"Indeed. You were in there a long while. I didn't get an opportunity to ask last night—did you learn anything interesting?" Angelique inquired with a curious smile.
Calla squirmed upon her seat. "Nay. You didn't tell the laird, did you?" Because if she had, no doubt Lachlan would tell Rebbie, and then… she hated to think of the consequences.
"Non." Angelique sat and rocked the babe. "I refused to tell him who had been in the passage and he was quite vexed with me." She grinned like a mischievousfae.
"Oh, I'm sorry if I caused strife between you and your husband."
"Non, do not apologize,monamie." Angelique snickered. "'Twasfun. We have not had such fiery… you know… since a few months before Hannah's birth."
Calla's eyes widened at that admission, then she smiled. "Oh, well… I'm glad I could help, then."
Angelique giggled.
"'Tisgood he didn't punish you for not telling him the truth."
Angelique waved a hand. "Oh,non, he would never do that. Lachlan is a most indulgent husband. I love him so much," she mused.
Calla blinked against the sudden stinging in her eyes, for she often sensed the emotion between them, just in the way they looked at each other. "I can see that, and I think it's wonderful."
"Do you think Rebbie will make a good husband for Elena?" Angelique asked.
His name sent a flush of awareness over Calla. "I'm not certain," she said, remembering how Rebbie had paid the girl little attention during supper or breakfast.
Angelique's green eyes widened. "Why not?"
"He does not seem overly interested in her." And he'd said he would burn the contract. Her heart lightened at that revelation, though she knew not why.'Twasnone of her concern.
"Ah. I will have to ask him if he finds her pretty."
"In truth?" Calla thought Angelique was indeed brave if she was going to ask him that.
"Oui, he will tell me the truth. Whoever he marries, I'm certain he will treat her well."
Calla believed the same thing. "He seems an honorable gentleman and laird."
"Indeed. Have you thought about marrying again?"
"Oh. Nay." Why on earth would Angelique ask her that while they were speaking of Rebbie? As if she'd been drenched all over with hot water, she felt scorched of a sudden.
"Pourquoi?You are a very beautiful woman. I'm certain many lairds would be interested in vying for your hand."
Calla shook her head. "My marriage was… a chore. I don't wish a repeat of it." She hadn't told Angelique about the massive debt her late husband had left her, although Angelique knew she was strapped for money. No man would want such a problem. Most lairds married in order to bring more wealth into their estate, not the opposite.
"You must find a man to love, who loves you, too. Then marriage won't be a chore." Angelique smiled.
"Aye," Calla said. "'Tiseasier said than done, though."
Angelique's green eyes sparkled with mischief. "We must start searching for your new husband."
***
Two hours later, in the bedchamber they shared, Calla and Elena, with the help of Elena's maid, readied themselves for a ride beyond the walls. Though normally Calla loved riding in nature, she was not looking forward to this, for she would again have to face Rebbie.
"I've decided to marry Laird Rebbinglen!" Elena announced with a grin and excitedly bounced on her toes.
Dread speared Calla's stomach. Why would she feel that way? She didn't know. She certainly had no claim to him, but Elena did. They were betrothed and bound by contract, after all. Calla forced a tight smile for her cousin. "I thought you feared him."
Elena waved a hand. "'Twasonly the plaid and weapons that frightened me. They gave him the look of a malicious barbarian, but now I know he is very civilized." She beamed. "Do you think he will make a good husband?"
