Page 1 of Rescued By the Highland Warrior (Highland Whispers of Love #1)

CHAPTER ONE

M e dearest Moira,

The news of me faither’s death must have reached ye and due tae the circumstances of this unfortunate event I am left without choice but tae ask fer yer hand, as promised. Everyone at Castle Fraser is awaiting yer arrival, meself above all.

Yers wholeheartedly,

Roderick

The letter had been opened and folded so many times that it bore faint creases, not too dissimilar from the lines of worry etched across Moira Wilson’s brow.

After hours of travel, Moira found herself unfolding the letter once again. The monotonous clatter of the horses’ hooves and the rhythmic sway of the carriage had done little to quiet her restless thoughts. She needed something—anything—to occupy her mind.

It might seem foolish to read the letter again and again, as it was the source of her unease. But reading calmed her, giving her scattered thoughts a direction and, most of all, the chance to try and figure out what to expect.

What would she find at Castle Fraser?

Of course, her mind pondered the worst.

As she traced the spidery letters on the crumpled page, Moira’s fingers lingered on the ink. She couldn’t help but notice how rushed Roderick’s writing was. Messy even. Was that a clue? A sign of Roderick’s state of mind?

And then, despite herself, another thought intruded: How will he look after all these years?

It was frivolous—perhaps the least important question she’d considered yet—but it lingered nonetheless.

Moira exhaled slowly, folding the letter with care and slipping it back into the equally rumpled envelope. She turned her gaze through the oval-shaped carriage window, her eyes settling on the vast, sun-dappled expanse of the Highlands. Rolling hills and wild greenery stretched endlessly before her, and although her eyes were looking out at the scenery, she wasn’t really seeing. She was lost in her thoughts, her mind busy conjuring visions of possible future events.

Moira was confident in her ability to analyze situations and at this point in her life, she was rarely wrong. But she could not fathom why she had been summoned. Or rather, she had an inkling but could hardly believe it. All she knew was that she had to go, for promises made long ago still held their importance.

The memory of when she had made her promise resurfaced, causing her to wince. She felt the bitter taste of regret and would have expelled it if she could have. Had she met Roderick now, she would never have made such a promise. She knew better.

But that was neither here nor there. She had learned there was little use torturing oneself with one’s past. She would have to enter Castle Fraser with a positive attitude, an open mind, and free from remorse for the regretful choices she had made.

The carriage jostled slightly as it moved along the uneven road, her body swaying with the motion, and Moira sat upright, her gaze fixed firmly ahead.

Not much longer now.

The carriage rumbled along a winding, muddy path, the wheels jolting as they neared their destination. Castle Fraser loomed ahead, large, turreted, and grey, its towering stone walls half-shrouded by the dense trees that crowded its edges.

When it finally came to a halt, Moira unlatched the door without waiting for assistance. She stepped out quickly, her movements both confident and efficient as her boots touched the frost-bitten earth.

She hesitated, taking in the towering grandeur of the castle before her.

Then, Moira noticed a finely dressed woman emerging from the castle’s tall doors. Her step was light, her long blonde hair flowing in the chill air, her eyes warm despite their intense blue hue.

“Welcome to Castle Fraser, Lady Wilson! I am Lady Fraser, though ye may call me Isobel,” she called out, her voice carrying on the breeze. “It’s a joy tae finally meet ye! Roderick’s spoken so many wonderful things about ye.”

Moira nodded, nervously adjusting the sides of her woolen skirt. She wasn’t sure how to deal with praise, especially given the situation she was in. Nevertheless, Lady Fraser continued, eager to make Moira feel at home.

“I’ll tell ye, lass, we were all so surprised when Roderick announced he was ready tae marry, and tae a woman he claimed tae love at that! But when we heard yer family name, well...” Lady Fraser smiled wider, clasping her hands together. “We couldnae think of a finer match. It’s like it was meant tae be.”

Moira smiled, her expression pleasant and composed, exuding the quiet ease she had mastered over years of navigating freshly spun lies. “Thank ye kindly,” she said softly.

“Come on inside. Everyone’s been waitin’ tae meet ye,” Lady Fraser said, gesturing toward the heavy wooden door. “We have prepared a grand welcome fer ye.”

Looping her arm gently through Moira’s, Lady Fraser led her through the castle’s main hall. Their footsteps echoed off the smooth stone floor as Moira took in the splendor of her surroundings. She gazed in awe at the high vaulted ceilings, while in contrast the glow of the hearth and the richly woven tapestries gave the room a welcoming warmth.

A cluster of smiling faces awaited them, gathering eagerly as Isobel began introductions. Moira managed polite nods, but her attention kept drifting to a figure at the far end of the room.

Roderick.

He was leaning against a pillar, his honey-colored eyes fixed intently on her, as though trying to unravel her thoughts. Moira stole a couple of glances at hi, as she continued to greet the others. She’d have stared longer if she could have.

Eventually, after they had all been introduced, with Moira offering polite smiles and a few kind words to each, Lady Fraser redirected her attention.

“Now lass,” Lady Fraser said, “I’m sure this is the one ye’ve been waitin’ tae greet. An’ what better than tae save the best till last?”

With her arm still looped through Moira’s, Lady Fraser guided her through the small crowd toward the pillar where Roderick stood.

Finally, Moira could truly look at him. Face to face, she took in the man she faintly remembered from years ago. He was bigger now, both his presence and stature, towering above her— so much so that Moira had to crane her neck to meet his gaze.

Despite his size, and the faint scar etched across his right brow, he exuded the type of authority that Moira immediately recognized as benevolent rather than oppressive. She remembered that about him—that he had seemed like a good man.

A faint smile tugged at Roderick’s lips, softening his sharp features as his eyes held hers. He gazed at Moira with an expression that was both welcoming and calm, his steadiness causing the crowd and the rest of the room to fade away.

“Ah, I’m glad ye could make it,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “It’s good tae see ye again.”

“And ye,” Moira replied softly. She wasn’t entirely sure how she was meant to behave, so she opted for subtlety—at her core, Moira was well versed in theatrics after a lifetime of training. She hesitated, wondering if she ought to add more, but Roderick quickly bridged the silence, turning toward his mother with an easy authority.

“Maither,” he began, his tone warm yet firm, “Lady Wilson is likely worn from the journey. She’s met everyone now, and I think it’s best she be shown tae her chambers. A bit of rest would dae her good before the feast tonight. Dinnae ye agree?”

“Aye, that’s a wise thought,” Lady Fraser agreed, her face softening with pride as she glanced between her son and the young woman by his side. There was a fragile hopefulness to her expression, Moira noticed, as though this moment of joy was one that Lady Fraser desperately needed.

Roderick turned to one of the maids standing nearby, his commanding tone calm but firm. “See tae it that Lady Wilson is taken tae her room and has all she needs afore the betrothal feast this evening.”

“Aye, me laird,” the old maid replied, dipping her head and stepping forward. “Follow me, miss. I’ll show ye tae yer chambers.”

Moira let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful to have been spared further conversation. While everyone had been kind enough, she still felt out of place, unsure of what she was doing there and wary of questions she might struggle to answer. Though part of her yearned to be back home, she followed the maid through the hall and up a grand, winding staircase.

She resisted the urge to glance back at Roderick even though she was certain his gaze lingered on her. Instead, she focused on keeping up with the maid, who was moving at an increasingly rapid pace. After a while, for the stairs felt as long as they were wide, they reached the third floor. The maid led Moira to the end of the corridor, where she opened the doors to a large bedroom adorned with rich burgundy tapestries and heavy oak furniture.

In the center of the room stood a grand four-poster bed with deep purple curtains, tied back neatly. A hearth on the far wall opposite the bed glowed with a crackling fire, giving the space a comforting warmth.

“This’ll be yer room, me lady,” the maid said with a warm smile.

Moira nodded. “Thank ye.”

“I’ll unpack yer bags,” the maid said, heading over to Moira’s cases, which had been carefully placed by the foot of the bed. Moira had almost forgotten about those.

“That’s quite alright,” she interjected quickly, stepping between the maid and her belongings. “Nay need tae worry about that.”

Confusion flickered across the maid’s face. “But it’s nay trouble at all,” she replied. “It’s me duty tae help ye get settled.”

“Ye could greatly ye help me by preparing a bath, if that is nae too much of a bother?” Moira suggested, her tone deliberately slow and calm. “What I really need is a nice, warm bath.”

The maid nodded, satisfied. Of course, it made sense that Lady Wilson would want to get washed and prepared for the feast. Lowering her head in a slight bow, she left the chambers, closing the heavy doors behind her.

Moira sat down at the edge of the bed, about to take her boots off, when a firm knock suddenly echoed through the room. She jumped slightly, then quickly rose to her feet. Her heart was beating fast, for there was only one person who could be behind that door when she opened it.

Roderick.

His commanding presence was a bit intimidating but also familiar. His soft honey eyes were trained on her with a serious intensity that caused her body to tighten. They were alone, for the first time in many years.

“It’s good tae see ye again, Moira” he said, his voice low and steady. He stepped inside without hesitation, his broad shoulders seeming to fill the room. “I cannae tell ye how long I’ve waited fer this moment.”

He closed the door behind him and Moira turned to face him, her expression guarded. “I wish it were under happier circumstances, Roderick,” she replied, her tone even. “But nay joyful occasion could have brought me here, I ken that much.”

Roderick didn’t respond, but he walked slowly across the room toward the fire, his boots sounding loudly across the floor. Despite the tension, Moira felt more comfortable alone in his presence than she had among the rest of the people downstairs.

“There was much delay tae me journey due tae some uprisings on the road,” she said. “I apologize fer the wait.”

“Nay apologies necessary,” Roderick said, “ye got here, that’s all that matters.”

Moira nodded, silent, taking in Roderick’s frame with her deep green eyes.

“Dae ye think the trouble will be reachin’ us here?” Moira asked. It took a lot to frighten her, but she was curious, and the uprisings truly had caused her much delay.

“It is unlikely,” Roderick assured her, his jaw tightening. “The Fraser lands are well-protected. Ye’ll be safe here.”

His tone left no room for doubt, and for a brief moment, Moira felt a flicker of reassurance that she hadn’t known she had needed. She had further questions, but she let them circle her mind, intrigued as to what Roderick had to say.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he continued to move around the room, surveying it as he walked. “We have much tae discuss,” he said.

“Indeed,” Moira replied, standing still. His presence was commanding, and she could tell it was natural for him to take charge. He was likely accustomed to leading, she thought, and that was probably when he felt most at ease. As for her, she’d always preferred to remain in the background, helping quietly from the shadows.

“The dinner tonight. It’ll be a formal affair, and I imagine it might be overwhelming at first,” Roderick said., “I’d like us tae approach it... strategically.”

Moira arched her brow, “Strategically?”

He nodded, turning back to her. “Everyone will be watching, and we need tae discuss how we’re going tae handle that.”

“What did ye have in mind?” She asked, stepping closer to him. She reminded herself that she was here for a purpose, not for a marriage. Her purpose, she told herself, was what mattered most. As someone used to keeping others at arm’s length, she wasn’t about to let her walls down just yet.

While something in her had warmed to Roderick already, there was always the possibility that she might be wrong—and the large-framed laird might indeed be wasting her time.

“We need tae make it clear that we are a strong match,” he said. “We must present a united front, Moira. Our engagement will draw attention, and there’ll be questions—some polite, some less so." His eyes softened as he added, "I dinnae want ye tae feel overwhelmed. If there’s anything ye’d prefer I handle, tell me now.”

Moira appreciated his candor, though it caught her slightly off-guard. “I’ll be fine, Roderick. I’ve dealt with curious stares before.”

“Aye, I dinnae doubt that,” he said, his lips curving into the faintest smile. “But this is different. Ye’re stepping into me world now, and it can be... difficult tae navigate.”

“What exactly are ye worried they’ll ask?” she ventured.

Roderick paused, his gaze drifting momentarily to the fire before returning to her. “Questions about our past, about how we met. About why I chose to call ye here, now of all times. I’ve nae doubt some will dig fer reasons beyond what I’ve given them.”

Moira’s lips pressed into a thin line. “And what reasons have ye given them?”

He hesitated, and for a brief moment, Moira thought she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his expression. “That I need a partner by me side,” he admitted. “That it’s time I fulfill me obligations—and that ye were the one I chose tae create a family with.”

“I see,” Moira said softly, as she felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite place. “It all sounds like a good plan. I willnae speak too much as I believe it best tae stay quiet, but I am looking forward tae meeting everyone, both yer family and friends.”

Roderick nodded. “I, personally, am looking forward tae figuring out who killed me faither,” he said with cool detachment.

There it is, Moira thought to herself. Let someone talk, and they’ll tell ye whatever it is ye want to ken.