Page 64 of Highlander’s Sweet Poison

“Hold on a moment.” Graeme reached out and grabbed Clyde’s arm. “What is she talking about? Are ye courting my sister?”

“No,” Jillian jumped in before he could say anything. “But he needs to be. He’s been in love with her for quite some time.”

Although pregnant, the lass didn’t miss much. Hesitantly, Clyde looked at Graeme and sat down. He and Graeme had been friends for decades, and he had no idea how Graeme would feel about Clyde’s feelings towards his sister.

Graeme looked at him in astonishment. “Is that true? I knew that ye used to be close to her when we were all friends, but ye love her? For how long?”

Now it was on the table, and Jillian was clearly not going to leave the subject alone. Grunting, Clyde drank from his ale. “I had planned on asking yer father for her hand the night that ye told me she was to wed Alan, and although ‘tis none of yer business, the reason that I havenae pursued Annella now that Alan is dead is that she knew how I felt about her. I thought she felt the same, but she chose Alan over me, and that is that. I have no intention of trying to spark things for a second time with a woman who doesnae want me. She is finding happiness in her life, and lord knows she deserves it. I wilnae ruin that for her.”

“Chose Alan?” Graeme repeated. “What makes ye say that?”

“She was caught in a compromised position, was she not?” Clyde demanded. “What else am I to say about that?”

“Aye, she was found, but I do not doubt that Alan forced her. She’s was Fulton’s favorite female relationship, and even then, Alan was looking for ways to gain more power.” Graeme banged his fist on the table. “I could never get her to admit what really happened then or I would have put a stop to it, but she has told me now...”

“Graeme.” Jillian put a hand on his arm. “I know ye are upset, but this is not our story to tell. If Clyde wants to know the truth, he should tell Annella himself.”

For the first time in a long time, Clyde felt a glimmer of hope. “What do ye mean? Tell me!”

“Nay. ‘Tis Annella’s personal story, Clyde, but in truth, ye must know how she looks at ye. Ye and my husband are the only two people in this clan who dinnae seem to see it.” Jillian glared at her husband as if she took a personal affront to it. With a grunt, she rose, and Graeme was immediately there with a hand on her back to support her. “Tomorrow, I am looking after my darling niece and nephew while Alexina and Annella peruse the merchant carts that are coming. I believe Alexina will be feeling ill tomorrow and Annella will be alone. If ye are wise, she wilnae be alone for long, now will she?”

Clyde didn’t know what to say. He looked up at Graeme. “How do ye feel about this?”

“My friend, in this, my opinion doesnae matter. My sister has spent many years unhappy. If she thinks that ye can change that for her, then ye have my blessing.”

“Understood.”

They left, and he sat once again in a crowded tavern feeling so very alone. Tomorrow, he would have a very important choice to make, and he didn’t even begin to know how to decide.

This was the first year in a long time that Annella was able to meet the merchant carts traveling through the clan. Because the highlands were treacherous terrain, they only traveled by horse once every two years. When she was younger, she adored coming to look at all the fabrics and trinkets, dishes, and jewelry. Her father always let her pick out something to take home, and it was one of the best days for her.

After she married Alan, he forbid her to go. What was the point in looking at all the things they couldn’t afford, and who would watch the children? Never mind that Annella had quietly been collecting coins from the dolls that she made and sold or that her mother often could watch the children. It was just another way for her husband to control her and take away her happiness.

Well, not any longer. Today, she was going to go to and enjoy every minute she was there even if she couldn’t afford a single thing. Finally, there was no one to stop her.

Waiting in the spot where she and Alexina were to meet, she frowned when she saw Alexina’s husband walking toward her instead. Tearloch was a good man and a good husband, although his marriage had a rocky start. Now, it was obvious to everyone that he loved his wife and she in turn loved him. They were one of the lucky ones.

An ill-feeling gripped her, and she rushed toward him. “Is Alexina all right?”

Tearloch cleared his throat. “Aye, she seems well enough, but she wanted me to send her regards. It seems that she cannae meet with ye today, and she is vera sorry.”

That was hardly an answer. “Why?” she demanded.

The guard immediately looked at the ground. “Well, she woke up this morning and told me that she had a headache.”

“A headache?” Annella repeated. It seemed a reasonable excuse, and yet, something seemed off. “But ye just said she seems well enough.”

“I only meant that the headache will pass. Perhaps, if ye are still walking through the carts, she can join ye later.”

“I can wait,” Annella decided. “If she believes that she can go later, then I will wait. Jillian and Graeme have the children all day, so ‘tis no issue if I am a little later. These things are always better with friends.”

His eyes widened in alarm. “Nay, ye cannae do that.”

“Why not?” she demanded in exasperation.

“Because she knows how much ye are looking forward to this, and she wants ye to have a good time. Honestly, she will be vera cross with me if ye dinnae go. Please.”

“Right,” Annella said slowly. “I dinnae want her to be cross with ye.”