Page 109 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
“Not quite, my dear niece,” he said, striking his cane calmly on the floor.
Marian’s eyebrows drew together in confusion.
“You will do precisely as I instruct before you leave,” he continued sweetly, taking a few steps toward her. “You will secure a marriage with the Laird.”
Marian’s heart skipped a beat, but she somehow managed to maintain her composure.
She had not thought of marrying Lachlan. She had barely even had enough time to consider his question on whether she wished to remain in Glen Carrick. And now, suddenly, the topic of marriage was on the table.
Her face flushed slightly.
“That is absurd,” she responded before her uncle could notice anything, holding her chin even higher.
She eyed him carefully.
Edmund Norton was not the kind of man to make mere suggestions. There was always a hidden motive. A caveat. And he would soon reveal it.
“Uncle, you cannot possibly wish for me to marry a laird,” Marian reasoned, choosing her words carefully. “I am certain there are many suitors in England,” she added quietly, “ones that are much more acceptable for you and Mama… for the family.”
Edmund’s thin lips stretched into a dry smile. He met her eyes, taking a few steps toward her.
“You’ve always been a sensible girl, Marian,” he said, placing his cold hands on her shoulders in a manner that sent a shiver down her spine. “You have always cared about the family.”
Marian nodded, holding his gaze even as it grew uncomfortable by the minute.
“I trust you to understand that this is necessary,” he continued calmly. “Once you are his wife, the land becomes accessible to our family.” His grip tightened on her shoulders, and hissaccharine smile widened. “The Crown is far more inclined to honor a marriage than a disputed inheritance.”
Marian’s heart sank.
So, this is about the estate.
She had wanted so badly to believe differently when her uncle sent her here to claim the inheritance. She had convinced herself that it was genuine. That he truly wanted her to have a piece of her father’s heritage and something for herself. That this was her shot at freedom.
But now…
Her heart twisted as she realized yet again that it was all for the sake of her selfish family—a family to which she was nothing but a fancy tool to elevate their standing in society.
Marian stepped back, and his hands fell off her shoulders. “I will not deceive him into marriage,” she said, shaking her head slowly.
Edmund’s smile faded instantly. “You will do as you are told,” he gritted out, his voice low and dangerous.
He turned toward the table, his jaw clenching slightly.
“Do not give me trouble, Marian,” he murmured, his voice filled with distaste. “I have taken great pains to be here, and your mother expects this.”
Marian nearly scoffed.
Trouble?She had been forced to travel here for three weeks in harsh weather, without so much as a guard. And yet, he had a fancy carriage and a small entourage waiting for him in the courtyard. But that was beside the point.
Her lips pressed together into a line, and she straightened her shoulders. “I will not trick him into such a thing,” she insisted, her mind already set.
Her uncle burst into shrill laughter.
It was nearly manic. He held his stomach as he doubled over, his laughter cutting through the air and echoing off the walls.
Then, suddenly, he stopped.
“Trick him,” he spat, his lips curling wickedly as his mask began to fall off. “Since when have you grown the courage to disobey me?”
