Ewan's face darkened, and he gestured toward another pile of correspondence."My betrothal, actually.Remember I mentioned I am to marry a lass from Clan Morrison?"
"Aye, ye said it was still being finalized."
"Well, it seems my bride-to-be has taken herself off to an abbey and refuses to come out."Ewan's scowl deepened."Her father's been trying to coax her back for weeks, but apparently she's claimed sanctuary and won't hear reason."
Fiona bit back a smile at his disgruntled expression."An abbey?How...devout of her."
"Devout, my arse," Ewan muttered."The chit's having second thoughts about marrying a Highland barbarian, no doubt.Her father says she's 'praying for guidance,' but I suspect she's hoping I'll find another bride and release her from the contract."
"And will ye?"
Ewan considered this, drumming his fingers on the table."The alliance is important to both clans.If her father can't retrieve her soon, I've half a mind to go fetch her myself."
"That could be seen as rather...forceful."
"Aye, well, I'm a rather forceful man."Ewan's grin was wicked."Besides, I haven't even met the lass yet, and already she's proving troublesome.What does that say about married life?"
Fiona laughed outright at his wounded expression."Perhaps it says she's got spirit.Ye might find that appealing once ye meet her."
"Spirit's one thing.Hiding in an abbey like a frightened rabbit is another entirely."
"Maybe she's not frightened of ye," Fiona suggested thoughtfully."Maybe she's frightened of marriage itself.Of being forced into something she doesn't understand with a man she's never met."
Ewan's scowl softened slightly."Is that how ye felt?Before Connor?"
"Terrified," Fiona admitted."I was convinced I'd be miserable for the rest of my life, married to some brutish Highland warrior who'd treat me like property."
"And now?"
Fiona felt warmth spread through her chest as she thought of Connor, his gentle hands in their chamber, the way he listened to her opinions, how he'd defended her honor."Now I think the best marriages might be the ones where both people choose to make them work."
Ewan studied her face carefully."Wise words.Perhaps I should remember that when I meet my reluctant bride."
"Perhaps ye should also remember that a woman who's brave enough to claim sanctuary probably isn't a meek little mouse.She might be exactly the kind of wife a Highland laird needs.A woman who won't be easily intimidated."
"Ye think I should admire her for making me look like a fool in front of both our clans?"
"I think ye should admire her for kenning her own mind and fighting for it," Fiona countered."After all, ye wouldn't want a wife who simply accepted whatever fate handed her, would ye?Where's the courage in that?"
Ewan stared at her for a moment, then began to chuckle."Damn, no wonder Connor's smitten.Ye've a way of turning a man's thinking upside down."
"It's a gift," she said solemnly, then grinned."But truly, Ewan, consider that she might need reassurance.A letter, perhaps, telling her something about yerself.Let her ken ye're not the monster she's probably imagining."
"And what if she still refuses?"
"Then at least ye'll ken ye tried kindness before resorting to force.And who knows?She might surprise ye."
Ewan nodded slowly, looking more thoughtful than frustrated now."Aye, that's not...terrible advice, actually."
"Coming from someone who married sight unseen and lived to tell the tale."
"Indeed."He was quiet for a moment, then looked at her with genuine gratitude."Thank ye, Fiona.It's been...nice, having a sister to talk to about such things."
Before she could respond, Horas appeared in the doorway, his eyes immediately seeking out Fiona.
"Mrs.MacNeil," Horas approached their table."I was hoping to speak with ye about arranging an escort for yer visit to the village this afternoon.With yer leg, I thought perhaps the cart rather than walking—"
"My leg is fine," Fiona interrupted, aware of how Ewan's expression had cooled at the interruption."And I haven't mentioned any plans to visit the village."
