Fiona’s expression softened immediately. “Then tell me what ye do ken,” she said, sitting beside her.
Eloise stared at the floor, gathering her thoughts. “I thought being here would be simple,” she began. “Somethin' I could manage.”
Fiona nodded slowly. “And now?” she asked.
Eloise swallowed. “Now it feels… tangled,” she said.
Fiona tilted her head. “Is it the Laird?” she asked carefully.
Eloise let out a small, humorless laugh. “Aye,” she said. “It’s him, or it's me confusion toward him and all of this. ”
Fiona smiled faintly, though there was sympathy in it. “That doesnae sound so terrible,” she said.
Eloise shook her head quickly. “It is when ye daenae trust yourself,” she replied. “When ye daenae ken if what ye feel is real, or just… born of circumstance.”
Fiona considered that for a moment. “And what do ye feel?” she asked.
Eloise hesitated, then looked away. “Too much,” she admitted. “And none of it makes sense.”
Fiona reached out, placing a gentle hand over hers. “Feelin's rarely do,” she said softly.
Eloise’s eyes filled again, though she blinked the tears back. “And I feel so alone. I miss me family,” she said suddenly.
Fiona squeezed her hand lightly. “Then bring them here,” she said.
Eloise blinked, surprised. “What?” she asked.
“There’s plenty of room in this castle,” Fiona continued. “And if ye miss them, then why should ye stay without them?”
Eloise frowned slightly. “It isnae that simple,” she said.
Fiona smiled gently. “Most things are simpler than we make them,” she replied. “Invite them. Let them see ye safe and settled.”
Eloise’s thoughts shifted at that, something taking shape where before there had only been confusion.
“Beatrice,” she said softly, almost to herself.
Fiona tilted her head. “Yer cousin, is it nae? I remember ye said…”
“Aye… she would come, if I asked her to,” Eloise said. “She would bring laughter and… remind me who I am.”
Fiona smiled wider. “Then write to her,” she said.
Eloise hesitated only a moment longer before nodding.
It was not just about comfort, though she would not say that aloud. If Beatrice came, and saw her beside James, then the illusion would strengthen. The engagement would seem real not just within these walls, but beyond them. And perhaps, just perhaps, it would be enough to keep Laird Drummond from pressing his claim on her. The thought steadied her slightly.
“Aye,” she said, more firmly now. “I will invite her.”
Fiona squeezed her hand once more before standing. “That’s a start,” she said warmly.
Eloise nodded, though her chest still felt heavy. As Fiona moved to pour the tea, Eloise wiped the last of her tears and straightened her shoulders. Nothing about this was simple, and nothing about James was safe, not in the way she had once believed. But for the first time since the door had closed behindhim, she felt as though she had taken a step forward rather than standing lost in place.
The next day, Eloise sat at the table, the morning light soft against the parchment as she dipped her quill in ink. She hesitated only a moment before beginning, her thoughts clearer now than they had been the night before.
Dearest Beatrice,
I hope this letter finds ye well. I would have ye come to Calibroch castle as soon as ye are able, for I find myself in need of familiar company and honest laughter.
