Lady Eilean

Chapter 59

Bess deposited me outside the great hall where I now paced outside the large double doors. Fanning my face, I tried to quell the nerves and confusion I felt in finding myself in this predicament.

I had just bartered for an autonomous Ellesmure, and I was almost certain I might get it. My cheeks burned from passion, audacity, excitement, and anticipation. Every fiber of my being felt alive, exposed, frayed. I did what I could to temper my hope; the Delegation had not agreed. Not yet.

The noise from the great hall was overwhelming. Peering through the gap between the doors I observed the hall packed beyond capacity. It seemed the entire world had arrived to witness The Standing.

My Standing.

Damn them all.

I was the Laird! This was a debasement! I gulped a breath and shook out my hands. I was only the Laird's daughter. For now. Even with seven older brothers, I would inherit a significant fortune. Never mind that I only had a dowry because of my blood, sweat, and tears. None of my work mattered anymore if this went poorly. Here, at this moment, I would serve the only purpose most people thought me capable of.

I hated them all for it. Hated myself for not fighting harder against it.

I pulled on the bodice of my dress, convinced that by doing so it would become more comfortable, less constructing. The silk stuck against my skin in stale air. Beads of sweat ran down my back with tickling annoyance.

I was tired and hungry and pinched and powered and prickling with rage. Even with the Laird's promise that Alex would be triumphant, bitter anxiety roiled in my gut. What if someone beat him to the bid? Had more money? What if there was a fight? Could I trust the Delegation?

I wiped my clammy hands against my skirt; the fabric doing little to absorb the moisture.

Footsteps echoed on the stone floor and announced the approach of my father. He stopped a few feet from me and we studied each other quizzically. He seemed lucid, alert. He smiled with a proud tilt to his head. It seemed he was here with me in reality... for now.

"You look lovely, Eilean," he said with a courtly bow.

"Thank you, sir," I grumbled. I couldn't help but pray he would remain clearheaded for the rest of the day. The extra guests and festivities had been taxing on him. Alan had worked with him, but they had only had two sessions.

"You look miserable, too," he said, walking a few steps closer. He reached out and took my hands in his. "Come now, smile! This is an important and happy day!"

I scowled at him, my hatred for The Standing apparent. "Being sold off into marriage seems like fine repayment for keeping the walls of Stormway standing. Forgive me, Father, if I am not thrilled by my forthcoming auction."

Father frowned and dropped my hands. Letting out a sigh, he walked toward a nearby window and looked out, studying the picture of rolling fields beyond. "I know this is difficult for you."

I said nothing in response.

"I am indebted to you, of course. Because of your leadership and finesse in managing these lands. But I am home now, as are your brothers. What option is there, Eilean? We must serve our purposes and duty."

It soothed me to remember he knew nothing about the Delegation's presence. The deal we had almost struck. Father was blind to his own shortcomings, and it filled me with heartache.

"What of my duty? My purpose?" I asked, bitter.

Father turned and looked at me, a regretful smile across his face. "I'm afraid this is it."