Her Highlander's Promise Read Free Page A

her plaid around her shoulders and clucked her tongue. “I canna believe your cousins make you stay in this dreadful place. Your father would be furious. I never understand why he left you in their care.”
    “I had only seen ten summers when Da died and I wasna old enough to stay alone. My mother was gone and his brothers all died in the war for Scotland’s independence.” She paused to mumble a quick prayer, then crossed herself.
    “His illness struck suddenly and he had verra little time to prepare for his death. Murray was his closest living relative and Da asked him to watch over me until I was ready to assume my duties as lairdess of the castle. He accepted. For that, I am grateful.” The words left a bitter taste, but she had promised her father to honor Murray, and while difficult at times, she had done her best to keep that vow.
    “Grateful? The mistress treats you like a servant, worse than her husband’s deerhounds. A stray cat would make a better mother. Your cousin Murray and their son, Allan, are no better.”
    “It willna be long before I am mistress of the castle, and all will be as my da intended. It is sweet of you to care.” Laurel smiled.
    “You are far more forgiving than most, m’lady. I hope you are able to fulfil your father’s wishes. But. I . . .” She hesitated.
    “But?” Laurel asked.
    “I’ve heard your cousin Murray plans to see you wed his son. Were that to happen, he would become laird, and you would remain forever under his parents’ rule.”
    “I’ve no intention of getting married to anyone. Especially to my cousin Allan.” She shuddered at the thought of her homely, arrogant kinsman.
    “You dinna have a choice. As your legal guardian, Murray can declare the two of you betrothed, and you willna be free to decline. I overheard some of his men talking. They said he wishes to maintain control of the clan and will use his son to do so.” Isla lowered her gaze and shook her head. “For you to be forced to marry Allan would be a shame. Not only is he sickly and unattractive, I’ve heard he favors the lads and not the lassies.”
    “Rumors are not to be believed, Isla. However, I willna marry. Unless, it is to a man I love and one who loves me in return.”
    “Do you have someone in mind?” Isla wiggled her brow.
    “Mayhap,” Laurel replied hesitantly, thoughts of Blair Cameron flooding her mind.
    “I pray what you say is true. That you find your true love. But right now, we must see you dressed.” She handed Laurel the bundle of clothing she carried. “Lady Deirdre told me to give you these. She said she willna have you going to the village looking like a serving wench.”
    Laurel studied the plain, blue wool gown, a pair of matching slippers, and a stark white wimple. “My cousin likes to keep up appearances, even though they may be false. I am certain she worries more about her own reputation than she does mine.” This time, she didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in her voice. “I prefer to wear these.” She moved to the shelf by the door and picked up a kirtle and brown skirt. “They may not be the attire befitting a laird’s daughter, but they are clean and comfortable.”
    “I dinna think it a good idea to upset Lady Deirdre. She said you must go out looking like a lady.” She motioned toward the items of clothing Laurel held. “Please, m’lady, put those on and make haste. I truly want you to accompany me, and if you dinna do as you’re told, she may reconsider.”
    “She willna change her mind. It has been a while since I last visited the village. She doesna want people to wonder if I am well. Besides, if we slip out before she sees us, she willna know.”
    Isla shook her head. “Och, no, milady. She wishes to speak with you before we leave.”
    “Verra well, I’ll do as you request. Nothing will spoil this day,” Laurel said with a smile. “I havena visited a fair in such a long time and plan to make the most of it. I will change and join you