Chapter 6

6

“ W hen we arrive, remember that I will handle the conversation with my uncle.”

Please do not let him see my nerves.

Her voice was steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest, and there was an intensity in her gaze that spoke of her determination, a contrast to the hesitant glances she had cast in his direction throughout the trip. Finn, clearly taken aback by the directness of her words, met her gaze with a raised eyebrow, his expression was inscrutable.

“Aye, ye said as much, lass,” Finn replied, his tone clipped but respectful. “Just remember, lass, that your uncle’s behavior will determine how I handle things. If he steps out of line, I won’t hesitate to step in.”

Thalia nodded, her resolve unwavering. “I understand, but I need you to trust me on this.”

The carriage rolled steadily, and she watched on as the landscape transitioned from the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands abruptly to the countryside of the Pemberton Estate.

The journey had been long and wearying, but the sight of her uncle’s estate coming into view stirred a mix of anticipation and trepidation within her. The sprawling grounds of Pemberton lay before them, its once-grandiosity now marred by visible signs of neglect. She did nothing to hide the disgust on her face.

He will besmirch our good name… Look at this Estate now; it’s somehow worse than before!

Their carriage drew nearer to the estate, and she observed as Finn and Cillian took in their surroundings. Finn’s face fell as the Estate came into clear view. The state of disrepair that seemed to cling to every corner of the estate was apparent. She struggled to explain that what they saw today was a shadow of a once-proud manor. It was a skeleton of its former self. The grand facade was as marred by cracked walls and overgrown ivy. The large, sprawling gardens, which must have once been a display of floral splendor, were now a tangled mess of weeds and dead plants.

“It’s starting to make sense,” Thalia heard him say quietly to his companion.

“Oh, aye,” Cillian said quickly and continued to take in his surroundings. This time, the look in both of their eyes were that of strategy, instead of initial observation. They had seen enough.

“What makes sense?” she asked blithely.

Without missing a beat, Finn responded, “It makes sense why yer uncle is so desperate to secure yer inheritance.”

“What can you mean?”

“I mean that the match makes sense, logically, and should the Viscount desire it, he could make it happen. Ye ken that, right?”

“He can obviously make it happen, and he was going to make it happen before I was kidnapped.”

“I ken that, Thalia. I was only answering your question. I’m nae the enemy here.”

She sat back, focusing all of her ire on the back of his head. How could he say such a thing! He’s supposed to be on my side! He’s making it seem like this whole thing could have been avoided if I just keeled over and let my uncle marry me to Herbert. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and she remained silent the rest of the distance to the Estate.

As they approached the estate entrance, the carriage came to a halt. Thalia stepped out with a grace that belied her inner anxiety, her gaze scanning the area as if trying to find something — or someone — she recognized. Finn followed suit, his imposing figure cutting a striking contrast to the dilapidated surroundings. Her shoulders tensed slightly, and her eyes darted around in search of her sisters.

The first person they encountered, outside of the estate staff who were busy attending to the horses and carriage, was none other than Herbert Sinclair. Thalia’s cousin looked visibly shaken, his face paling as he saw her. His reaction was almost comical in its extremity, as if he had seen a ghost rather than a family member he had not seen in a while.

Herbert’s nervousness quickly turned into awkwardness, and his mouth worked faster than his brain. “Thalia?” he stammered, his eyes widening. “You’re back… I didn’t expect…”

What an insolent swine!

“ You did this to me? How could you, Herbert?”

He closed his book and stood to meet her fury. It was then that Thalia finally saw it. The determination in his eye that day in the garden wasn’t determination at all, it was malice. He had hated her and hated her still. Getting her out of the way was easy.

Instead of answering either of her questions he glanced over her shoulder and then back at his cousin, a look of disgust playing across his face. “Who’s this then, cousin?”

“I’m her betrothed. Who are you?”

Thalia was shocked to see that her once skittish cousin navigated the situation with an ease and confidence that she had never seen before. He brushed past her to address the large Highlander properly.

“The Honorable Herbert Sinclair.”

“Finn Morrison, Laird Crawford.”

Who is this in front of me? Did he really just introduce himself as ‘the Honorable’?

“And your… goons?” Herbert said, connecting his haughty stare at Cillian and the Buchanan’s.

“Family,” Finn said, simply.

“Herbert, what is going on here?” Thalia finally managed to say, her voice now steeled with anger and laced with venom.

“So, you think you’ve figured it out, cousin? I seriously doubt it. I fooled you long enough already.”

“Where are my sisters,” she more stated than asked, and he laughed in her face.

“You have no idea what’s happening, do you? I’ve been playing the game with my father, obviously. I had to get you out of the way first because he’s done with you. With you out of the way, he believes we’ll have more luck with Diana. Explaining that you left them, abandoned them.”

“They would never believe that!” Thalia said defensively.

“You’re right. It has thrown quite a wrench into the plans.”

“How did he even afford that? He has no money to his name.”

“He’s got help in high places, or didn’t you know?” Her cousin paused, half smiling, and registered Thalia’s confusion. “Wait a minute, did you not know that I wasn’t on your side? I’m actually disgusted at how stupid you truly are. I had no idea how right my father was until this exact moment!”

Finn took a step toward him, and he just chuckled. “Woah! Down doggy,” he said and swatted the air between them. There was something so degrading about that one act that sent Thalia over the edge, and she saw red.

Enough.

Before he could turn around to face his cousin again, she wordlessly raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Herbert’s face. The sound of the impact echoed through the courtyard, a sharp contrast to the otherwise quiet surroundings. Herbert staggered back, his hand flying to his reddening cheek, and his eyes filled with a mixture of shock and disdain.

Christ above!

Cillian choked back a surprised laugh, and Finn watched the exchange with a palatable sense of satisfaction. There was something undeniably gratifying about seeing Thalia stand up for herself so decisively. His chest swelled with a pride that he hadn’t anticipated, recognizing that she was more than capable of handling her own. The sight of her assertiveness, the way she took charge, stirred something within him — a complex blend of admiration and possessiveness.

“Thalia let’s nae get distracted from the true reason we have returned,” he said and held out a hand for her to take. She was trembling, and he guessed that it might have been the first taste of violence she had experienced.

He wrapped her hand into his elbow and leaned into her as they walked away from her cursing cousin. “Are ye steady?”

She inhaled one shaky breath and loosed it through pursed lips, and he felt a pull in his stomach. He could kiss her to help her release the adrenaline in her system, but that would only confuse her further. She took another deep breath and another until finally her heavy eyes met his.

“Thalia?”

“I’m ready,” she said, and he nodded once before leading her to the front door.

Thalia’s outburst had not gone unnoticed. The estate staff had gathered together and exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. The situation was tense, and Thalia’s expression revealed her own turmoil as she scanned the area for her younger sisters. He could sense that their absence was a painful reminder.

After a moment of awkward silence, a servant finally approached. “Miss Thalia, Viscount Pemberton has requested your presence.”

“Of course, he has,” she said sharply, and Finn squeezed her hand before letting it go. She wanted to do this herself, and he would be there to intervene if necessary. He and Cillian followed closely behind her as they walk through the Estate.

The mansion’s interior was a stark contrast to the obvious opulence of its past with dust-covered furniture, faded tapestries, and a general air of neglect. It was clear that the estate was in a state of disarray, reflecting its owner’s declining fortunes. Finn met Cillian’s gaze, clearly thinking the same thing, and stifled a laugh.

They were escorted into a large study where the Viscount waited for them. The Viscount’s appearance was every bit as disheveled as the estate itself. His falsely dignified countenance was marred by a haggard expression, and his clothing, though probably once fine, looked worn and in need of repair. He looked up as they entered, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of recognition and calculation.

“Ahh, my dearest niece,” her uncle said, his voice carrying a hint of forced warmth. “Thalia.” His sinister laugh echoed against the cold stones. “I see you’ve finally arrived… with a guest!” Cillian had delayed his entry and remained outside of the study, as planned.

Finn stilled, observing Thalia as she squared her shoulders, her gaze unwavering as she met her uncle’s eyes. “Yes, Uncle. I have come to discuss our arrangements.”

Standing slightly behind Thalia, Finn observed the interaction with a guarded expression. He was acutely aware of the delicate balance of power in the room and was ready to intervene if necessary. Thalia had made it clear that she wanted to handle this conversation, but he remained vigilant, prepared to step in if her uncle’s behavior became unacceptable.

The Viscount’s gaze flickered briefly toward him, noting his imposing presence. His expression hardened slightly, but he quickly masked his irritation with a forced smile. “And who might this be?” he inquired, his tone carrying an edge of skepticism.

“This is Finn Morrison, Laird Crawford,” Thalia replied, her voice steady. “He’s been helping me with… matters.”

Finn stalked forward silently and nodded curtly.

Her uncle’s smile faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Finn. “I see. Well, let’s get to the matter at hand. I trust you’ll be staying with us for a while?”

Finn’s gaze was unyielding, and he again silently nodded his head, tilting the balance of power ever so slightly. As the Viscount started to reply to his silence, Finn finally spoke, “Aye, for as long as needed.”

The tension in the room pressed against the walls and windows, threatening to burst through the glass as the two men sized each other up.

Finn noticed that Thalia took a deep breath and decided to take charge of the conversation. She approached her uncle with a calm determination, her eyes meeting his with a clear, unspoken challenge. Finn followed.

“Uncle, I know there are many things we need to discuss,” Thalia began. “But I would like to address the matters concerning my sisters first. I want to know where they are and ensure their safety.”

His expression shifted from forced politeness to one of irritation. “Your sisters are… well, they are being cared for,” he said, his tone dismissive. “But we have more pressing concerns at the moment.”

Thalia’s eyes flashed with anger. “More pressing concerns? My sisters are my priority. I need to know they are safe and that they have not been neglected.”

Maximilian’s demeanor hardened, his patience wearing thin. “You may have your priorities, Thalia, but we are dealing with a delicate situation here. I suggest you focus on what we need to resolve before making demands.”

Finn, sensing Thalia’s mounting frustration, stepped forward, his presence a reminder of the support she had. His voice was calm but firm as he addressed Maximilian. “We are here to ensure that Thalia’s needs and concerns are met. If there are issues with her sisters, they must be addressed promptly.”

The room fell silent, the weight of Finn’s words hanging heavily in the air. The Viscount’s gaze shifted wildly between Thalia and Finn. He was a mouse caught in the cage with two sharp-teethed tigers.

“But first,” Finn continued, “we will discuss the matter of your insolent heir.” Thalia’s fists tightened at his interjection, but she remained silent. The first strike would be his.