Elena and Mairi had the good grace to appear sheepish. Disentangling her hand, Arabella turned away and returned to her seat near the hearth. Of course, the two women followed. Elena eased down on the stool beside her. I was certain you favored Calum, at least a wee bit? Everyone knew but me. He worried you might not accept him.
He simply wished for more time with you before speaking of the match. Truth is, he was just as surprised to learn the news himself. Apparently, my brother did not agree to anything before he departed. Her uncle had wished to be rid of her.
Elena grabbed her free hand and squeezed. I despised the deception. I thoughtβ¦I thought Calum was to wed another. At present, she was sorely displeased with her uncle, but what had he done to earn such scorn from Elena? The woman released a deep sigh. Mairi grinned. She shifted in her seat, uncertain if she wished to examine the extent of her feelings for her betrothed just yet.
You open your heart and expose every part of yourself to another. For the briefest of moments, pain flickered in her blue eyes before she ducked her head. However, she suspected her uncle played a greater role in the story. Namely, because he spent more time honing his skills and less chasing after the lasses, Calum thought with a chuckle.
He grabbed his tunic from the ground and swiped it across his forehead as he looked on at his sparring clansmen. After last eve, he wisely decided to keep his distance lest he give in to his overwhelming desire for her. His innocent bride deserved a proper wedding night, even if it pained him to wait. Alas, the wedding was a fortnight away. Far too long by his estimation. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Fraser.
