“First,” she said quickly, forcing a small smile, “we must have some refreshment. Ye’ve been traveling all day, and I’ll nae have ye fainting from hunger.”
Beatrice narrowed her eyes playfully. “Daenae think ye can distract me so easily,” she said.
Eloise let out a soft laugh. “I shall return in a moment,” she insisted, already moving toward the door. “Then I will answer what I can.” Beatrice huffed but waved her off. “Very well, but I expect answers, cousin.”
Eloise stepped into the corridor and closed the door behind her, the smile slipping from her face at once. She leaned back against the wood briefly, drawing in a slow breath. She hated this, hated the pounding in her chest at the thought of lying to Beatrice.
Of all people, Bea deserves the truth. But what choice do I have, when the truth could unravel everything and place me in danger?
“Just enough to satisfy her,” Eloise murmured to herself. “Nay more.”
“Miss?” Fiona’s voice broke her thoughts as the maid approached, her expression attentive.
Eloise straightened at once. “Aye, Fiona,” she said. “I was just about to seek ye.”
Fiona dipped into a small curtsy. “Is there somethin' ye require?” she asked.
Eloise nodded. “Tea and cakes, if ye please,” she said. “And perhaps some cheese and bread. Me cousin has traveled far and will be needin' it.”
Fiona smiled warmly. “Of course,” she said. “I’ll have it brought up at once.”
Eloise gave a grateful nod. “Thank ye.”
When Eloise returned to the chamber, Beatrice was already seated by the hearth, glancing about the room with open curiosity. “This place is finer than I imagined,” she said, looking up.
Eloise smiled faintly. “Aye, it is… comfortable,” she replied.
“Laird MacAllister is a very powerful man. One of the highest in the lands. Calibroch is proof of that,” Beatrice replied looking around.
“Aye, so I have learned while being here,” Eloise replied.
Moments later, Fiona returned with a tray, setting it down carefully before slipping out again.
Beatrice wasted no time, reaching for a cup. “Now,” she said, eyeing Eloise over the rim, “ye cannae escape me questions any longer.”
Eloise sat opposite her, her fingers curling lightly around her own cup.
Beatrice took a sip, then grinned. “He is very handsome, I’ll give him that,” she said bluntly.
Eloise nearly choked on her tea, her cheeks flushing. “Aye,” she admitted, unable to deny it.
Beatrice laughed delighted by the reaction. “Oh, so ye agree,” she teased.
Eloise shook her head slightly. “That isnae the point,” she muttered.
“Then what is the point?” Beatrice pressed. “Tell me how this came to be.”
Eloise hesitated, her gaze dropping briefly to her cup. The lie settled heavy in her chest, but she forced the words forward.
“After I ran away from home,” she began carefully, “I came upon this place. Castle Calibroch.”
Beatrice listened intently.
“The Laird found me,” Eloise continued. “He offered me shelter… food.” She swallowed lightly. “After a few days, he said he was in need of a wife.”
Beatrice blinked. “So sudden?” she asked.
Eloise gave a small shrug. “Aye,” she said. “He said he could offer protection. A good life.”
