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never seen ye so distraught and it pains me. Nay, I wish we could keep you
here forever. But ye must go, Bree. You’ll be well protected.”
    “Protected? I dislike hearing that
word, my lord. Who am I to marry?”
    “You are called home to your family.
They have made the arrangement. We promised to keep you safe until they came
for you. The laird will tell you whom ye shall marry upon your arrival. He has
sent a messenger and requested the wedding be in one month. We shall prepare
for your departure.”
    Bree began twisting her hands and
fidgeting, yet reason made her unemotional. “I know not of my family. Why do
they come for me now?”
    “There were matters which concerned
them and for your protection, you were given to us for safekeeping. Now that
you have reached womanhood, they’ll want ye to marry someone of import, someone
within their clan.”
    Bree sniffed back a cry. The mention
of her family brought mixed emotions. On one hand, she was nervous about
meeting them, and on the other, she found herself excited about the prospect of
knowing where she’d come from.
    “I knew I’d marry eventually. I am
most pleased, my lord. Will you and my lady travel with me?”
    “Nay, we cannot. I have many
important matters to see to here. You will be well, Bree, a married woman. You
won’t need us.”
    “I shall be alone?” Her heart
crushed from the pain of his words. For as long as she could remember, she
disliked being alone and often felt as though she had no one. Bree wanted to
sink to her knees and beg him not to send her away, but she wouldn’t demean
herself in such a way. She had always thought she would marry a man who lived
close to her lord and lady, someone like Rhys. The thought of marrying someone
unknown worried her.
    “Nay, not alone. Cait will go with
you. Will that make you feel better?”
    “Aye, my lord, it does. I thank you.
Will I see you again? Will I live afar?”
    He took her hand, gently squeezing
it. “Aye, very far. The Highlanders are unusual people. They don’t like
outsiders and keep to themselves. We would not be welcomed. You’ll be one of
them and therefore not accessible to us. We are assured of your care and won’t
worry for ye.”
    Bree inferred there was more to what
he had told her. “I heard you speaking with the soldiers, and I …”
    “The laird wouldn’t have called for
you if there was danger.” His voice rose in agitation. “I know the reason you
were placed with us, Bree, until the lairds were ready … Yet I must have faith
you will be safe.”
    “What readiness do you speak of?”
    “These are matters of men and do not
concern you.” He patted her hand.
    “I’m to leave then and never
return,” Bree said dejectedly.
    “My lady, pray, can you not offer
comfort to the girl?” he said to his wife with a bit of bite to his words.
    She heard her mother’s quiet sobs
and Bree knew if she dared to look at her, she too would lose her decorum and
weep as well. Seeing someone cry always brought tears to Bree’s eyes. She
couldn’t help feeling sorrow when someone wept. Alas, Lady Millie’s sorrow was
not caused by Bree’s marriage announcement or the woe of sending a daughter
away. Her sorrow was caused by her own selfishness. She’d never once comforted
Bree in all the years she’d lived there, except to assure herself of a lavish
meal and food with which all others envied. If Lady Millie had adoration for
her, it was certainly not because of her love of Bree, but for her talent in
the kitchens.
    “I shall go and ready then for my
departure.” Bree didn’t wait to be dismissed. She hastened to the door and ran
down the stairs to her chamber at the back of the manor. Tears streamed her
cheeks and she released all her heartbreak.
    After opening the hide covering on
the window casement inside her chamber, she leaned on the stone ledge and
looked out at the view. The summer dusk hadn’t cooled the land and still the
heat warmed the stone. Bree was