Page 17 of Awakened By Time

“I think I’ll make an agreement with the Laird of San Francisco then. I believe he’d be a much better match for me Brenna.”

“Yer Brenna isnae the biddable woman that I wish, or that ye presented her as, but I would make an exception in honor of our friendship, if ye would be willing to amend our agreement as we discussed yesterday.”

“Nevil, ye and I have never been friends, unless yer definition of the word is different than mine. And so, it seems we’ve come to a disagreement over our agreement. I withdraw the offer of me daughter.”

“Ye’ll live to regret this!” Nevil shouted before storming off and almost running Greer over in the process.

“What have ye done?” Greer asked, eyeing Paddraig suspiciously.

“I willnae give me only daughter to that man,” he shouted.

“What do ye mean? I told ye I wanted Brenna gone from here. I willnae have her here any longer. Ye must go after him and apologize,” she shouted.

“I willnae!” Paddraig would never bow to Nevil’s demands. “The man wants to take me land in exchange fer taking Brenna. He goes too far.” He could see Greer was angry, so he softened his tone. “There is another I wish Brenna to marry. A man of far greater means than Munro.”

“Who?” Greer asked.

“Ye dinnae ken him, me love. He is the Laird of San Francisco.”

“The Laird of San Francisco? Where is that?”

“Dinnae concern yerself with that. He’s here at Castle Treun. We must convince him that Brenna would make him a good wife.” He rubbed his palms together in anticipation.

“He hasnae agreed?” Greer cocked an eyebrow apparently skeptical of his abilities.

“Nae yet.”

“Laird Munro was so angry when he left, ye’ll never get him back should this new man not agree.” He could see she wasn’t happy with him.

“Leave it to me, Greer. I’ll take care of it,” he barked.

“I hope so. Ye’ve just ruined a friendship and alliance because of it.”

“I’m only going to say this one more time. Nevil Munro is not now, nor has he ever been a friend to me.” He hoped this would put an end to the conversation. He hated when she looked at him as if he were incapable of making decisions without her telling him what to do. What did she think he had done all those years before she arrived?

“And where is this man?” Greer asked.

“Brenna is showing him the castle.”

“I just saw Brenna going to her chamber. She was alone and didnae appear verra happy. No doubt she did something to ruin her chances with this man, as well.” Her tone was testier than usual.

“I’ll speak with her. She doesnae wish to marry Munro, so she must understand that this is the only alternative she has.” He failed to mention to Greer that if Zeke Barrett didn’t want her then she’d undoubtedly remain with them until he could find a suitable replacement. One who wasn’t interested in divesting him of his acreage.