Page 51 of The Finest Scottish Fate

Whoever was out there spoke in such a hushed tone that Evie barely caught the words MacMuirrow’s solar. MacMuirrow’s solar? Wouldn’t that be Drummond’s father’s solar? Because Drummond’s solar was just outside that door. She swallowed hard, suddenly realizing she needed to meet her new father-in-law as soon as his health permitted. It was the polite thing to do, but still, it felt like being called to the principal’s office.

“Her ladyship will be ready when she is ready,” Ada told the person on the other side. But she didn’t close the door, so whoever it was must be arguing. The maid stamped her foot and whirled about to face Evie. “Mistress Martha has arrived. Do ye wish to see her before ye’ve dressed? I told Griogair ye needed yer privacy, and no one was to interrupt ye. But he knows yer fondness for the woman.”

Apparently, having Ada as a lady’s maid was going to be like having a guard dog as well, and Evie had to admit—she kind of liked that. But she was immensely relieved that Morganna had returned as promised. “Please let her in, Ada. Mistress Martha has indeed become a good friend to me.”

Seeming none too pleased by that, Ada twitched her shoulders as if she had an itch she couldn’t reach. “Verra well, m’lady. As ye wish.” She disappeared out the door, presumably to tell Griogair to stand down.

With a heavy sigh, Evie sank back against the sloping end of the tub and submerged herself to her chin. It appeared Ada would be as jealous and possessive as a guard dog, too. That might get interesting.

Morganna swept into the room, moving with the agility of a vibrant young woman rather than the hobbling old healer she portrayed.

Evie cocked a brow at her, then aimed a pointed look at Ada, who followed close behind.

Morganna immediately slowed and became the character she was supposed to be. “And how are we this fine morning, m’lady? No more spinning sickness? No more pain in yer head?” She hitched her way over to the side of the tub and gave a subtle nod of approval at the warning ring sitting on the nearby table.

“I’m much improved, thank you, and Ada went to the trouble of adding herbs to the bathwater to get rid of any lingering aches and pains.”

Turning to look at the maid, Morganna settled her black shawl tighter around her bent shoulders. “Good. It appears Mrs. Farris chose well for yer lady’s maid.”

“Indeed, she did.” Evie smiled at Ada, hoping the praise would improve the maid’s mood. “By the way, Ada, what was that I heard about the MacMuirrow’s solar?” In her relief to see Morganna again, she’d nearly forgotten.

“Visitors,” Ada said as she held out the warmed length of linen for Evie to wrap herself in as she stepped out of the tub. “Allow me to dry ye, m’lady, so we might dress ye with haste. It would seem three of yer countrymen made it through the ice storm with gifts to celebrate yer union with his lordship. Apparently, they were traveling and missed the ceremony in yer homeland and regretted it sorely.”

“I see.” But she really didn’t. She cut a hard look over at Morganna, who mouthed, Later.

“I brought oils and powders for her ladyship,” Morganna said to Ada, while pointing to the other room. “In that chest by the outer door. ’Tis heavy, but I think ye can manage it.”

“Of course I can manage it,” Ada said, her tone a bit snappish. She ushered Evie over to the cushioned stool closer to the fire and smiled. “A moment, m’lady, whilst I fetch the things poor Mistress Martha is too aged to carry for ye.”

“Chit,” Morganna said under her breath.

Evie bit her lip to keep from smiling, then whispered, “You’d better talk fast, because that girl isn’t slow about anything.”

“Jadrack, Jarrah, and Farbis are the visitors from yer homeland—Craig Durness, far to the west. Ye must not speak of yer Nashville or other American cities anymore.” She glanced at the door, then turned back to Evie. “And Mercury is in the stable. He wished to see ye safe and well afore he returns to the future. Be impressed. ’Tis quite a feat to win the loyalty of a unicorn when ye are no longer a virgin.”

“Mercury is a unicorn?”

“Why do ye think he glowed when we rode through the passage to the sidhe hill?”

“So you admit he glowed?” Evie couldn’t believe she’d ridden an actual unicorn. She couldn’t wait to get to the stables and see him again.

“Did I not just say that?” With a smug grin, Morganna eyed the door. “Yer maid is not moving so verra fast now, is she?”

“What did you do? Bolt that chest to the floor?” Evie dried her arms, neck, and face with the tail end of the linen. It worked better than modern-day towels—at least the towels she’d always owned. Poor Ada would be fit to be tied by the time she got back to the bedroom with the box of goods. “Don’t pick on Ada. Once you leave me, she’ll be one of the few allies I have.”

Morganna’s grin disappeared. “Ye will be fine, lass. I have faith in ye.” Easing closer, she peered at Evie as though studying her. “I know ye forged the bond and spoke the oath, but has yer mind made peace with yer heart and soul yet?”

Evie rose from the cushioned stool and backed up to the fire. “I’m working on it.” She wouldn’t lie about her inner turmoil. The worries. Her constant fear. “You’re sure I can’t ever go back? Not even for a visit or to sneak some contraband back to this century?”

“I am sorry, lass. Ye must surrender yer timeline forever.” Morganna picked up the ruby ring and idly trailed her thumb around the edges of the faceted gem. “Every love requires sacrifice, and sadly, the powerful love of fated mates demands the greatest sacrifices of all. But it is my hope ye will decide it was well worth it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But soon.”

A heaviness settled over Evie, over her mind, her soul. But mainly, it settled over her heart. It sank to the pit of her stomach and threatened to bring her to her knees. She was here to stay. “How will I ever survive the fourteenth century?”

“Is Drummond not worth it, lass?”

“He is more than worth it.” And she meant that without any reservations, but was she up to it? Did she have what it would take to pivot, adapt, and not only survive, but thrive here? “When will you and the others leave? When will I have to take the wheel and drive?”

“As soon as the gods and the Fae realize yer bond with Drummond is too strong to sever.” Morganna went to the door and cracked it open. “Ada, lass, what’s keeping ye? Yer mistress needs to dress, and canna do so without those oils and powders.”