Mairead’s smile widened just slightly, though it still did not reach her eyes. “Do ye?” she asked softly. “Because from where I stand, it seems much has changed in a very short time.”
Eloise straightened, holding her ground. “Change is part of life,” she said. “And nae all expectations are meant to be fulfilled.”
Mairead studied her for a long moment, something unreadable flickering behind her gaze. “Aye,” she said at last. “That is one way to look at it.”
The silence stretched between them, quiet but far from comfortable. “I hope ye find Calibroch to yer likin',” Mairead said after a moment, her tone once again pleasant.
Eloise inclined her head slightly. “I am learnin' to,” she replied.
Mairead nodded, though there was something almost amused in the gesture. “I imagine ye are,” she said. “It can be… difficult, at first.”
Eloise did not respond.
“Well,” Mairead said lightly, though the tension had not fully left her tone. “I imagine we will be seein’ a great deal more of one another.”
Eloise inclined her head slightly. “I imagine we will. Good day,” she replied. Mairead turned back toward the window.
As Eloise turned to leave, she could feel Mairead’s presence lingering behind her. By the time she stepped out into the corridor, she was no closer to understanding whether Mairead’s kindness was genuine, or simply well-practiced.
Eloise moved quickly through the halls, her thoughts restless once more.
She found Fiona in the scullery, sleeves rolled up as she worked among basins and dishes.
“Fiona,” Eloise said, her tone urgent enough to draw immediate attention.
Fiona looked up, surprised. “Miss Eloise? What is it?” she asked, wiping her hands.
Eloise glanced around briefly. “I need to speak with ye,” she said.
Fiona blinked, then nodded. “Aye, of course.”
They slipped away from the noise of the scullery, finding a quieter corner near the back passage where few people passed. Fiona turned to her, concern already evident.
“What’s amiss?” she asked.
Eloise hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “I met someone in the library,” she said. “Mairead Cameron.”
Fiona’s expression shifted instantly, a small smile forming. “Ah,” she said. “So she’s returned, then.”
Eloise studied her reaction. “Ye ken her well?” she asked.
Fiona nodded easily. “Aye,” she said. “She’s been here since she was a wee child. Raised among the MacAllisters.”
Eloise folded her arms slightly. “So she is… family?” she pressed.
Fiona tilted her head. “In all but name,” she said. “She’s always had a place here.”
Eloise’s thoughts turned over quietly. “She spoke as though… she expected to remain,” she said.
Fiona smiled faintly. “I suppose she always did,” she replied. “It was nay secret that she was brought here to strengthen ties between the clans.”
Eloise hesitated, the next question forming but lingering unspoken.
Is Mairead promised to James? Is that the agreement between the two clans? What does she truly mean to James?
She wanted to ask but the words stayed caught in her throat.
Instead, she looked away slightly. “She seems… kind,” Eloise said, though her tone held uncertainty.
