Page 87 of The Wrong Bride
“How is it a lie that we want to be married, that we want a future together?” she asked with quiet certainty. “Why do they need to know the private details of how we came together?”
“I never want my actions to make ye publicly shamed by what happened to ye,” Hugh admitted hoarsely.
“It’s not about me, but the ability to lead your clan!”
“Enough with the self-sacrificing attitude on both your parts,” Owen said with disgust. “Tell us the story and we shall all swear to it. We’ve allworked hard to make right what our fathers did. It needs to be finished.”
Owen looked pointedly at Maggie, and though she met his eyes, she said nothing.
“We can say part of the truth,” Hugh said quietly. “That the moment I saw you by the light of day, I was struck by your beauty and your courage.”
She knew immediately the moment of which he spoke, when she’d emerged out of the coach by daylight and seen him for the first time, too. He had changed her entire life—for the better—but she hadn’t known the truth that day. It was strange, yet gratifying, to know that the moment had changed him as well.
“I had to have you for my own and I wouldn’t let the contract stand in the way,” he continued with fervor.
Maggie smiled at her brother, tears in her eyes. “And that’s the truth, isn’t it? And between all of us, the best results have happened.”
Riona answered Maggie’s smile with one of her own. “Just say that you knew who I was from the beginning—after all, I’d told you the truth, remember?”
Hugh grimaced, and Owen shook his head.
“’Tis done,” Hugh said. “I don’t care about myself, but I never want to shame ye again after everything I’ve put ye through.”
“It was worth it,” Riona said quietly. She thoughtfor a moment that Hugh would say more, but was disappointed when he turned away to the horses.
ASthey all approached Larig in mid afternoon, Riona stared upward at the magnificent castle with a new perspective. This was her home now—would be her home forever. Her eyes stung and she blinked them, not wanting to distract Hugh, who’d seemed overly sober and silent during the journey back. This didn’t make her nervous, as it once might have done. He’d confessed his love to her, and she trusted him.
But she’d never told him of her own love, she realized. Was he concerned about her true feelings, now that they would be married? But she needed privacy to discuss this, and didn’t know when they’d have it.
The guards didn’t recognize the new Earl of Aberfoyle, and Hugh announced him in a ringing voice. “You shall all show your respect and care for the earl,” he continued, “and treat him as my new relation.”
The guards sent glances toward each other, but all bowed as they passed. Word seemed to spread from behind them and outward around the upper courtyard, where ghillies and gentlemen alike emerged from the barracks to stare. Owen rode straight in the saddle, unconcerned with anyone but Maggie. Riona caught him glancing at her frequently, but except for offering her water and oatcakes on the journey, they’d spoken little.
Maggie’s usual cheerful expression was absent, as if she was mulling what she’d agreed to. But Riona knew the McCallums and honor, and knew Maggie had meant everything she said. Riona now understood what it was like to think you had to marry a stranger, and she could only hope that Maggie and Owen shared more of a history than Riona knew of.
After handing over their horses to grooms—including Brendan, to whom Hugh gave his first smile of the day—they all ascended the stairs to the great hall on the first floor of the main towerhouse. Word must have already spread inside, for Mrs. Wallace was waiting there, and she stared at Owen with wide eyes, as if the devil himself had come to visit.
Riona slid her arm within Cat’s, who looked nervous, and murmured, “Don’t worry, everyone here is wonderful and will treat you with respect.”
Cat only nodded.
“Is it strange to know you should have been mistress here?” Riona asked knowingly.
Cat’s eyes widened. “You always did understand me too well.”
They both chuckled, and the tension eased.
“Mrs. Wallace,” Riona said, “please see to accommodations for the Earl of Aberfoyle and his sister.”
Mrs. Wallace’s usual smile blossomed. “Of course. Lady Riona, would ye wish to accompany us?”
Cat glanced at Riona in surprise at the honorific, then bit her lip to hide a smile. Riona looked to Hugh uncertainly.
He nodded. “Go with them, Riona. Mrs. Wallace, when the ladies are settled, please return to speak with me. I have instructions for our feast this night.” He arched a brow at Riona. “Rest, my lady. I will take care of everything.”
She felt that knot in her throat again, the exultation of being loved, being cared for. But . . . she wanted to go to him, beg him to tell her it would be all right, that he could get past the sacrifices they’d all made to end the feud between their clans.
That evening, she chose her favorite new gown, a deep blue that parted down the front to reveal an embroidered stomacher and the lace of her petticoat. Mary stared at her with awe, and even Cat and Maggie, who came to be with her, seemed impressed.
