“Ye heard me,” Theo said firmly. “I thought we’d hold a small gathering. Nothing too big. I doubt anyone would care to attend. But aye, we’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Lavina echoed, nearly choking on the drink she’d just swallowed.
Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected it would take place so soon. There’d be no time to prepare Maisie. No time for anything.
“Surely, Me Laird, ye’ll allow me sister to attend?”
“Anyone can come,” Theo replied. “But I’ll nae wait until yer sister’s feelin’ better, if that’s what ye’re implyin’.”
So, it was settled. Her fate was sealed.
Lavina swallowed hard, forcing a smile for Amber’s sake.
The girl kept staring up at her in wonder.
“Ye hear that, Amber?” Stephen asked, his voice lighter now, as though trying to ease the tension that had settled over the table like mountain snow. “Ye’re goin’ to have a maither. Willnae that be nice?”
CHAPTER FIVE
“Me Laird,” Stephen said, clearing his throat. He cast an uncertain glance at Theo. “I believe we have to call for a council meeting, if what ye said about the lass is true.”
Theo wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, one eyebrow arching knowingly as his gaze wandered to Amber.
Normally, by now, the child would’ve darted off to the kitchens or tucked herself into some forgotten nook of the castle, avoiding his presence like always. But today, she lingered, curious, wide-eyed, and wholly amused by the stranger at the table.
And just like that, an idea came to him.
“Amber,” he said, turning his attention to the girl. “Why dinnae ye spend the day with Lavina here? The two of ye should get to ken each other a bit better. Ye’ll do as she says.”
He pushed his chair back from the table and rose to his feet.
“Me Laird…” Lavina’s voice cracked as she glanced nervously at the child. “Are ye sure that’s a good idea?”
There was no hiding the panic in her voice or the flicker of fear in Amber’s wary eyes.
“After all, we’ve just met. Surely the child wouldnae be comfortable with me?”
“It willnae matter,” Theo replied, waving off her concern. “Ye’ll be lucky to get a squeak out of her. The lass hasnae made a sound since she arrived at the castle.”
“She’s a mute?”
“Seems so. But if ye think ye can get her to do anything more than run away, then I’ll be most grateful. Other than that, I’m sure the two of ye will get along just fine.” He turned away from them. “There are things I must attend to. Excuse me.”
His lips curled into a thin smile as he strode toward the door.
“Stephen,” he called sharply as he passed.
Stephen straightened like a soldier, understanding the command without another word. He followed Theo out of the hall.
As they stepped into the corridor, whispers followed behind them, soft but persistent. Theo’s ears perked up at the gossip already spreading among the servants. He did not doubt that by nightfall, every man, woman, and child in the keep would know that he intended to marry Lavina Lewis.
And the sooner he took a wife, the better.
“All right,” Stephen spoke up once they were far enough from prying ears. “What’s really goin’ on here?”
“I’m nae followin’,” Theo replied casually as they rounded a corner.
“The lass,” Stephen said. “What is she doin’ here? Ye ken as well as I do that she’s got thatlookabout her. The kind that brings trouble.”
