Page 84 of Bound By Honor
Soon thereafter, the music became more subdued and a troubadour came to stand in the center of the hall. He sang a ballad of a great Irish lord who fought and defeated the Vikings who had troubled Ireland’s shores long ago. The story captivated the children, which Angus was certain had been the man’s intent. The adults, too, listened with great interest.
Angus turned to Áine. “He sings of our history. My own ancestor, Somerled, was such a one.”
“Since I last saw you, I have learned of your clan’s beginnings. ’Tis a noble heritage with royal Irish roots.”
This pleased him for he wanted her to be proud of the family he would ask her to join. In that happy thought, he leaned in to whisper, “Have you missed me?”
She turned her gaze on him. Though she said not a word, her eyes spoke loudly.Do you need to ask?
“And do you warm to the idea of marriage? Even marriage to a Macdonald?”
A hint of a smile played around her lovely lips. “A bit more time and seeing more of you will tell, good sir.”
“Then you shall have it, Áine.” Thus, he resolved to linger in Ireland for a few more days.
That night the storm hit, the heavens thundering with loud cracks and much lightning. All were persuaded to remain at Dunluce. Angus thought of his men camped on the shore, hoping the storm would quickly pass. He and his men were often soaked to the skin when a sudden rain would come upon them. At least the tents would provide cover they did not have in the galleys at sea.
The next morning, the storm had passed to reveal a fair sky and sun. Angus and Áine rode to the beach, bringing his men warm bread, sausages and apples, a bounty owing to the countess’ generosity. He told his captains they would remain here for the next few days, that he would be at Dunseverick, Lord Cumee having invited him to stay. Duncan would remain at Dunluce.
In the days that followed, Angus and Áine spent much time together, walking the green hills around Dunseverick with Brian and Lir, riding to her favorite place, not far from the castle. There, a narrow river spilled over rocks into the sea creating a magnificent waterfall that roared as it met the waves.
In the evening, when Brian had gone to bed, they played chess before the fire and talked long into the night. Her father and brother left them alone much of the time. Angus was grateful, for it was during this time their friendship, even their love, deepened.
One morning, as Angus descended the stairs to break his fast, Lord Cumee said, “You seem to be making progress in your courtship of my daughter.”
“It is my fervent hope, my lord, that this time together will soften her heart. She wants time and I have promised to give it to her.”
“That is wise. While you are gone, I will do my part, urging her to accept your suit.”
On their last day together, when Brian was occupied with his tutor, Angus accompanied Áine on a walk around the promontory. It was a cool autumn day, the wind brisk under a cloud-filled sky. She spoke of her love for the birds that made the cliffs their home, her eyes alight with gladness.
“We have many birds in the Isles,” he said.
“I expect you do.” Her smile was subtle.
Knowing he could put it off no longer, he said, “Áine, I must sail tomorrow. My men will be anxious to see their homes again after so long away and I must learn how my brother fared in his battles in the north. The fighting in Scotland is not over.”
“I know. I am glad for the time we have had together.”
Taking her by the hand, he pulled her to him, slipping his hands beneath her cloak to grasp her waist. She came willingly, soft in his arms. He kissed her, holding back none of the passion he had kept leashed before. He would show her what was between them, the promise of their future together.
When their lips parted, she hung limp in his arms. The dark pools of her eyes slowly opened as she spoke his name in a throaty whisper. “Angus.”
“No matter the time I am away from you, Áine, know this: I will not change in my desire to have you by my side. Soon, I will ask the question and you must have the answer.”
CHAPTER 16
Dunseverick Castle, north coast of Ulster, September 1298
ÁINE SAT BEFORE the fire, so absorbed in Angus’ letter she did not hear her father enter the great hall. Not until he spoke.
“Another letter from Kintyre’s lord? He sends a galley with a letter so often, ’tis like the regular courier for Earl Richard.”
She nodded without looking up. “I must finish it before Brian’s tutor frees him for the day.” Angus had sent her letters nearly every month, telling her of the war in Scotland and his family’s role as King Edward’s agents in the Isles. That he would share such things with her spoke of his respect and of the kind of marriage they would have. Then there was the searing kiss he had given her before he sailed away that left a memory she could not forget. It gave rise to dreams that left the chemise in which she slept bathed in sweat.
Finally finishing the letter, she looked up. “He writes of continued battles with the MacDougalls, who are still plaguing the Isles of Skye, Lewis and Harris.”
Taking the chair next to her, warming his hands in the fire’s heat, her father asked, “Does he speak of affairs in the rest of Scotland? Since de Burgh is consumed with strengthening his lands in Connaught, there has been scant news of anything else.”
