Her Highlander's Promise by B. J. Scott

say.”
    Laurel’s heart slammed into her ribs and her mind raced with questions. “What have my parents to do with any of this? Tell me,” she demanded. “What did you do to them?” She balled her fists, then took a step in her cousin’s direction. She’d tempered her emotions long enough.
    Deirdre didn’t reply. Instead, she left the room, locking the door behind her.
    Laurel pounded on the solid oak slab. “I willna marry your son. Do with me what you will, but I refuse to cower to your threats. Open the door!” she yelled, but her protest went unanswered.

Chapter 7
    Laurel tossed and turned, sleep evading her as Deirdre’s threats and insinuations kept running through her mind. While she found the idea of being married to Allan deplorable, the comment about her parents learning their lesson troubled her even more. Judging by the swift way her cousin had ended their discussion and exited the chamber, it was clear she had disclosed more than she intended.
    Laurel had heard rumors about Deirdre’s obsession with her father, fits of jealous rage, and hatred for her mother, but no one dared challenge her. Not even when those servants who worked directly with her mam had mysteriously disappeared right after her death. She was but a wee bairn when her mother passed, and her da was so overcome with grief, he asked no questions.
    The morning sun had yet to rise when a soft rap on the door disturbed her musing. “Lady Laurel, are you awake?” a woman asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
    “Isla, is that you?”
    “Aye. Are you able to come closer to the door? I dare not shout for fear someone will hear me. If the mistress finds out I’ve left the kitchen, there will be hell to pay.”
    Laurel sprang from her bed, then began to shiver. The room was so cold she could see her breath. After wrapping a length of plaid around her shoulders, she hurried across the room. “Deirdre has locked the door. Can you let yourself in? She could come along at any minute. Finding you here would not bode well for either of us.”
    “Och, Mairi told me you were confined to your chamber, but I’d hoped it was just hearsay. The key is not in the lock. The old hag must have taken it with her.”
    “Are you well, Isla? I have been beside myself with worry. I am so sorry they punished you for my tardiness.” Pressing her ear to the door, she waited for a reply.
    “I’m fine, m’lady. The mistress has me doing the work of three people, but so far, I have managed to finish all the tasks she has thrown my way. You are not to blame,” the maid answered. “What about you? I canna believe she is going to make you marry Allan. I cringe just thinking about it.”
    “Then you’ve heard the dreadful news. The wedding is set for three days hence.”
    “Is there nothing you can do? Mayhap speaking to your cousin Murray would help. Surely he wants his son to be happy.”
    “My cousin knows nothing about happiness. I’ve tried to reason with him, but he willna listen or challenge his wife’s decisions. Besides, Deirdre refuses to let me out of here until the morn of the nuptials. I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.”
    “What about Lord Cameron? Is there a way to get word to him? Perhaps he could intervene.”
    “I never told you this yesterday, but Blair asked me to meet him in secret by the postern gate this evening. But there is no way I can be there,” Laurel said.
    “You must try. Maybe he can help you to escape. You could return after your eighteenth Saints’ Day. Being spirited away by the man you love sounds so romantic,” Isla said, sighing.
    “I am confined to my chamber so canna meet with him. But maybe that is for the best. Murray and Deirdre will never reconsider their decision, and I wouldna do anything to put Blair in danger.”
    “What if I were to meet him for you? I’ll tell him you are imprisoned in your chamber and need his help. I am sure he will come to your aid.”
    “Nay, Isla. It would be too