Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone 1)

“And I think a fall wedding is a marvelous idea. It will give us time to make a big public display. It will be good for the earldom.”

That sounded dreadful at best. “I’m not sure I like that as much.”

“Don’t you worry about a thing. Eliza and I will take care of all of all the details.” Allister was already standing. “I’ll tell her so.”

Then he nearly skipped out the door.

Stone watched him. There was no backing out now. Not that he’d had any intention. But he wondered what their marriage would be like? Because right now, he didn’t see how he might get past his hurt.

Eliza sat at the dining room table eating her lunch, wishing she were in the kitchen with the family. Two weeks had passed since she and Stone had had their falling out. She didn’t know what else to call it. Wedding plans had begun and she’d begun interviewing teachers for the schoolhouse that was nearly completed.

She also spent every afternoon with Delia. She’d hired a tutor as well. Not only did the child need the structure, but the lessons would serve her for the rest of her life.

And while Stone seemed grateful for all her work, that was the extent of his affection. He didn’t kiss her on walks or meet with her in the garden. And he most certainly did not sneak into her room.

She sighed as she took another bite of her soup. If only she could go back and erase ever saying that word. They’d probably be married already and she’d be tucked against his side at this very moment. At least he hadn’t called off the engagement.

She rubbed her head. She’d been a bit dizzy and wished she could lie down, but she still needed to visit the school to make sure all the tables and chairs had been delivered.

Getting up, she made her way to the front entry, where a carriage awaited her. Delia was waiting for her. “Can I come with you?”

Eliza gave the girl a slight frown. Not that she didn’t want her company. She loved the child. “Don’t you have lessons?”

“Not for another two hours. I’ve already had my morning tutor.” Delia made a face.

Eliza had also hired a woman to teach decorum. Delia was a lovely free spirit, but she’d have to learn to behave like a lady.

“All right then,” Eliza extended her hand for the girl to hold. “Nothing wrong with a little adventure between lessons.”

Grinning, Delia grabbed her gloved fingers and began to skip beside Eliza. “Will I go to the school too?”

“Your school is here,” Eliza gave her a small smile. “But we’ll visit.”

Delia hopped into the carriage and Eliza behind her, glad to be seated. The dizziness had grown worse.

The ride to the village was a short one and Eliza decided she simply had to lie down when they returned. She checked the schoolroom to find everything in shape. Betsy was getting ready to move back to her cottage and Eliza decided to check on a potential position for the girl. The doctor’s family was in need of a nanny. It would be ideal for Betsy to sustain herself.

With that in mind, they headed over to the doctor’s home.

Climbing down from the carriage, she held the rail as she moved up the steps. Delia chattered next to her but she found the words difficult to hear. Reaching the door, she grabbed the knocker but as she lifted it and allowed it to clank into place, the world spun in the most dizzying way. Her eyes lost focus and before she knew what was happening, darkness overtook her.

When she woke, she found herself on a strange sofa with smelling salts under her nose. “There she is.” Doctor West gave her a warm smile. “Didn’t expect you find you collapsed on my steps.”

Eliza blinked and looked to her right. Delia stood holding Mrs. West’s hand, her eyes wide as saucers. Poor child, she’d probably worried her sick. “I don’t know what came over me, but I’m sure that I’m fine.” She tried to sit up but the world began to spin again.

Dr. West gently pushed her back down. “You’ve got quite the cut on your head from the fall that I’d like to treat.” His eyes travelled down her, his brow slightly furrowed. “I’m going to give you a short examination. I’ve already notified his lordship that you’re here.”

She tried not to groan. Stone knew? She’d let him down again, she was sure of it.

r /> Dr. West felt her head, her throat, and then her stomach. When he was done, he gave her a kind smile. “Nothing to worry about.”

She gave a tiny nod. “So I can return home then?”

His smile slipped for just a moment. “Let’s wait for his lordship.” He looked down at her hand. “What a beautiful ring. How are the wedding plans coming?”

“Good.” Her brow furrowed at the change in topic. What was going on?

He gave her a kind smile. “Good.” He patted her hand. “I’ll be right back with supplies to tend that cut.”