Page 47 of A Flawed Scotsman

They repeated the vows after the vicar, their gazes on one another, never wavering.

“I, Ruari Lachlan Ross, take thee, Esme Lenora Fraser, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.” His voice remained strong and clear.

Even before speaking, Esme could barely keep from crying. This day, she knew, would come eventually. However, in that moment, every dream of how her wedding would be was dashed. She felt foolish that, as a grown woman, the thought of how ugly she looked would be the way she’d remember her wedding day. In a soiled gown, face etched with dirt from travel, hair askew, she was standing before her clan getting married.

In a quiet voice, she repeated the vows, each word like a needle scratching into her skin. “I, Esme Lenora Fraser, take thee, Ruari Lachlan Ross, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.”

The vicar gave her a warm look and blessed their union.

When Ruari leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, it shook Esme out of feeling sorry for herself and she looked into his eyes. “When must we leave?”

“At daybreak,” he replied and squeezed her hand. There was no warmth in his gaze, nor did he linger at her side. Instead, he went to speak to the Ross men, probably instructing them to prepare for the departure.

Her mother neared and placed her arm around Esme’s waist. “We must go and prepare yer belongings. I am told a cart will follow the party in the morning so ye can take as much as ye want.”

“Mother, I am not prepared to leave. Catriona is still very ill and what about ye? I cannot bear to leave ye right now.”

Her mother, as usual, had little opinion other than to cede to her husband’s wishes. “It is not our place to deem what shall be done. We are to obey. Did ye not just recite vows? Ye are now beholden to yer husband and must do as he says.”

“He’s barely said a word to me.” Esme blew out a breath. “I must go see about Catriona.”

Chapter Fifteen

Ruari leaned on the corral fence. People were leaving the keep, heading to the villages before darkness caught them along the road. Horses were hitched to wagons and families loaded. Chatter was gleeful despite the lack of festivities. Each family had been given smoked boar and tarts that had been quickly cooked in the kitchens, which made everyone happy.

There was no light from Esme’s window and he instinctively knew she was seeing to her friend. She would probably spend the night there.

The poor lass’ injuries were extensive, and he understood that if it were his close friend, he, too, would prefer to be bedside than anywhere else.

Now that Esme would return to Ross Keep, there was much to consider. He did not possess a home. He’d spent his entire life inside the keep. First inside the home and then upon his thirtieth birthday, he’d decided to live in the two rooms behind the stables. Always a loner, he’d preferred the quieter space to that of the crowded keep.

The rooms were not a place for his wife to live in. Other arrangements had to be made.

“The men wish to speak to ye,” his cousin said, motioning to the warriors and archers who stood huddled together.

“Very well.” Ruari walked to the men. “I wish to thank ye for yer willingness to come with me here. For now, we will return to Ross lands, whether permanently or for a certain amount of time, I do not know for sure.”

“We have something for ye,” Ewan said and held up a sword that gleamed in the last of the sunlight. “Upon hearing of an expert swordmaker in the nearby village, several men went to fetch ye a wedding gift.”

The weapon was astonishingly beautiful. Ruari reached for it, his hand trembling.

“Stunning,” he said, holding it up. The men looked on with pride that echoed his own. His men, clan and family accepted him fully. No matter what happened to his parents, Ruari understood, in that moment, how lucky he was.

Once again, he looked up to Esme’s window. Although she was a strong lass, she would be forced to leave her people and it would be hard on her.

“Thank ye all for this. I will treasure it always. She feels good in my hand.”

There were crude remarks that made him chuckle. Men always found a way to turn every comment into a sexual reference.

Ewan remained behind after the guards all went in search of a place to sleep. His cousin studied the sky for a few moments. “Do ye wish to return?”

“No. I would prefer to remain here. However, I must keep my wife safe.”

They stood together for a few moments, neither speaking. “Ye should stay.” Ewan looked at him. “The Mackenzie will do the same whether ye are here or not.”

“Yes, but Esme will be away from danger.” Ruari shook his head. “Why are ye against departing? What does it matter?”

Both turned to watch the keep gates close for the night. After a moment, Ewan let out a breath. “It feels as if we’re abandoning them.”