Page 6 of How to Woo a Highlander

This might be harder than I thought. Would it even be wise to let people know that I am to be married to William? That might cause even bigger problems for me.

“I am Laird William’s guest,” she said vaguely, leaving out the details of their relationship. Suisan’s eyes narrowed, but Jane did not let her expression change, staring back at her frostily. Unable to say anything else, Suisan snorted and walked away.

Jane let out a tired sigh and searched the crowd for William, only to find him looking at her. She gave him a shaky smile, and concern flooded his features as he walked towards her.

“Ye didnae mention that ye ken William! He’s one of me best friends,” Lain said beside her with excitement in his voice.

William reached her, placing a tentative hand on her elbow and searching her face with concern etched in his furrowed brows.

"Are ye alright, Miss Baxendale? I apologize for nae being there to receive ye to the feast; it looks like ye just had a rather unpleasant confrontation."

Jane smiled politely and touched his arm to quell his concern.

"I am fine, Laird William. I only got here a while ago, and Mr. Darrow has been very kind," she told him, leaving out the issue of the woman, Suisan.

William glanced at Suisan, who was already laughing and drinking with a group. He frowned slightly, but as Jane had not said anything, he let it go, turning to Lain instead.

"Lain, ye are charmin' as always, I see. Thank ye for helpin' me guest." William placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, and Lain grinned, throwing an arm over William. It seemed they were close.

"Ah, me friend, ye already ken that I can handle such matters for ye any day, especially when yer guest is as lovely as this one," he teased, wiggling his brows at Jane in a silly manner and causing her to snort with laughter before she could compose herself.

A small smile lifted the corner of William's lips as he looked between them, and his eyes shone with mirth. It seemed he was easygoing despite his seriousness, and he did not seem to mind the fact that she was friendly with Lain.

"Well, I would have to steal Miss Baxendale for a moment, Lain, if ye dinnae mind," he politely requested, holding out his elbow to Jane.

"Nay, nay, please, dae carry on," Lain agreed with a wave of his hand, leaving them and going off to mingle with the crowd.

William turned to her, grinning as they began to walk together.

"Ye look as bonnie as a flower, Miss Baxendale. I'm glad ye could attend me feast," he began. She returned his smile.

"Please feel free to call me Jane, Laird William, and thank you."

"Ye may simply call me William. Well, we are to be married.”

His eyes became serious, although he was still smiling softly, and he patted her hand, stopping their walk.

"Miss Baxendale," he said before correcting himself, "Jane, I ken ye only just got here, but I trust ye have noticed that nae everyone accepts ye with open arms."

Her eyes widened at his bluntness, and she lowered her gaze to keep her thoughts from him.

I mustn't show my anger

William sighed and raised her chin with one finger so she would meet his eyes.

"Ye dinnae have to pretend that it doesnae bother ye. I understand that it must be frustrating, and I apologize for me people and the rudeness ye have faced," he added with a grimace. "I wish I could tell ye that it will nae happen again, but I cannae promise ye this."

He sounded apologetic, and Jane averted her gaze. She could find no fault with him; at least he was honest and direct.

"I understand. I did not tell the woman I met just now of our relationship as I figured that it would simply cause more trouble," she told him.

William sighed, taking her arm and beginning to walk again.

"That was very insightful, and I am glad ye did that. It is indeed more trouble than it's worth at the moment to let people ken of the nature of our relationship. Dae ye mind nae lettin' it become public yet? Until it is almost time for us to be married. Me clan is in turbulent times, and I need things to be more stable before I get married," he pleaded.

A secret betrothal. She had never considered it before, and it certainly was not what her father had in mind since he wanted the wedding to occur as soon as possible. However, she understood William. She could keep their betrothal to herself if it meant she could escape unnecessary attention from those who didn’t like her because she was English.

"I understand, William. You're right; it's best to keep this to ourselves for a while," she agreed.