Page 7 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Och, m'lady. How scandalous you are, wearing men's trews again."

"They're nay men's. I had them made for me, and they're perfect for riding astride. If I am thrown and my skirts fly over my head, my lower half will be covered."

"Well... that much is true."

Tilly helped her wash off the mud that had spattered her during her ride. Once clean, she put on an elegant green velvet gown, the color of malachite. Her mother had bought it in France years ago, but 'twas still in good repair. Why couldn't Ma be here now?

What good would that do? She would only encourage Elsea to marry the despicable earl.

Tilly brushed Elsea's long blond hair, fashioned it into two thick braids in front, and swept them backward and up, then pinned them.

"There now. He will enjoy seeing your beautiful face, m'lady."

"'Twould be better if I could hide."

"Nay, now. You wish to marry, aye?"

"Anyone but him." The question created too much chaos within her. Aye, in the past she had wanted to marry... a certain dark-haired, bewitching chief, but not Talnaroch. She would do her best in pretending to tolerate him.

A light knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" Elsea called.

"Me, William. Come to the solar when you're ready."

"Aye." Her stomach knotting, she glanced at Tilly. "Am I ready? How do I look?"

"Oh, lovely, m'lady." Tilly grinned warmly. "You will take the earl's breath away."

Ugh. "Come now. There's nay need for lies."

"I'm telling God's honest truth!" the maid said.

"Well, thanks to you, I'm presentable."

"I wish you the best of luck." Tilly curtsied.

Elsea would need it, for she knew what her brother was going to say even before she entered the solar.

Once she did, she found Will standing behind his desk, dressed in his finest plaid, a creamy shirt, black doublet, dress sporran, and other chief regalia. He had been chief for about two years. With his medium-brown, collar-length hair and short beard, he resembled their father when she'd been a small child.

How she missed Da and wished he were here now. Her dreadful mood sagged further.

Will motioned to the chair in front of the desk, then seated himself.

"Kieran told me about Talnaroch's missive," she blurted. "You could've told me when you received it."

Will lifted a brow. "Would you still be here?"

She shrugged. Mayhap not. She might have panicked and fled.

"Well, you look lovely. I'm glad you're nay opposed to having supper with the earl."

"'Twill be a chore, I assure you."

Will chuckled. "Kieran told you that Talnaroch has offered for your hand?"

Her chest tightening, she nodded.