“I was, indeed.” She couldn’t speak more on these rumors for she did not know what could cause anyone to hate him, especially Lorena. “How would this look?” Sophia huffed, beaming as she got to her feet. She dragged the Arasaid she had sewn for special occasions from the far corner of the room and held it over her body.
Lorena rolled her eyes in disappointment. “Ye would look like a rabbit chasing carrots in it.”
“Really?” Sophia fought a frown.
Her sister drew her down onto the bed, holding her hands as if in desperation.
“Think about it—ye are like the sun and moon. He is different from ye. Ye cannae possibly wish to marry him just because of yer admiration for him. He would smother yer light.”
“Ye poor thing… it's a good thing ye may nae have to marry him, then,” Sophia teased as she lovingly touched her sister's cheek.
“Ye should cease taunting yer sister,” their mother announced as she entered Sophia’s room. “It would be an honor if the Laird asked to wed our dear Sophia,” she leaned over to retrieve the garment on Sophia’s lap. “This would fit ye, my dear,” she simpered.
Sophia leaped up, catching her mother in a half-embrace. “Ye think so, ma?”
Their mother nodded in affirmation, “I believe so, my love.”
Having failed to dissuade her sister, Lorena put her hands over her mouth, yawning in resignation.
“Ye must get ready. We depart shortly for the feast.” Their mother lowered herself enough to reach Lorena’s arms, and without giving room for her to free herself, she dragged her out of the chamber.
Sophia smiled to herself. She couldn't seem to get Kendrick off her mind. She was concerned about how much older he would appear. She imagined his blue eyes locked on hers and him addressing her as hislady. Her stomach knotted just thinking about it made her chuckle. She wished she could run her fingers through his thick, dark, curly hair. She had so much she wanted to tell him...
She had hoped for a day like this for all eternity.
This sounds too good to be true… but what could go wrong? I doubt he would choose Lorena, she thought, anxiety creeping up her throat. Lorena had no affection for him. In fact, she despised him, and she would not settle with a man for whom she had no feelings.
“Sophia!” Lorena called in a whisper as she sneaked into her room again. She was dressed in an astonishing blue dress that was falling down heavily and made her look like a serene night sky.
Turning her gaze to her sister, Sophia opened her mouth wide in playful shock. “Ye look like ye would leave all the lads fighting for breath tonight!”
Lorena posed, showing off playfully. “Do I, sister?”
“Shall I show ye yer reflection in my eyes?”
“Thank ye, sister. Ye will look even more beautiful.”
Sophia took Lorena’s hand in her own and drew in an anxious breath. There was a lot she wanted to say; a lot she had to lose tonight, too. “I dinnae ken what will happen tonight, but promise me, we will always be here for each other.”
Lorena looked suddenly downcast. She pried her hand away to seize Sophia’s. “I promise, sister. Things may change, but we will always be here for each other.”
Sophia pulled her close, holding Lorena for what could have been hours before pulling herself back.
They knew not what the feast would bring, but one thing was certain: things would not be the same when they returned. The sisters had great confidence in their unbreakable bond and, together, even the strongest storm would only seem like a drizzle.
“Shall we go then?” Sophia forced a smile once she was dressed and offered her hand.
“We shall,” Lorena grinned lightly before taking Sophia's hand. Together, they walked out of their father’s home and into the unknown.
CHAPTERTHREE
Later that evening, Kendrick discovered himself attempting to avoid the feast he had organized. Despite his best efforts, his thoughts were scattered and erratic. But he was unable to find a way out of the situation he was in.
One of the maids knocked on his door. “Milaird, some of the visitors have already arrived, and the feast begins shortly. It was asked that I fetch ye.” Kendrick snarled, unwilling to answer. His silence only made her knock again. “Are ye in there, milaird?”
Footsteps from the corridor interrupted her knocking. She had to have drawn Logan. “Is something wrong?” Kendrick heard him say from behind the door. He took a step closer.
“The Laird has not responded to my notice, sir.”