Sara cleared her throat. “Hello,” she offered to the room along with a tentative smile. She was gripping Nathan’s hand so hard hers hurt. Her new personality did not extend to every part of her life just yet.
Silence cannoned in to the room, four pairs of eyes turning toward her. She felt her smile waver, acutely aware of the man holding her hand while she was still wearing her wedding dress. Or rather, wearing it again. There had been no hesitation in Nathan’s actions when he had stripped her two hours earlier.
Claire was the first one to move. She stood and moved toward Sara, hands outstretched. Sara automatically released Nathan’s and took her friend’s. Claire squeezed them before pulling her into a tight embrace. Warmth and comfort flowed from her, cloaking Sara and she closed her eyes in relief.
“We were so worried,” Claire whispered in her ear. “I am so glad you are safe.”
“I didn’t mean to cause any concern,” she replied, pulling away to see Bonnie now standing nearby, waiting for her turn. After sharing another embrace, she looked at her two friends. “You are not angry with me for what happened at the church?”
“That depends,” Jacob broke in. The three ladies looked at him, his feet spread apart and arms crossed where he stood. Stephen was nearby, not quite so unwelcoming but distrust still emanated from him. Both of them were looking at Nathan. “What does he have to do with where you have been?” Jacob asked.
Sara felt Nathan draw himself up. “I’m not one to kiss and tell,” he drawled.
Jacob’s brow lowered and he advanced toward the group, his intention clear. Claire stepped between them, hands out to stop him and Sara moved closer to Nathan, her hand wrapping around his arm. It was tense beneath her touch and she feared a fight would break out.
“We’re going to Scotland,” she blurted out.
All eyes swiveled to her again, three pairs in disbelief and one darkening in his glower. Jacob moved to advance again, but Claire remained firm.
“When did that happen?” Bonnie asked, her tone incredulous.
“Bonnie lass,” Stephen began.
“Sir Stephen is from Scotland,” Sara said to Nathan, her voice growing hysterical even to her. “He can advise us on where to go.”
“We are engaged,” Nathan announced to the room. He took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “This is not some illicit elopement, but we feel we cannot remain in the area at present, not with what happened earlier.”
“You both were conveniently traveling at the same time,” Jacob accused, the scowl still on his face. “I’d wager every last farthing we have that they were together.”
“Do you have any proof beyond that? If so, I would be happy to address it.” Nathan met Jacob’s glower steadily.
“I still don’t understand,” Bonnie said. “I’ve never even met or heard of you and now Sara wants to elope with you?”
“Oh, the marriage is not the purpose for the trip,” Nathan said. “It will just be convenient at the time. We have both stated that we would be together even without the blessing of the church. And Nathan Grant, at your service.” He sketched a small bow.
“Nathan, you are not helping,” Sara said softly, her eyes wary on Jacob.
“Sara, have you even thought this through?” Bonnie asked. “Scotland? With a stranger?”
“He’s not a stranger, not to me.”
Bonnie continued over her. “That may be all well and good for the nonce, but what about an actual future? What happens after the wedding takes place? What are your plans?”
“I have an estate, Cloverfields, in addition to Windent Hall,” Nathan informed her. “We will make our home at one of them.”
“You are a gentleman farmer?” Bonnie asked, an interrogatory gleam in her eyes.
Jacob snorted. “Gentleman farmer my ass.” He raised his hands at Claire’s admonishing look.
Nathan ignored him. “I will become one. For Sara’s sake.”
Bonnie turned her interrogation to her friend. “And you, Sara? Will you continue teaching with the Club?”
“Um,” she glanced at Nathan. “If that is what—” She cut off her sentence when he squeezed her hand. Taking courage in his support, she revised her statement. “No. I do not wish to teach any longer. Even if I weren’t marrying Nathan, I have no wish to teach, for I detest it.”