Page 3 of Rescued By the Highland Warrior
“There was much delay tae me journey due tae some uprisings on the road,” she said. “I apologize fer the wait.”
“Nay apologies necessary,” Roderick said, “ye got here, that’s all that matters.”
Moira nodded, silent, taking in Roderick’s frame with her deep green eyes.
“Dae ye think the trouble will be reachin’ us here?” Moira asked. It took a lot to frighten her, but she was curious, and the uprisings truly had caused her much delay.
“It is unlikely,” Roderick assured her, his jaw tightening. “The Fraser lands are well-protected. Ye’ll be safe here.”
His tone left no room for doubt, and for a brief moment, Moira felt a flicker of reassurance that she hadn’t known she had needed. She had further questions, but she let them circle her mind, intrigued as to what Roderick had to say.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he continued to move around the room, surveying it as he walked. “We have much tae discuss,” he said.
“Indeed,” Moira replied, standing still. His presence was commanding, and she could tell it was natural for him to take charge. He was likely accustomed to leading, she thought, and that was probably when he felt most at ease. As for her, she’d always preferred to remain in the background, helping quietly from the shadows.
“The dinner tonight. It’ll be a formal affair, and I imagine it might be overwhelming at first,” Roderick said., “I’d like us tae approach it... strategically.”
Moira arched her brow, “Strategically?”
He nodded, turning back to her. “Everyone will be watching, and we need tae discuss how we’re going tae handle that.”
“What did ye have in mind?” She asked, stepping closer to him. She reminded herself that she was here for a purpose, not for a marriage. Her purpose, she told herself, was what mattered most. As someone used to keeping others at arm’s length, she wasn’t about to let her walls down just yet.
While something in her had warmed to Roderick already, there was always the possibility that she might be wrong—and the large-framed laird might indeed be wasting her time.
“We need tae make it clear that we are a strong match,” he said. “We must present a united front, Moira. Our engagement will draw attention, and there’ll be questions—some polite, some less so." His eyes softened as he added, "I dinnae want ye tae feel overwhelmed. If there’s anything ye’d prefer I handle, tell me now.”
Moira appreciated his candor, though it caught her slightly off-guard. “I’ll be fine, Roderick. I’ve dealt with curious stares before.”
“Aye, I dinnae doubt that,” he said, his lips curving into the faintest smile. “But this is different. Ye’re stepping into me world now, and it can be... difficult tae navigate.”
“What exactly are ye worried they’ll ask?” she ventured.
Roderick paused, his gaze drifting momentarily to the fire before returning to her. “Questions about our past, about how we met. About why I chose to call ye here, now of all times. I’ve nae doubt some will dig fer reasons beyond what I’ve given them.”
Moira’s lips pressed into a thin line. “And what reasons have ye given them?”
He hesitated, and for a brief moment, Moira thought she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his expression. “That I need a partner by me side,” he admitted. “That it’s time I fulfill me obligations—and that ye were the one I chose tae create a family with.”
“I see,” Moira said softly, as she felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite place. “It all sounds like a good plan. I willnae speak too much as I believe it best tae stay quiet, but I am looking forward tae meeting everyone, both yer family and friends.”
Roderick nodded. “I, personally, am looking forward tae figuring out who killed me faither,” he said with cool detachment.
There it is,Moira thought to herself.Let someone talk, and they’ll tell ye whatever it is ye want to ken.
CHAPTER TWO
1708, Dornoch
The narrow cul-de-sac was in a secluded and forgotten part of town, far from the nearest streetlamp.
A salty breeze swept through the air, stinging the sides of Roderick’s face, as he stood facing the woman concealed by her long black cloak. Her hood was pulled so low over her face, that Roderick could barely make out her features.
He narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing. Who was this mysterious woman? Why had she been tied up in that cellar, left to her fate?
“Here,” she said in a tone so soft that it was barely louder than a whisper, extending her hand.
Roderick frowned as he stared at the small golden coin in her outstretched palm. The coin, although barely visible in the darkness of the night, shone with a slight gleam.
