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“It was the Golden Dragon Inn at Kinloch,” he continued desperately. “If ye doubt me, ye can go there and ask the innkeeper. Indeed, I plan to, as I want to ken what happened to the two days that I’m missin’. Ye’re all welcome to ride there with me, because this is nonsense!”
From the shadows of the tower, he thought he saw Edwina expel a sigh of relief. Her expression softened slightly, as her fingertips swept something from her cheek. The tears had spilled, it seemed, and he hated that he had caused them.
A moment later, she was gone, and he did not know if he could fix what had broken between them. For if he could not remember the past two days, how could he be sure that there had not been another woman?
I wouldnae… I wouldnae do that to her.Like his sister before him, it seemed he was going to have to do some digging to retrieve his memories.
CHAPTER15
Edwina did not stayat Castle Moore that night. Instead, upon the invitation of Meredith and Melissa, she had ventured to Castle Millar with them. Angus had remained behind to ensure that all was well, though Edwina doubted all would be well again. She had not been at Castle Moore long, but she had become fond of it. Now, it felt tainted by the revelation of Felix’s indiscretion, though she could not stop thinking of how lost and confused he had looked in the courtyard, and how vehemently he had proclaimed his innocence.
Confused in her own way, she woke in yet another unfamiliar bed, in a residence that was not her own, feeling as if she might weep. Fortunately, her eyes had decided that she had shed enough tears, giving her the strength to join the rest of the household for what remained of the day.
“How are ye farin’ today?” Meredith pushed a cup of something potent and herbal into Edwina’s hands.
“I am as ye see me.” Edwina forced a smile. “Hideous.”
Melissa swooped in and batted her lightly on the arm. “Ye couldnae be hideous if ye dragged yerself through a bog wearing a potato sack.” She paused. “Did ye sleep well? Och, that’s a daft question. Of course ye dinnae.”
“I slept well enough,” Edwina assured. “Although, I am a touch disoriented. I couldnae tell ye what time of day it is.”
Meredith gestured to the clock on the mantelpiece in the Morning Room. “It’s nae even one in the afternoon, dear thing. Ye can sleep some more, if ye like?”
“If I might sleep through my weddin’ day, I’ll retire to my chamber at once.” Edwina laughed stiffly. “Nay one ever tells ye how much work goes into a single day. Now, I ken why people elope.”
Meredith put an arm around Edwina’s shoulders. “Ye daenae have to worry about a thing, Edwina. We’ll finish the preparations and see that yer ideas are brought to life.” Her voice hitched. “I ken this isnae turnin’ out how any of us had hoped, but… I’m pleased ye’re endurin’ it. I’m so very fond of ye already, and if ye find ye cannae stand our brother, ye’re welcome to stay here with me.”
“I might hold ye to that.” Edwina sipped the herbal drink, wincing as it stung her tongue. “Daenae fret about me fleein’, either, if that’s yer concern. I’m nae goin’ back to Beckingdale Manor with my tail between my legs. I’d endure anythin’ before I gave Kenney the satisfaction of kickin’ me out again.”
She was doing her best to be cheerful, but every smile and jest and laugh sapped her strength. As did thinking about her upcoming nuptials. A short while ago, she had been looking forward to the grand day. Now, she did not know how to feel, or what to believe.
But… his face. The things he said,her mind whispered.He seemed so bewildered, and I daenae think he’s any sort of actor.
“We had a thought,” Melissa piped up, bringing over a tray of buttery oatcakes, blackberry jam, and tart goat’s cheese. “There are several things that Meredith and I need to do today, and the bairns are besotted with ye. Would ye mind takin’ care of them while we’re gone?”
Edwina’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Is this yer attempt to make me feel better?”
“Do ye think it might?” Melissa smiled hopefully, coaxing a small smile onto Edwina’s lips.
“Ye’re crafty, the pair of ye. Aye, I do think it would.” Edwina took another sip of her drink. “Of course, I cannae be blamed if they start askin’ to go huntin’ for faerie rings. Today, we just might find the gateway to the faerie realm, and this faerie might just walk on through.”
Melissa groaned. “Miriam, bless her heart, hasnae stopped talkin’ about that gateway, or the wee imp at the bottom of the garden.”
“Sprite,” Edwina corrected.
“Whatever it is, she’s been beggin’ me to let her put a saucer of milk out for the beastie. Mercy, I cannae say nay to that lass when she puts on her big eyes and tremblin’ lip.” Melissa shook her head. “I’m startin’ to wish I hadnae taken her seashells.”
Edwina laughed, brightening with every minute she spent in the company of the two sisters. “Aye, we’ve both got a lot to answer for, but I promise I willnae lead them astray. Any further astray, anyway.”
“Find all the faerie rings ye like and make up all the stories ye please, if it helps ye through this,” Melissa insisted. “I swear, I’ll try nae to curse yer name under me breath when the bairns ask for somethin’ daft.”
Edwina crossed her heart. “And I promise I willnae tell them to take yer best jewels and garments to give as gifts to the faeries and sprites. I save that story for the bairns of people I daenae like.”
“Ye’re a rare lass, Edwina,” Melissa said, laughing heartily. “I ken me brother has done ye wrong, but ye’re already one of us. If ye try to leave because of him, I’ll chase ye down and bring ye to live in me cottage.”
Edwina’s smile softened to one that was bittersweet. “Do ye want to hear somethin’ amusin’?”
“From ye, always,” Melissa replied.
