Page 34 of Bride of the Sinful Laird
Lionel shook his head. “Nae mayhap. Hewillseek revenge. Yet what that will be, we can only guess. But one thing will be certain, she will ne’er again be meant as a bride fer the old baron Radcliffe.”
“Aye, Radcliffe will consider her damaged goods and nullify the betrothal. This will be a great loss and humiliation fer Graham Munro, and his wrath will be directed toward his daughter.” Edmund took a deep breath. “I regret it is only now I am coming tae terms with the seriousness of this situation.”
“She’s a brave lass, and ye must dae right by her.”
“Aye, the sooner our business here is done, the sooner we can take the lass tae a place of safety. Whether that be Denmark, Flanders or France, she must be far from her faither’s vengeance.”
It was with a heavy heart that Edmund retraced his steps back to the bedchamber. The peaceful glow he’d been basking in for the previous two days had dispersed into the air like mist burnt off by the sun. Now there was far more to occupy his thoughts than the matter of his birthright and whether he wished to claim the lairdship. He must ensure Annora’s safety. That her safety meant sending her to some far-off place was something he was finding very painful to contemplate.
His heart lifted when his eyes lit on her. She had bathed and was dressed again in Tyra’s soft woolen kirtle.
Her face lit up, her luminous gray eyes sparkling, as he entered the chamber. As he allowed his thoughts to play out how it would be for her to willingly fold her soft curves against his body his shaft began standing to attention. Her red lips were full and lush, tempting a kiss. He groaned inwardly, provoked by his memory of her scent in his nostrils and the touch of his lips on hers at the Faery Glen. It was as she’d said. He’d been bewitched.
He reached out to caress her cheek.
“Why lass, ye fair took me breath away. Ye smell sweeter than all the roses in yer garden.”
She grinned, looking up at him from beneath her dark lashes. He felt his heart skip a beat.
“I thought ye’d be too busy thinking about serious matters tae spare any attention fer me.”
He bent and lightly kissed her forehead. “Och, lass. I havenae a choice, d’ye forget the fae have me bewitched? I can scarce think of aught but ye.”
“Hmm.” She arched a brow, shaking her head.
She took his proffered arm and they strolled along the passageway and down the stairs to the refectory hall, joining Lionel and the Elders at their supper. He glanced around expecting to see Tyra and MacDonald, but only she was in attendance.
They were both greeted effusively by Tormod and the others.
“Lamend has told us of yer visit tae the village today.” Tormod turned to Annora. “And a package from the weavers was delivered fer ye tae the castle this evening. Our seamstresses will be happy tae sew ye some new gowns that will befit yer beauty.”
Annora flushed pink at his words, but her smile widened. “I thank ye, Tormod.”
Seeing Annora’s delight at the prospect of new gowns, Edmunds spirits lifted. Observing her features brighten, he could not help but grin. “Why is it, that, of all things, a new gown is closest tae a lass’s heart.”
She rounded on him with a sly look. “Why, because all the lads wish tae see a lass looking fine.”
He laughed. “So, ‘tis fer the lads that ye lassies preen and make yerselves beautiful tae look upon?”
“Aye. Without a lad to please, we’d simply wander around in dirty old rags, caring naught fer the tangles in our hair,” she answered with a grin.
He sighed. “And yet, lass, there are some who look beautiful even in old, ill-fitting, ragged, garments and their hair a nest fer ravens.”
Her color deepened as she took the full meaning of his words. “So, ye think I shouldnae bother tae bathe and don a new gown?”
He lowered his voice so that it was only Annora who heard his next words. “I cannae help but think ye’d be most beautiful clad in nothing at all.”
Amused, he watched her eyes darken.
She gave an outraged huffed, and whispered in response, “Ye’re a wicked lad tae even think such things.” But she smiled, all the same.
After the meal, as they were leaving the hall, Edmund proffered his arm.
“I wish tae see ye safe, so I’ll walk wi’ ye tae the bedchamber. I wish tae speak wi’ Tormod, so I must leave ye. I dinnae wish ye tae be fearful if ye’re alone.”
She shook her head and patted his hand. “Dinnae fash, Edmund. I ken I am safe inside the castle. But mayhap ye could, instead, walk me tae the solar as I’d like tae sit there fer a while. I may find the Lady Tyra there and I wish tae speak wi’ her.”
Edmund was slightly taken aback by Annora’s words but he agreed readily enough. Misgivings about the Laird Harris MacDonald swirled through his mind, but he pushed them away. It was unlikely MacDonald would be in the solar with Tyra.
