Page 16 of Highlander Undone


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Chapter 8

Fiona had barely settledinto her chair when her father appeared at her side, his face grim with displeasure.Laird Finnigan pulled up a seat beside her, close enough that their conversation wouldn't be overheard by the other guests.

"Fiona," he said in a low voice, "we need to speak."

She turned to him with weary eyes."Father, if this is about this morning."

"It's about that woman," he interrupted, nodding toward where Teàrlag continued her circuit of the hall."And about yer duties as a wife."His expression was stern, though she could see anger simmering beneath the surface."I'm as insulted as ye are by that harlot, make no mistake.The timing is deliberate and meant to shame ye on yer wedding day."

Fiona said nothing, waiting for what she knew was coming.

"But ye must understand the realities of marriage, daughter, especially marriages like yers."Laird Finnigan's voice was matter-of-fact, devoid of sentiment."Men of Connor's ilk often have...attachments outside of marriage.It's the way of things."

"Father—"

"Let me finish."He held up a hand."Yer role is not to be jealous or angry.Yer role is to be a proper wife to yer husband and a credit to the Finnigan name.Ye give him bairns and manage his household with dignity.If he chooses to maintain certain...friendships, that is between him and God."

Fiona stared at her father in disbelief."Ye're telling me to accept that my husband might keep a leman?"

"I'm telling ye to be practical," her father replied firmly."Ignore any flaws he may have.Focus on yer duties as a clanswoman and as his wife.This alliance is bigger than yer feelings, Fiona.Dinnae let personal sentiment ruin what I’ve achieved."

Fiona shook her head, the weight of his words settling over her like a shroud.She'd known this was an arranged marriage, had accepted that love might never enter into it.But hearing her father spell out so coldly that she should expect and tolerate infidelity made something inside her wither.

"I see," she replied quietly.

"Good."Laird Finnigan patted her hand awkwardly."Ye're a sensible girl.Ye'll do what's right for both our clans."

As her father moved away, Fiona tried to reconcile herself to his advice.Perhaps he was right.Perhaps she'd been foolish to hope for more than duty and respect from this marriage.If Teàrlag truly was Connor's love, who was she to stand in the way?Their marriage was built on necessity, not affection.

Marriages do not require love, only duty,she reminded herself firmly.

She was still lost in these grim thoughts when a familiar voice spoke beside her."Well, are ye going to sit here and leave Connor to the wolves?"

Fiona looked up to find Morna settling into the chair her father had vacated, the old woman's sharp eyes fixed on the drama unfolding across the hall.

"I beg yer pardon?"

"That lad of mine is in an impossible spot of bother," Morna said, nodding toward where Connor stood with Ewan, both brothers deep in heated conversation."No matter what he chooses right now, he loses.Go help him."

Fiona followed her gaze, noting for the first time how often Connor's eyes darted in her direction, as if he were seeking something from her but didn't know how to ask for it.There was an uncertainty in his posture that she'd never seen before.

"I dinnae understand," Fiona said slowly."Help him how?"

"Fight for what ye want, lass," Morna said bluntly."This is yer first hurdle as his wife.Will ye face it together, or will ye let that serpent drive a wedge between ye before yer marriage has even begun?"

"But my father said—"

"Yer father is thinking about his own interests, not like a woman who might actually be happy in her marriage," Morna interrupted."Teàrlag hasn't been in Connor's life for months, child.She's only causing trouble now because she sees an opportunity to make mischief."