The excitement of Willie's homecoming had lessened considerably over the past few weeks until the tenants of the ridge found something new to gossip about.
Apparently there was talk of a rich young heir who had just stepped foot in North Carolina from somewhere in Europe.
Not that she cared though.
Lanie tried her best to ignore the jabber from Mrs. Bug as she focused on the task in front of her. Sewing wasn't one of her greatest talents, and one glance out the window made her long for fresh air.
Her mother took notice of this and gently patted Lanie's arm. "Why don't you go see if your father needs help. And could you take this to him too? Thank you darling." Her mother held up a basket filled with the overwhelming scent of freshly baked sweet rolls and cheese.
The teenager stood up, excited to be getting out of the house, and snatched up the basket. "Of course, Mama." And with a swish of her homespun's skirts, she was out the door and headed toward the stable.
As she walked closer, she could hear her father talking to the animals in what sounded like a soothing tone. Lanie couldn't help but smile as she pushed open the door, welcoming the mixed aroma of the room.
"Mama told me to bring ye this." She gestured to the wicker basket hanging from her hand and smiled shyly. "And she said that if you needed help, that I could."
"Thank ye lass." Her father took the basket from her. "Help me wi' this post and then we'll eat, aye?"
"Aye, Da."
After the post was set in place, the two of them had found a clean spot in the hay and sat down to enjoy the late lunch that Claire had packed.
"You're awfully quiet, mo cridhe. What's on your mind?"
"Have ye heard the talk?" Lanie pursed her lips and sighed.
"'Bout the young man from Europe?"
"Aye."
She watched her father nod. "You're thinking that he'll be looking for a wife and you're worrit it'll be you?"
"How did—"
"Glass faces, you and your mother. Always ken what's on your mind."
"Damn. And I though I was getting better."
Her father snorted then looked at her again. "Is there something else?"
"Da, I don't want to marry someone I dinna even ken. I want to marry like you and Mama. For love."
"It wasn't always love. Our marriage was arranged by my uncle Dougal and the clan MacKenzie lawyer Ned Gowan. It was the only way to protect her from the Redcoats."
"But you loved her, did you no?"
"Since the first time I saw her."
"And Mama?"
"Not at first."
"But now you would do anything for each other?"
"Aye."
Her fingers tugged at a loose thread in her skirt. "I want my marriage to be like that too. Love, not obligation."
"Dinna fash, Lanie. I promise I'll find someone suitable for ye."
Lanie smiled and embraced her father. "Thank you." She murmured from the safety of his arms.
As she walked back to the house, basket in hand, her mind was still on the mysterious young man. The late summer breeze blew little strands of hair away from the crown of her head and she glanced toward the road leading towards Wilmington. "Whoever ye are sir, dinna come here."
And with that, she went inside.