Dangerous Pride by Eve Cameron Read Free Book Online Page B

could never hope to win.
    Telling Lachlan what she’d seen was an even worse option.  As much as she believed he deserved a faithful wife who came to him willingly, Catriona knew he would dismiss what she had seen as the jealous fabrication of a foolish child.  She doubted there would be anything she could say or do to convince him of her honesty.
    As gloaming settled over the keep, Catriona considered her options, realizing there was a high price to be paid no matter what decision she made.  The fire that burned brightly in her room did little to cheer her, for her mood was as heavy as the stale air emanating from the burning peat.
    A sharp knock at the door yanked Catriona’s attention from the book splayed across her lap.  The interruption mattered little, for she’d read the same passage six times and still had not absorbed the meaning.  With a resigned sigh, she pulled her legs back from the arm of the chair and settled herself properly before answering.
    A dark scowl was etched across Annella’s harsh features as she carried a heavily laden tray into the room. Catriona went to relieve her of the food as Annella reached back to shut the door with a slam.  “There’s really no need to be in such a temper,” Catriona scolded.  She carefully cleared space on her writing table so she could set the tray down.  “It’s no’ as if I am asking you to wait on me hand and foot.”
    “‘Tis past time ye looked beyond yerself an’ saw how yer poutin’ affects those around ye,” Annella replied hotly, her expression critical.
    “ You would do well to keep yer nose out of other people’s business,” Catriona replied angrily, her eyes flashing with temper.  Her arms braced on the desk, she forced herself to take a calming breath, knowing her friend did not deserve to bear the brunt of her frustration.  Annella stared at her defiantly, her expression that of a disgruntled school marm, and it was Catriona who looked away first.  “I am sorry, Annella.  That was uncalled for.  It is just…I’ve not been feeling myself lately.”
    Catriona kept her eyes downcast as she arranged the food on the  table.  Cook had prepared her favorites – a hearty lamb stew and fresh, thick bread with a generous portion of butter.  Tea and a plate of black buns further stirred her appetite, but she drew her attention back to her friend.  “If my poor mood has bothered you, I am sorry.  I did no’ want to be difficult.”
    A flicker of hurt briefly clouded Annella’s face.  “That somethin’ is botherin’ ye is so plain even a blind man could see it.  A burden shared is a burden lessened, Catriona.  Will ye no’ at least let me help ye?”
    “I canna do that,” Catriona sighed.  Her heart was heavy as she pulled a chair over to the table, motioning for her friend to take a seat beside her.
    “There’s naught so bad that ye canna get past it,” Annella offered as she settled herself in the comfortable armchair.  “The whole keep knows yer in a terrible snit, an’ ye’ve worried us near sick about it.”
    “Except my family,” Catriona replied with a bittersweet laugh that sounded insincere even to her own ears.  “I bet my mother is delighted to have me out of her way, and my da has surely been too busy to even notice.”
    Annella laughed, the sound rich and genuine, and nodded her agreement, her eyes flashing with amusement.  “Yer mither told mine that the solar had ne’er been a quieter, happier place than the past few days, though I do no’ think she even realizes ye’ve taken to yer chamber.”
    Catriona smiled at her friend, imagining in her mind’s eye how relieved her mother would be to be free of the burden of her youngest daughter, if only for a few days.  “It’s probably better that way.  There’s no point worrying everyone when there is naught they can do.  I just need a little more time to figure out what I am going to do.”
    Catriona felt her dark mood settle around her