three,” Sarah Anne announced. Laurel’s stomach flipped in excitement. She knew the amount was more than most serfs saw in a lifetime, and it was more than any of her clansmen were used to seeing. But the Hays had a long-standing reputation at court, and it was rarely for the better. Sarah Anne and Margaret’s uncle had once tried to abduct Deirdre Fraser to carry out a proposed betrothal. Deirdre’s husband, Magnus Sinclair, had ridden to her rescue, and Archibald Hay died for his scheming. It had been a scandal that rocked the court not long after Laurel arrived.
Sarah Anne loosened a pouch of coins from her girdle and handed it over to Laurel, who shook it and weighed it in her palm. She pulled the strings apart and peered into the small sack. Just as she suspected, there was far more than the amount Sarah Anne offered.
“Are ye certain, ma lady? That is a small fortune ye’re offering me,” Laurel said.
Ignoring Laurel’s questions, Sarah Anne squinted at Laurel, as though she would try to see through Laurel’s veil. The material was so thick that it was difficult for Laurel to see through it at times, but it completely obscured her features. “Have you more such as these?” Sarah Anne asked.
“Nae at the moment, ma lady. But I can,” Laurel hedged.
Sarah Anne nodded twice before reaching for the gowns, which she dumped in her sister’s outstretched arms. Laurel couldn’t help but think how similar Sarah Anne and Margaret’s relationship was to how Myrna had once treated Laurel herself. But Laurel wasn’t interested in observing the sisters or continuing a conversation. She dropped into a deep but purposely wobbly curtsy and slipped from the shop without looking back.
This will last me through autumn. It’ll last me through winter and into the new year if I’m frugal.
The relief that washed over Laurel was nearly palpable. She’d been growing desperate as of late. She’d had plenty of trade, but many of the merchants who frequented Stirling only came in the summer months. The leaves were beginning to change, and Laurel feared she wouldn’t have enough stashed away before she was forced to rely on merchants such as the haberdasher, a Stirling resident. Just as she had that morning, she hurried back to her chamber where her maid, Ina, helped her prepare for the evening meal. Laurel knew that Ina was aware of Laurel’s sewing, since the woman had seen Laurel’s handiwork appear on her own gowns countless times, but they agreed via mutual silence never to discuss it.
Ina Ross had known Laurel since she was a babe and chose to remain her maid, even after Laird Ross offered Ina the chance to return to Balnagown. Laurel tried to show Ina her gratitude, but it still surprised Laurel that she had remained after the way Laurel treated everyone upon her arrival at court. While she supposed Ina’s loyalty was grounded in pity, Laurel accepted the only reliable link she had to the Highlands. With a last glance in the looking glass, Laurel squeezed Ina’s hand before making her way to the Great Hall.
Three
Laurel smiled warmly at Donnan, the man who sat across from her and beside Monty. Donnan and Monty had been inseparable since they were children, so it surprised no one when Monty named his fellow warrior as his second-in-command. Laurel’s gaze shifted to Monty before returning to Donnan, then gave both men a warning glance when their shoulders brushed against one another. As the meal progressed, Laurel enjoyed the banter between Monty and Donnan, and she recognized the ease with which they teased. But when they both reached for the same chalice, and their hands overlapped for a moment too long, Laurel shot them a speaking glare before her eyes darted to the other men at the table.
Laurel had discovered Monty and Donnan together when she was thirteen, and they were eighteen. She’d been out for a ride, telling her guards that she would easily catch up to her brother, who she’d seen leave with Donnan. To this day, she counted her blessings that she’d ridden into the woods on her own. She’d spied them in a passionate kiss that made her yank her horse to a stop. The animal reared and threw her. The couple broke apart and raced to help Laurel, but all she could do was stare at them until air finally filled her lungs again. They helped her to her feet before exchanging a private glance. Laurel still