Page 72 of The Highland Heir

But now, having slept on it, doubts creptin.

“I do think he is a fine man, I’m just notsure why you feel the need to mention it yet again.”

“He is handsome,” Ella went on, now that heraunt had agreed to him being a good, fine man.

“Aye.”

“A fierce fighter, I’m sure.” Though she’dnot had the opportunity to see him in action.

“Being the war chief would guarantee such,”Jenny reasoned.

Ella nodded. It was true enough. Her UncleWilliam wouldn’t have given him such a responsibility if he weren’tup for the task.

“He has a quick wit.”

“Humor will get you through many of thestorms life brings.”

Storms. She felt as if she were alreadycaught up in such a storm.

“I believe he will be faithful,” Ellacontinued.

“As a good man would do.”

“Yes. He is a good man.”

Jenny let out a sigh and tilted her head.

“You would tell me if I’m readying this gownfor nothing.”

“Aye. It is not for nothing. In fact, I wishit was ready right now so I might go find him and have it doneright away. Maybe this evening after the meal? Today would be agood day. Better, I think, than tomorrow, as planned.”

“I will sew faster if you wish.”

“I don’t think I even need a fancy gown tomarry. I could just marry like this.” She gestured to herself.

“In breeches, ye mean?” Jenny frowned.

Ella had thought a long ride that morningmight settle her nerves, but it hadn’t worked.

“Aye. Shouldn’t the man I marry love me inbreeches as well as a gown?”

“Did Arran say he loved ye?” Jenny settledher gaze on Ella.

“Well, nay. It is too soon for such emotions,and we have not spent so much time together.”

Not very much time at all. But then Kieranwas to marry a woman he’d never met and didn’t know if he wouldeven like, so did one need so much time to decide? If one was surethey were willing to do their best to make it a good match, whatelse was there to decide?

“Do you think you should spend more time withhim before ye marry to make sure this is the right thing?” Jennyasked.

“Nay. I think we should get it done so wemight move forward. It would be easier to get to know each otherafter we’re married so we can spend all our time together.”

“Could you sit down? All your pacing ismaking me dizzy and stirring up dust.”

“Did you not marry because you loved Roger?The man that seduced you as well as your sisters?”

“Nay, once I learned of his true nature, Iwas able to see he wasn’t worth my heart.”

“You said there was another. Someone else whostole your heart.”