Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,27
couples, speculation of who would pair for marriage, the merits of eligible males, and those families expecting children. These conversations typically ended with Nessa and Isla giggling, and Anna feeling oddly left out. No man wants a woman who can outride, outshoot or outfight him. And I have no interest in becoming a man’s property or some dissolute nobleman’s breeding stock.
The thought of never being in love or having children caused a pang of regret, though she brushed it off each time it crept into her mind. It was foolish to think of love as a baron’s hoyden daughter, yet even more foolish when trapped in a land whose people resented her very existence.
Something in her expression must have given her away.
“Anna, are ye unwell?” Lady MacGregor’s brow furrowed as she stared at her intently.
Banking her emotions as best she could, Anna took a deep breath before answering. “I am fine, milady.” The forced smile she offered as proof didn’t seem to fool anyone in the room.
Lady MacGregor nodded, but Anna noticed her speculative looks, as if she’d read her very thoughts.
The next afternoon, Lady MacGregor arrived as usual. “Anna, let us take a short walk outside. ’Tis a beautiful day.”
A sense of apprehension rippled through her, but Anna could not think of a polite way to say no. “As you wish, milady.”
She followed Lady MacGregor out the door. They settled on a bench overlooking the herb and vegetable garden outside the main tower. Anna kept her breathing steady, waiting with trepidation, reminding herself this woman had shown naught but kindness thus far.
“I wished to speak where we willnae be interrupted. I have need to say again how thankful I am ye rescued Nessa. It tore my verra heart out when we found she had been stolen. I have lost one child and couldnae bear to lose another. Ye have my eternal gratitude, and also that of my mutton-brained husband, who held ye in that infernal cell for a sennight.”
Anna subdued a smile, realizing the laird had likely experienced almost as difficult a week as she at the hands of this soft-spoken yet firm woman. “You are most welcome. When I heard them cry out, I could not ride away. I am glad all turned out well.” Hearing the MacGregors had lost a child created a lingering sympathy. Not knowing how to respond, she let the information pass.
“Anna, I know ye lost yer mother at an age before ye became a young woman.”
Anna dropped her head, shame of what those words implied coloring her cheeks.
Mairi continued. “I can only imagine how hard it must have been growing up without an older woman to guide ye. I know I could never replace yer mother, but ye would do me a great honor if ye could perhaps see me as a dear aunt.”
Using a finger to gently tilt Anna’s chin so their eyes met, she continued. “I am not judging how ye dress or behave, but every lass needs older women in her life for support and counsel. I want yer promise ye will allow me to fill such a role whilst ye are here.”
Anna’s discomfort rose. While grateful Lady MacGregor would care enough to offer such, she was mortified about her ignorance of what it meant to be a woman.
“I see the conflict in yer eyes.” Mairi gave her a look of sadness.
Leaning closer, she put her arms around Anna. The simple motherly gesture led to her undoing, and Anna’s tears fell. Slowly at first, then a torrent. She bent over, openly weeping in Lady MacGregor’s arms. Feelings of loss, loneliness, of not fitting in poured through her. She cried for the loss of family and the loss of home. As her sobs subsided, she huddled against Mairi’s shoulder, inhaling her scent. She smelled of lilacs and heather, reminding her of her own mother, calling forth another wave of grief. At last, her tears were spent.
Mairi leaned her cheek against Anna’s head. “I think ye and I shall have regularly scheduled times each week to talk and get to know each other. Aye?”
Her throat too tight to answer, Anna nodded, pulling herself gently from Mairi’s embrace. At last, she found her voice. “Thank you for your kindness, Lady MacGregor.”
Mairi gave Anna a shooing motion with her hand. “Posh. And Lady MacGregor is the mistress of this manor. When we are alone, ye shall call me Mairi.”
Anna found herself thrown off-balance by Mairi’s kindness. How could she move on when they continued