Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series by Bound to the Highlander

you, Andrews. And I want it now!”
    The priest and the steward exchanged an unsure glance, prompting her to place her hands on her hips. Father Addison deflated and collapsed onto the bench with his head in his hands.
    “We thought we could protect you from the truth. Believe me when I say, your uncle did not make this decision lightly or without counsel. He was troubled during the time leading up to his visit with the elder MacIntosh and as I recall, it took two attempts to convince the man to accept the arrangement.” Father Addison paused.
    “Go on.”
    “He wasn’t trying to hurt you, lass,” Andrews said. “As to his reasons, well they died with him.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
    “I don’t believe you.”
    “You must my La —. You must.” He glanced and Father Addison.
    She turned to the priest again. “What truth were you protecting me from? What could be so important to destroy my life and Gawain’s?”
    Andrews’ harrumph was the last straw. “What John? What is it about Gawain that makes you so cynical? I trust you would never voice any objection about the man in front of my uncle? So why do me the discourtesy?”
    Father Addison reached for her but she swatted him away. “I do not need consoling like a fragile child. I need answers. You hold information which may have led to a complete change of heart from my uncle concerning my future.”
    How could they not rea lize she should have been told?
    “What was the cause? Which of the three people involved did it concern most? The MacIntosh, a Stewart supporter? No? Maybe it was about Gawain, a man who served my uncle with faithful dedication. No?” Her voice cracked. “Then it must have something to do with me.”
    “Lady Aileana,” Father Addison said. “Your uncle had no issue with your ability or loyalty. I understand your concern over MacIntosh involvement here. They are Stewart supporters. Your uncle was certain of it. I remember the night the Guard came to collect your father. Despite assurances he would be compensated, the Laird and he both knew ’twas unlikely. He went anyway, Aileana. He went because his king bade him. Why MacIntosh, or any other clan, would support James Stewart is beyond me, but your uncle thought long and hard about this decision before he made it. You must trust that.”
    His tone and his demeanour were sincere, but they were asking her to leap too far. “Trust in that? Well, Father, trust is a wonderful thing when it is expressed both ways. I’m to accept this decision without any rhyme or reason as to how it came about. For all I know, my uncle was blackmailed into this arrangement somehow by the same man who will soon be my husband!”
    “That would be true if he needed anything we possess.”
    Damn Andrews and his logic.
    “What then? He is doing us a favour to save us from crushing when the great King James sweeps the Highlands clear of non-supporters?” She waited for either of them to react. Nothing. “No. If it were something like that we, all four of us, would have spoken of it months ago. There’s another reason. What is it?”
    “Is it not enough for you to know your uncle agonized over this decision?” Andrews asked. His brows furrowed and he shifted.
    “No. And your refusal to share information with me is an even greater indicator that there’s a secret to uncover, and I will uncover it, Andrews.” She pointed her index finger at his chest. “And I will also remember that you’re still more loyal to a man in his grave than the heir he left behind.” She stormed out of the great hall.
    Never in her short life had she ever been so sure she was being lied to. There was something serious at play here and she could not let it go. Her uncle’s secrecy, and his supposed agonizing, proof enough. By default, their lie would become hers. She would not let them forget it.
    One thing was clear. Her sentiments regarding the MacIntosh were not shared among the masses. The men considered him