Chapter Two
"Who is this Lady Stanbury?" Rebbie asked Lachlan.
Still carefully holding his wee daughter, Lachlan shrugged. "A new friend of Angelique's. She arrived with your future bride."
"She is not my future bride," Rebbie grumbled. "She's practically a child."
"Nay, she's eighteen summers. Plenty old enough to be wed."
Rebbie shook his head. "You are as mad as my father."
Moments later, Angelique returned. "Lady Stanbury must have gone back to her own chamber. You can meet her at supper."
Rebbie nodded.'Twasfine by him. To his way of thinking, he'd already met one too many ladies today.
He was hopeful Lady Elena would stick to her decision and refuse to marry him. He was counting on it. He'd told his father he would stay another day or two, mainly because they hadn't seen each other in such a long time.It had naught to do with Lady Elena.
Humph. She was not the sort of lady he was naturally drawn to, and he knew 'twas not going to work out to his father's liking. He might talk to her during supper, but he had no interest in getting to know her better. She was a coddled brat who looked down her nose at "barbaric" Highlanders.
***
Stepping into the great hall, Rebbie caught sight of his father and ground his teeth, annoyed beyond reason he was atDraughon. If Rebbie had known, he would've delayed his trip by a few months. He didn't hate his father, merely his domineering nature. And he'd be damned if he allowed his father to choose a bride for him who didn't suit.
The young lass they'd introduced him to earlier was seated at the high table. She was pretty enough, but far too young for his taste.'Twasnot merely her age—he'd met more mature eighteen-year-olds—but her petulant disposition. He did not wish to marry someone who'd just escaped her tutor's thumb. He much preferred fully grown women.
"Laird Rebbinglen." Barclay approached, offering his hand and Rebbie shook it. What was the man up to? He had a begrudging smile upon his face and appeared far friendlier than before. Had his father informed the man how much Rebbie was worth? "I would be pleased if you would have a seat beside Lady Elena. You two need to get acquainted. I'm certain she will warm up to you once she becomes more comfortable around you."
"Splendid," Rebbie muttered. Damnation, she was the last person he wished to converse with, and considering her earlier outburst, she felt the same way about him.'Twassure to be a long supper. Or mayhap she would flee the room again. He could hope.
At the table, he bowed. "Lady Elena."
"Laird Rebbinglen." She eyed him with trepidation.
"I ken you fear me, being that I'm a barbaric Highlander and all," he said dryly. "But your father wishes me to sit here beside you. Are you in agreement?"
Her gaze ran over his black doublet and matching breeches. His father had begged him to dispense with the Highland garb. He would for one night, but he'd become fond of the plaid since he'd spent the last several months in some of the remotest parts of the Highlands. The plaid felt far more natural on his body than confining breeches.
Elena lifted her eyes to meet his and she smiled. "Aye. I would be pleased."
Och!Nay, he didn't wish her to smile at him. He wanted her to throw another fit and flee the room like before. He definitely should've kept the kilt on if that's what she'd objected to.
With much reluctance, he took a seat beside her and was relieved when Lachlan immediately sat on his other side. "Will Lady Angelique be joining us?" Rebbie asked.
"Nay. Unfortunately, she is too tired, and wee Hannah is awake, demanding her attention."
"I see."
"You must tell me of your adventures since I saw you last," Lachlan said.
"Aye, over a wee dram later, if you have it."
"Indeed, I do."
One of the clan elders said grace, then the food was served.
"Have you been traveling, my laird?" Lady Elena asked, giving him a coquettish smile.
"Aye. I spent much of the winter and spring inDurness, on the north coast."
