Eloise lifted her chin. “That this engagement is a farce,” she said. “That it is nae real.”
The reaction was immediate, his expression sharpened, surprise cutting through his usual control. “Nay,” he said firmly. “Why would I tell Mairead that of all people?”
Eloise studied him closely. “So she doesnae ken?” she pressed.
“Nae one does,” he replied. “Only ye and I ken the truth.”
Eloise exhaled quietly, some tension easing from her shoulders.
“Very well,” she said.
Ask him if he loves Mairead. I must ken the truth of it.
There was a pause before she added, “Then what was it ye wished to speak with me about?”
James crossed the room slowly, his gaze steady on her. “A letter was sent,” he said. “To yer family.”
Eloise’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Aye,” she said. “It was.”
He stopped a few steps from her. “I want to ken what it said,” he added.
Her expression cooled instantly. “Of course ye do,” she said. “Here ye are again, tryin' to control everythin' I do.”
“This is me castle,” he said evenly. “I must remain aware of anythin’ that may affect it.”
Eloise folded her arms. “It was a letter to me family, nae a threat to yer walls,” she replied.
“That doesnae mean it is without consequence,” he countered.
She let out a sharp breath. “I invited me cousin,” she said plainly. “Beatrice. I asked her to come here.”
James stilled, his expression darkening. “Ye did what?” he asked.
Eloise held her ground. “I invited her,” she repeated. “I cannae stand to be without family any longer.”
His voice rose slightly, frustration breaking through. “The marriage is nae real,” he said. “What will she think when she arrives and sees this?” He said closing the distance between them.
Eloise’s heart beat faster, though not entirely from the argument.
“She will think what she sees,” Eloise replied, though her thoughts betrayed her, flickering instead to the memory of his lips against hers.
James ran a hand through his hair. “If she has any sense, she will see through it,” he said.
Eloise stepped closer, her voice tightening. “She willnae, nay one else does,” she said.
He stopped, turning back to her. “Ye risk more than yerself with this,” he said.
“If she figures it out. Or ye confide the truth in her and she lets it slip…”
“I willnae,” Eloise cut in. “I willnae tell her, and she is loyal.”
“Ye place a great deal of trust in her,” he said.
Eloise lifted her chin. “More than I have reason to place in anyone else,” she replied.
The words hung between them, heavier than she intended. His gaze shifted, something flickering in his expression.
“Ye have reason to trust me,” he said quietly, his voice suddenly thick and hoarse.
