Bound to the Highlander(21)

“Shhhhh, love.” Sheena could read her so well. “We must be brave.” The words were just the right ones to help her put her emotions in check and she returned to her seat. Aileana motioned for Father Addison to move to make room for Sheena. Aileana didn’t care who she’d need to displace to have her aunt by marriage sit next to her.

“Aunt Sheena, I expect you remember Father Addison?” Introductions would provide a nice distraction from the causes of her discomfort—the discussion around the table and the man at the head of it. “And I believe you’re acquainted with most of the other people around the table since you would have known them long before me.”

“Long before indeed, child, but not that long.” The jest was an expected retort from her favourite remaining relative.

“And finally, Aunt, I’d like to introduce you to Laird MacIntosh and his brother Calum. My lords, this is Lady Sheena Fraser. Her husband was my uncle’s brother.”

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Fraser. Am I to understand you are from this region? Not the Fraser estate on the other side of the loch?”

Sheena smiled. “Yes my lord. My husband was William Fraser. Were you acquainted with him?” Uncle William had died two years ago and Aileana never heard much about the particulars at the time, though there was something she could never quite reconcile about it all. The few bits and pieces she’d gleaned suggested William had been murdered, but there was never anything done about it despite pleas for assistance to King James. After all, it was his new law which prevented their clan from seeking justice from Baron MacIntosh, James’s father. Sheena still wore mourning clothes and refused to talk of the ordeal except to repeat Uncle’s famous line about seeking meaning.

“He was acquainted with my father who spoke well of him. I am sorry for your loss,” James offered.

“I thank you my lord. Your father was an excellent man whom I recall meeting on occasion with your mother, a lovely woman. Please accept my respects for them both. Their deaths were a great shock.”

“You honour me Lady Fraser. Your husband, died under mysterious circumstances if I recall.”

Aileana stiffened as did Sheena beside her. Did the man have any decency? She glanced at James, his expression was curious. Was he daft? Would he not realize a conversation in that direction would upset her?

“Yes my lord, he did.” Sheena’s tone was cool.

She had to stop this before it got out of hand.

“Were you ever satisfied with the king’s investigation?”

Aileana stood, placing her hands flat on the table. “Laird MacIntosh, I do not believe this is the time or the occasion to dredge up such unpleasant events from the past,” Aileana said.

Although keeping an even tone was difficult, she ensured the full impact of her words was not overshadowed by emotion. She was crossing a line of appropriate behaviour, but she didn’t care. His eyebrows shot up and his jaw slacked.

“Not all of us have the ability to treat our losses in such a casual manner,” she said. “Your king—”

“Aileana,” Sheena said, her tone full of warning.

“—may or may not have actually conducted—”

Sheena was on her feet, but swaying with the back of her hand pressed against her forehead. “My lords, please forgive me. The excitement of the day has toyed with my delicate sensitivities. I must retire for a short respite, but I shall rejoin you for an afternoon tour of the grounds, if you will permit me. Lady Aileana, will you please accompany me?”

James arose. “Lady Fraser, please forgive me if I have upset you.”

Aileana glared at him. His jaw clenched as his gaze darted between she and her aunt. Yes, it was a good thing she wouldn’t have to spend much time with this man and his boar-like manners.

“You have not upset me, my lord. Rest assured, you will know if you do.” It may have sounded like teasing to anyone else, but Sheena was dead serious. The escape Aileana sought earlier was at hand. She ushered Sheena out of the dining hall issuing apologies along the way. One thing was certain - she and the MacIntosh were not off to a good start.





Chapter Six




“Surely, brother, you realize, the lass was irritated with you.”

Calum had been tight to James’s heels as soon as the meal had ended. James headed toward the solar seeking a moment to clear his head and Calum wasn’t going to let him have it.

“With me? I do not see that at all. She was concerned for her Aunt’s welfare.”

Turning from him wasn’t working so James faced Calum.

“Aye, you continue to think that if it gives you comfort, however, I am not blinded by vanity or my throbbing loins. You caused the aunt’s discomfort, James. You commit to this arrangement with Lady Aileana and then offend her family? I don’t understand your actions.”