Page 22 of Bride of the Sinful Laird
Now it was her turn to haul in a deep breath and to try to make sense of the thoughts scrambling in her head.
They strolled into the bailey, where she guided him along a path bordered by roses, finding the old bench where she’d sat that morning with Tyra.
“Shall we sit awhile. The roses bloom prettily here.” There was a note of wistfulness in her voice as they took their places on the seat.
“Aye. The Isle of Skye is a bonnie place.”
She turned her gaze to meet his and it was as if a dart went through her as his green-gold eyes looked deep into her soul.
“So ye could make a good life here fer yerself?”
“That is what I aim tae discover in the coming fortnight.” His gaze wandered over the garden, his fingers tapping the wooden arm rest. “It is too soon fer me tae make a decision about the lairdship. I wish tae explore this place, speak with the people who dwell here and learn as much as I am able tae about me kinfolk.”
She sighed. “I understand. I will stand wi’ ye, as I said.”
He nodded, swiveling to meet her eyes. “We will both be judged. Our every move will be observed and our roles as man and wife will be carefully scrutinized.” He grinned. “As I will be scrutinizing the clan.”
“So how will they react when ye tell them ye are taking yer lady tae live in France, or Italy or in the land of the Danes?”
He shrugged and cast her a rueful look. “I am sorry I cannae answer yer question. As things sit wi’ me I’ve nay plans yet tae take the lairdship. If ye grant me two weeks tae continue with our play-acting while we are here, dinnae doubt I will be grateful fer yer agreement.”
She thought carefully on this. Even while she granted Edmund’s request, her head was bidding her to flee from this place with all speed. Her fear that her father or Radcliffe would soon find her out and pursue her, was pressing. Yet her heart had softened toward Edmund. He had risked his life to save her from the privateers and she would always be grateful.
But her feelings for him went deeper than mere gratitude. For some reason she could not fathom, she was happier when he was near. She felt safe under his protection, with a strange sense of being cared for that she’d never before experienced.
She turned to him, smiling. “Aye, Edmund MacNeacail, I’ll continue tae act the part of yer wife until ye dinnae need me tae continue.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank ye lass.”
He reached for her hand and brushed it with his lips. She jerked it away, her cheeks burning, her head swirling with confusion. The heat surging through her took her by surprise. She had never known such sensations could come from such a simple thing as a gentle touch and the feel of Edmund’s soft lips brushing her skin.
“Nay, ye promised. We agreed.” She was almost pleading. “We were nae tae touch, or kiss or take hands…”
A dull red was creeping up his neck and he jumped to his feet, shaking his head.
“Me apologies. After the kiss that passed between us in the solar, I forgot meself. Ye’re so beautiful in yer bonnie new gown, yer sweet scent of roses overtook me senses, and the softness of yer skin enticed me.” He looked away as if he could not meet her eyes for shame. “Fergive me.”
“I understand,” she said softly catching her breath. “Could it be that I have been too harsh? After all, good friends dae exchange touches at times.”
He gave a sharp laugh. “Aye. Ye are right. And we have surely become friends.”
“Then, let me partly rescind me rule. As friends, we may touch. Sometimes,” she said quietly.
“Of course. And we should be mindful that we are nay more than friends.”
“Aye. Then it is settled. I have naught tae fergive, fer ye acted as a friend, just as I did in the solar.” She got to her feet and held out her hand for him to take. “Come now, it is time we readied ourselves fer tonight’s feast. Tyra says it will be a very grand occasion tae welcome us both tae Scorrybreac.”
Together they set off for the keep, both of them silent, Annora quietly mulling over all that had been happening over the past few days. She felt safe enough there at Scorrybreac, yet she knew full well her father and his dogged determination. He would never relinquish his plan to marry her to the Englishman and gain the power and status such a match would bring him. Even though it meant there were many Scots who would despise him as a traitor.
It was difficult not to regret the space she’d granted to Edmund. Two weeks was sufficient time for the Laird Graham Munro to send his men to discover her whereabouts. But she’d given her word. Now she could only pray she’d not be found before she could safely put distance between herself and those who would seize her.
As they crossed the courtyard, she saw Tormod standing at the top of the stairs. When he caught sight of them, he waved, and they hurried over.
He was carrying a folded length of plaid woven in blue, green and white, over his arm.
Bowing from the waist, he proffered the fabric to Edmund. It would be an honor if ye would don the MacNeacail plaid fer the feast this night. I believe it will be appreciated by the Elders and the council tae see ye clad in it.”
Grinning, Edmund took the bundle from Tormod. “Ah, Chief Tormod, I am grateful. I well understand it is important fer me tae be clad in the clan’s plaid.”
