Page 43 of Her Highland Prophecy
“Dinna fash, Gordain. Our family has been at the Head of the Clan for many years, nothing will change now,” his father said.
Gordain nodded. He did not agree with his father. In fact, he had heard whispers of quite the opposite, but he could see that his father would not be swayed by words and by the time actions came to the forefront, it would be too late to do anything.
He left his father’s rooms almost as agitated as he had been when he entered. Thankfully, Bhaltair was waiting for him right outside.
“Yer Da willnae change his mind then,” his cousin guessed as soon as he saw him.
“Would I be like this if he had agreed?” Gordain said drily. At his cousin’s raised brow, he huffed a breath. “I’m sorry. It is nay yer fault.”
“What did he say this time?”
Bhaltair was well acquainted with Gordain’s frustrations with his father’s leadership. They had been discussing it for many years, ever since he had been old enough to understand that it was being mismanaged.
“Same as always. He willnae see what is right in front of him and I am afraid I will nay ever be Laird if we continue this way.”
“What about yer betrothed? I ken that she comes from a wealthy family.”
Gordain grimaced. He knew the plan was to tell everyone that Diana’s dowry would be used to help the Clan, but he found himself hesitant to voice such a thing now that he was confronted with it.
What would happen if he convinced her to stay? Despite her pulling away from him the previous evening, he felt like there was something between them that he wanted to explore. If he managed to convince her to stay then there would be no dowry forthcoming. She had no relations in this time and their ruse would quickly be discovered.
He settled for telling his cousin a half truth.
“Her family doesnae ken that we are betrothed yet, so we dinnae ken if they will agree.”
“That isnae good,” Bhaltair said. “Are ye certain ye willnae wed Mary McKinnon?” he teased. Gordain shivered.
“Dinnae even jest about something like that,” he said and his cousin laughed.
“Would it be that bad?”
“Worse,” he replied. Just the thought was enough for him to want to shrivel into himself. He would not spend the rest of his days tied to Mary McKinnon. He would find another way to support the Clan.
“Which is why we need to convince me Da to let us collect the rents and for him to be more stern with them this year when they come asking.”
“Ye ken well that will never happen,” Bhaltair said.
“Aye, but I can hope.”
His cousin clapped his hand on Gordain’s shoulder.
“Come, Cousin. I ken just what ye need to raise yer spirit. Let’s go out on a hunt.”
It was a tempting offer. Hunting always helped clear his emotions and Bhaltair knew that well.
But he had promised to show Diana how to get around the Castle that morning. She had seemed very lost the previous evening and he thought that it would be a good way for her to feel more at home in the Castle if she was not relying on someone to guide her all the time.
Still, the cold air was calling him. After the argument with his father he felt very unsettled. If he tried to focus on teaching her something like that now he felt that he would only make things worse with his inability to concentrate.
Diana would have to understand. He was too out of sorts to be useful to her in any way right then. He would explain everything after he got back and they would walk around the Castle tomorrow.
“A hunt sounds guid,” he told Bhaltair. “We should go quickly though if we want to be back by supper.”
“Aye,” Bhaltair agreed. “Meet me at the stables in half an hour? I’ll gather the lads and we’ll met ye there.”
Gordain nodded and headed back to his chamber. He changed quickly and gathered his bow and arrows. He checked the string, making sure that is was still taut and walked outside.
The sun was not quite in the middle of the sky, but the day was overcast, the clouds concealing most of the bright light. He grinned. That was excellent. Most animals avoided walking around when it was bright and hot out.
