3. Chapter Three #2
“Apologies, Lady Ellen. I didn’t mean to offend you or your daughter.
” Eamon’s attempt at an apology was nauseating.
“I merely wanted to express my concern that perhaps Miss Grace hasn’t thought this through.
If she gave it some more thought, she’d see that someone with more history here would be a better choice. ”
The insinuation that Grace hadn’t given it enough thought, or that she wasn’t taking it seriously made her shoulders tense. Undermining her authority and intelligence in front of the entire council was unacceptable. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ellen cut her off.
“Thank you, Eamon. Yes, I agree. My daughter and I will discuss this before any decisions are made. Let’s keep the meeting moving forward. Walter, do you have anything to share with us?”
Just like that, Grace lost her opportunity to defend herself. She slumped in her chair as the meeting continued. Not only did her mother doubt her abilities, but she had belittled Grace in front of the council, making it difficult for her to be taken seriously.
What did she have to do for her mother to believe in her?
As the meeting finished, Grace collected her things, organizing them neatly in her bag. One by one, the council members filed out of the room until only Grace and her mother remained.
Ellen broke the silence with an exasperated sigh. “What are you trying to achieve, Grace?”
“What you’ve taught me since the day I was born—to look after our people and ensure their wellbeing. You can’t honestly believe that Eamon can say the same.”
“It doesn’t matter. Eamon is a member of this council, whether you like it or not. You can’t interrupt meetings and speak to him in that manner.”
“But he can?” Grace hated that her voice was rising, but it was difficult to remain calm. Even though her mother seemed to do a fine job of it.
“No, he can’t. That’s why I also told him to be respectful.”
“He doesn’t know the meaning of the word,” Grace muttered.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
Her mother appraised her. “Let’s talk about this council appointment of yours. When I told you to choose someone, I didn’t think you’d be so reckless in your decision. There wasn’t anyone else you could’ve chosen?”
Nerves rumbled in Grace’s belly. “Are you revoking my ability to choose?”
“No. I wouldn’t do that. I am hoping you will reconsider this foolishness. Really, Grace. Ali? What were you thinking?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Explain them to me,” her mother said, rubbing that space between her eyebrows again and making Grace feel like a nuisance. She had perfected that special talent by the time Grace had become a teenager.
“She’ll add a fresh perspective, something this council is desperately in need of. And she cares about people.”
“How would you know? You’ve only known her for a couple weeks.”
It was hard to explain her faith in Eli and his friends. She’d always felt like she could read people better than anyone else. Something in the eyes gave away a person’s true nature, and both Eli’s and Ali’s eyes had told Grace they were good people. “I just do, okay? Can’t you trust me for once?”
Her mother dropped her hand from her face and peered at Grace with her full attention. If Grace were to read her mother’s eyes now, they’d tell a story of disappointment and failed expectations. “I do trust you, Grace.”
Those words were like a heavy weight on her chest, making it difficult to take a breath. She couldn’t remember the last time her mother had any praise to give her. “Then trust me now.”
Her mother paused for a moment, studying Grace for any cracks in her confidence. Grace put on her best show of unwavering conviction, straightening in her seat with her shoulders pulled back and her chin held high. An exact replica of the way her mother composed herself.
After a moment of tense silence, Ellen sighed and rose from her chair. “I can see you’re as stubborn as ever. I guess we’ll see what happens.” She gently squeezed Grace’s shoulder before slowly walking to the door. It was an unusual pace for her, as if her head was still bothering her.
“Are you okay?” Grace asked.
Ellen waved a hand over her shoulder. “Oh, yes. Just a migraine. I’m heading home to lie down for a bit. If anyone needs me, you know where to find me.”
Grace gave her mother a few moments’ head start before following her out of the council chamber and locking the door behind her. She had almost made it to the mountain’s entry hall when she ran into Eamon and Walter.
As soon as they spotted her, their conversation ceased.
Grace looked between them. Although she would’ve liked to confront Eamon, it was probably better to ignore them entirely. She moved to step around them.
“I hope you aren’t too upset with me, Miss Grace,” Eamon said.
She turned to look at him but kept her lips closed. He didn’t deserve her attention or her words.
His smile was sickening, and she did her best to keep her lip from curling upward. Turning on her heel, she continued down the hall.
Before she could reach the din of the entry hall, she heard Eamon speak to Walter, clearly intended for her ears. “The bitch already knows when to keep her mouth shut. Trevor will appreciate that in a wife.”