* * *
“Are ye listening, Lorena?” Reed asked.
Sophia was sure her sister was lost in thought.
“Aye, Reed.” Lorena smiled. “I am.”
“So, what says ye?”
Lorena fell silent. It was quite evident now that she was speechless. She may have heard him, but she did not appear focused enough to make sense of what he was saying.
“Perhaps we should continue talking another time.”
“Aye. Another time then.”
“Sister,” Lorena whispered. “Pray tell—are ye afraid the Laird will nae choose ye?”
“A wee bit,” Sophia confirmed. “The fear brews in me.”
“He will. I’m sure o’ it,” Lorena said.
Sophia wondered how Lorena could be sure. “I cannae help it, Lorena. I was so sure before we left home, but now… I have no confidence in his affection for me.”
Lorena shot Reed, who was quietly seated beside her, a glance. He quickly moved his eyes away, and Sophia guessed he was worried as well.
Lorena turned back to Sophia. “Did something happen? I saw ye two talking.”
Sophia remained silent. Suddenly, Kendrick walked into the hall with their father. Neither of them had a hint of happiness on their face. They almost seemed like they had been attending a burial.
Kendrick motioned to Angus. “Ye should inform them,” he said.
Angus nodded back in agreement. “After speaking with the Laird,” Angus heaved a sigh, “He has decided to make Lorena his wife.”
Well, there it was.
Sophia’s body froze over. Her head swirled so quickly to Lorena that she could almost hear her neck crack. Her sister’s eyes were wide and pleading.
“There must be a mistake,” Lorena protested. “I cannae marry the Laird when—” She cut herself off. “I cannae marry the Laird,” she repeated. “I do nae love him.”
No one said a thing.