James stopped before them, his gaze moving briefly to Eloise before settling on Beatrice.
“Ye must be Miss Beatrice,” he bowed. “Welcome to Calibroch.”
Beatrice dipped into a graceful curtsy. “Laird MacAllister,” she said politely. “It is an honor.”
His expression softened just slightly. “The honor is mine,” he replied. “Any kin of Eloise is welcome here.”
Beatrice smiled brightly. “I’ve heard much of ye already,” she said.
James raised a brow faintly. “I hope it was favorable,” he replied.
Beatrice tilted her head playfully. “Aye,” she said.
Eloise cleared her throat softly. “I’ll show her to her chamber,” she said quickly. “The servants can bring up her trunk.”
James nodded once. “Of course,” he said. His gaze lingered on Eloise for a fraction longer than necessary. “If ye require anythin’, ye need only ask.”
Eloise inclined her head slightly. “Thank ye, me Laird,” she said, her tone composed.
Beatrice glanced between them with open interest as they turned to leave. “Well,” she murmured under her breath as they entered the castle. “He isnae what I expected.”
Eloise shot her a look. “And what did ye expect?” she asked.
Beatrice grinned. “Someone less… imposing,” she said.
Eloise huffed softly. “Aye, well, ye’ll find he is many things,” she said.
They climbed the stairs together, their footsteps echoing lightly as Eloise led her through the corridors.
“Tell me everythin’,” Beatrice said eagerly. “From the moment ye fled the river.”
Eloise hesitated briefly. “There is much to tell,” she said. “And some things I cannae yet explain.”
Beatrice glanced at her sideways. “That sounds ominous,” she said.
Eloise gave a faint smile. “It is complicated,” she replied.
At last, they reached the chamber, and Eloise pushed the door open. The room within was warm and inviting, furnished in rich carved wooden pieces and soft woven textiles. A large bed stood against the far wall, draped in thick coverings, while a hearth crackled gently nearby. A small table and chairs sat near the window, where light spilled across the floor.
“Oh,” Beatrice breathed, stepping inside. “This is beautiful.”
Eloise smiled faintly. “I thought ye might like it,” she said.
Beatrice turned in a slow circle, taking it all in. “Like it?” she said. “I could live here forever.”
Eloise’s expression shifted briefly at the words, though she said nothing.
Beatrice caught it. “What is it?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Eloise said quickly. “Only… I am glad ye are here.”
Beatrice softened at once, stepping closer. “As am I,” she said gently.
Then her eyes sparkled again. “Now,” she added, lowering her voice slightly. “Tell me the truth, Eloise.”
Eloise hesitated. Beatrice leaned in. “What is truly going on between ye and that Laird?”
Eloise stiffened slightly under Beatrice’s eager gaze, her thoughts scrambling for something, anything, that would satisfy her cousin without unraveling everything.
