Night Run
Part 7
Brianna sat by the fire lost in thought. Where was Rorie? Was she alright? Was Charles lying? What was she going to do? She had so many questions and no answers. She would start by questioning the McGregor.
Conner stood in the doorway watching Brianna. She couldn’t hide her thoughts her every emotion showed on her face. She was an awful liar. Conner knew everything she had told him so far was a lie. He just wanted to know was for her safety or had someone sent her. The McGregor’s had plenty of enemies, including the Murrays. Feuds that went back for generations and Clans that coveted the land, they all were a menace. Conner was sure she wasn’t a Murray but he wanted to know why she chose to lie.
Conner cleared his throat. Brianna jumped. “I didn’t see you there.” She said blushing.
“Either my warrior skills are as good as I think they are or you were so deep in thought I could have stomped in here and you still would not have heard me.” He said.
“A little of both I think.” She said with a little laugh.
“ I see you have settled in. Now it’s time for you to give me some answers.” He said taking a across from her.
“Wwhat do yyyou want to to know?” she managed to stammer out.
“Who you really are to begin with.” He said
“Umm I told you I am Brianna Murray.” She said
“No, I don’t think so. If you were a Murray you would know I clans have been feuding for 3 generations.” He said with a chuckle
She glanced up at him wondering what to say.. She didn’t want him to know her real name.
“”Umm, well, I guess I should apologize.” She said searching for an answer.
“So?” He said.
“My Name is Brianna McBride.” She said using Rorie’s last name. “I didn’t want to use my last name because I was told your Clan did some harm to some of my Kin.”
Connor stared at her trying to determine whether she told the truth. He was sure she wasn’t. “One of my cousin’s married a McBride last month they’re in the holding I wonder if you can be vouched for.” He said watching her reaction. Brianna held her head down wondering who it could be. She had met many of Rorie’s cousins but would they vouch for her. She didn’t look up until she had it together.
“Im sure he will.” She said quietly. Trying not to give herself away.
“It’s a she.” Conner said. “I will take you to their cottage tomorrow.”
Oh my goodness she thought but she said “I’ll be ready.” What was she going to do? Runaway again or take her chances with the cousin? Damn, she wished he would leave so she could gather her song.
“You do that.” He said still searching her face for a tell. “I’ll be here after you break your fast.” Conner said will exiting the room.
Brianna stood up and started pacing the room trying to figure out her next move. She could leave and continue to search for Rorie. Maybe she could get a messenger sent to Rorie’s parents. She negated both ideas. For one she had no means of sending a message and she had no clothes. Maybe her not having clothes would delay the meeting with the cousins. She shook her head as she paced, she doubted the McGregor would let a little thing like clothing stand in the way of what he wanted.
What she going to do. The McGregor’s may have fierce tales told about them but everyone here had treated her with nothing but kindness. Conner may be a little gruff but kind. Maybe she should just tell the truth. No, she couldn’t do that. She would just have to play the scene out. Mayhap it was cousin Nail. He was of marrying age and had always been kind to her when she was with the McBrides. If it was Logan he would join in thinking it was a Jest. There were so many McBrides there was no telling who it was.
Brianna slept fitfully worrying about her meeting with the McGregor‘s cousin-in-law. She racked her brain trying to remember if one of the cousins had announced a betrothal. Finally at dawn after playing their conversation back in her head she remembered he had said it was a she. She then went through the list of female McBride cousins she knew and finally fell asleep.
It seemed like as soon as she closed her eyes someone was knocking on the door rousing her from sleep. She got up and pulled the covers to her chin.
“Come in” she said sleepily. She was expecting the McGregor but it was one of the maids with a shift and a linen gown in a deep green. She held the dress up. It was in good condition. It was actually a pretty dress. “Tell the person who volunteered their beautiful garment thank you.” Brianna said meaning it.
“She would welcome you to it, it’s the lords sisters dress.” The maid said cheerfully.
“Well, tell she has my thanks.” Brianna said.
“She’s not here, she went to the Douglas Clan to spend some time with her betroths family.” The maid continued as she straightened the room.
“Oh, well, tell her when she returns.” Brianna said as she got out of the bed to tidy herself before dressing.
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