamie, and now Ewan Mackie were all seated. The one person he wished to see was nowhere to be found. "Where is Leona?"

Maisie, who looked annoyed despite the smile on her face, set her cup down. "I'm afraid that she's nae feelin' well," there was something embedded in her tone, something he knew well. She was mad, but about what? He was tempted to ask her, but something told him to leave it alone.

"It's truly a pleasure to have ye here with us, Laird McBran," Mother said, smiling at the man.

When Caelan sent the invitation to him, he really didn't expect him to come. He definitely did not expect him to appear walking with Leona earlier, either. Was this the reason why she wasn't here for dinner? He shot a quick look at Mackie, assessing him almost, before returning his gaze to his own plate. The food, delicious as it was, did nothing for him at that moment. He was feeling something he had never felt, something he couldn't explain. Am I jealous?

"And I thank ye all for welcomin' me so kindly," Mackie said, raising his cup of ale in the air while nodding to Caelan. His smile seemed genuine and bright. Yet, Caelan wanted to wipe it from his face.

Caelan raised his cup in return. "Ye are most welcome."

Across the table, Caelan could see the tension in Jamie's shoulders. There was something bothering him. I'll ask him later . Now definitely was the time to do so.

Caelan ate, picking listlessly at the meat and the roasted vegetables. His cup was kept full with ale, filled as soon as he reached the bottom. They all spoke, laughing, discussing the festival and the following wedding. But Caelan was quiet, his thoughts swaying back to Leona. He had done something wrong, he wasn't sure what; but he needed to know.

"Caelan?"

He looked up, blinking at his mother. She had just asked him something, but his mind had been elsewhere. "Aye?"

"Would ye show Ewan the castle?"

Ewan Mackie was watching him with a crooked smile. "If ye are nae too busy, me laird. I ken how much goes into running a keep," he chuckled. "Though I cannae say much since yers is much larger than mine."

"Aye, it is." Caelan nodded.

The idea of walking with this man anywhere exhausted him, but he knew better than to be rude. Ewan Mackie had come despite the insult and the embarrassment he faced. Being kind to him seemed to be the most appropriate thing to do. "Aye," Caelan said, standing from his seat. "Shall we go then?"

"I'll go with ye!" Maisie chimed in.

Caelan shot her a look, but it was their mother who spoke. "Nay, lass. I will be needin' ye and Isobel to help me with some things. Ye can bother our friend another time."

Maisie looked defeated but said nothing.

Mackie stood, smiling still. "Lead the way then."

As they walked, Caelan couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Had he met Ewan Mackie in different circumstances, he probably would have liked the man, but he couldn't seem to bring himself to enjoy his presence. That nagging feeling, the jealousy, was almost unbearable.

After he had walked the other man through most of the castle, Caelan stopped. "I am sorry about all of this," he said finally, eying the other man for a reaction.

Ewan Mackie shook his head, and laughter rumbled in his chest. "Daenae fuss yerself, Caelan. She is a bonnie thing and a fiery match," he grinned. "I willnae pretend that I wasnae a bit pissed when I read yer letter. In fact, on the ride here, I was planning to challenge ye. But, I ken ye will make her happy."

Caelan was taken aback. He blinked. "I will make her happy."

"Thank ye for the apology though, lad," Mackie patted Caelan hard on the shoulder. "But it was nae needed. Ye have nothin' to be sorry for."

How was it possible for this man to be so calm? Caelan knew he would not be the same way if the roles were reversed. The man is a damn saint . With a small, polite smile, Caelan motioned to the doorway in front of them. "I had chambers set for ye. Let me ken if ye be needin' anythin'."

Mackie opened the door and stepped inside. "Goodnight and thank ye."

The sun had set by then, and the hour was growing late. Caelan was not tired, though, his mind was racing too fast. There was so much going on around him that he found it hard to keep his thoughts organized. He wandered as those in the castle slept, hoping to see one face emerge from the shadows.

Outside, the air was brisk. Caelan had always preferred the coolness to the heat; this was the perfect weather. The garden was lit dimly by the flickering torches, casting shadows on the stone walls of the castle. The pathway was barely visible to him as he walked through the rows of roses and heather.

As he sat on the hard ground, he laid back and admired the stars. The sky was like a blanket of dark, with holes poked through to reveal tiny hints of the heavens above. The wind rustled the leaves and tugged gently at his hair and his clothes.

Closing his eyes, Caelan willed her to appear before him. More than anything, he wished to see her and speak to her, but it wasn't his place to find her. He knew Leona needed a chance to calm herself, to think for herself without being rushed, but he couldn't deny the need to see her.

The sound of a twig snapping jolted him awake. He looked straight up, noting that the stars were not where he had left them moments ago. Sitting up, his hand falling to the dirk sheathed at his side, he scanned the garden. The torches had soaked it all in a soft amber hue.

She stood there in her night dress, staring down at him. The fires that were placed around the yard turned her skin into ivory and her hair golden silk. Caelan let go of the breath he had been holding. Is this a dream?

"Leona?"