Page 8 of The Lass and the Laird

The dark-haired man was fine-looking, but without any knowledge of as much as his name, she could not be sure if he was a gentleman or not. What if he had a price on his handsome head? He could be wanted for killing or treason.

She took in the familiar space. If only women were granted the freedom to do as they wished. A small cottage by the loch is where she'd live. She'd pass the days peacefully, harvesting herbs for healing and cooking meals for the elderly of the village.

The handsome stranger's face formulated in her mind and Meredith decided she would also take a lover in her cottage by the loch. A handsome man, like the stranger, who would bring her flowers and baubles.

Lily's entrance dragged her from her daydreams. "Milady. You are lucky your brother is not home, but away for two days."

She wondered where Aiden had gone. He'd not mentioned anything about a trip that morning before she'd left for the village. "Where did he go?"

"Carob says to visit the Campbell. They sent a messenger to fetch him."

"Interesting."

Aiden and the Campbell were on good terms, and even with a large difference in age, often visited and spoke for long spells. Yet she wondered at the message. Was the Campbell ill or had something unexpected happened?

Lily brought one of her dresses out of the wardrobe and shook the folds with gusto before placing it over a chair for the next day. "Would you like me to bring you something to eat, milady?"

Often when Aiden was gone, she ate in her room. The only female in a house full of men, she liked to allow them time to speak freely without having to measure what they spoke of. Already the noise of the conversation was so noisy she could hear the loud guffaws in her chamber. "Perhaps just bread and cheese, I am not very hungry."

"I will bring ye a proper dinner." Lily gave her a stern look. "Ye had only a piece of bread at the inn. It's a wonder ye almost fainted.” The maid hid a smile behind her hand.

"Eat with me, Lily, then." Meredith smiled back. "I was foolish today. Should listen to you more often."

With a bob of her head, Lily left and Meredith moved to the window. What was the stranger's name? What would happen if he were brought before the laird? Everyone would know the folly of her ways and she'd be humiliated and the gossip of the town. Aiden would surely not want his first meeting with the new laird to be about his impetuous sister.

Her stomach flipped. "I won't marry anyone. I'll run away and ask the new laird for asylum before I do." She could offer her services as maid or seamstress, or...she let out a huff. Depressing how limited her options were.

Mind awhirl, she began the task of letting her hair down to enjoy a relaxing evening in her chamber. She'd worry about everything else the next day.

Bam. Bam. Bam.

Meredith jerked awake as her brother stepped through the doorway. His dark expression made her sit up and move back against the headboard. "Aiden, what happens?"

"What happens? Did you just ask me what happens? I am the one who wants to ask that question of you, sister."

Obviously the guards wasted no time in relaying what occurred the day before to Aiden. "I was sleeping until you walked in. You frightened me. Where were you? I was told you were to be gone two days at Clan Campbell."

"Your attempt to distract me will not work. I was told you stole away with a stranger in town yesterday. Were kissing him. Explain this to me."

Although her brother had been her guardian only five years and was that many years older, his anger alarmed her. It became impossible to swallow past her dry throat. "I-I do have an explanation, but you have to calm. You are scaring me."

A glower was the only response but her brother moved to the fireplace and leaned against the wall. Not quite calm, but less threatening. "Is there a reason for your actions other than to ruin your reputation?"

"I was...am distraught at the thought of being matched to marry again. Is it too much to ask that I at least be given a choice? I acted without thought. Only I can be blamed for kissing the man without him expecting it. Aiden, I need more time."

It gave her comfort that Aiden seemed to ponder her words. In the years since their father died, he'd changed from a relaxed demeanor to a darker, easy to anger, and hard man. Meredith studied his profile and wondered at the burdens her brother carried that he didn't speak of.

His two-toned gaze took her in. "The death of your new husband has affected you, I understand. However, I must find you a good home, ensure you are protected and cared for by a good husband. Who is this man you kissed with? Is he someone of good standing?"

"I don't want to cause you more to worry about, Aiden. I am sorry." Meredith avoided answering, not wanting to admit she had no idea who the dark-haired stranger was. "I will accept whatever you decide is best. But I don't understand why I can't remain here with you. It's what I wish above all else."

His face softened, he moved closer and cupped her face with one hand. "You can remain here, sister. But I will marry one day and whoever my wife is will oversee the household. I know this will cause conflict. You are not one to give control over easily. Besides, you are a beautiful woman who deserves a home and family of your own."

His words brought tears to her eyes. Aiden knew her well and understood her thoughts of such things. Yes, what she'd always dreamed of was a good husband and many children. A family and home to take care of.

"I will go to Laird Gordon and investigate his plans as far as marriage. If he is willing, I will propose a match. You cannot do better in this region."

It was hard to bite back a retort. All she could do was pray the Gordon was not willing. "Aye, brother, I love you."