Page 28 of A Sinful Night with a Scot
But Keane raised a hand to silence him as he continued. “However, I decided against killing the lass.” Murmurs and intakes of breath were heard around the table as he went on. “Instead, I married her.”
“But, me laird,” Callum interjected, his astonished tone mirroring some of the older men’s expressions. “Surely, that cannae be good fer us.”
“Why nae?” Michael objected. “It will humiliate Laird Gunn even more.”
“Aye,” Matthew interrupted, “but it will also give the man an opportunity tae attack and steal her back.”
“Aye, and use her against us,” Callum added. “We should proceed with the initial plan and kill her.”
The debate continued for another ten minutes between the men for and against Elspeth Munro being eliminated. Keane watched and listened to the men’s arguments, noting that Alisdair remained conspicuously quiet.
After a while, Michael spoke up again. “Perhaps, ‘afore we jump tae conclusions, and mak’ decisions we might regret, it might be advisable tae send scouts out intae the land. We at least need tae ken if Gunn or his men have any intention o’ attacking.”
“O’ course, they’ll attack,” Callum said, struggling to contain the growing exasperation in his voice. “We’ve stolen his bride-tae-be.”
“Sure, he would have attacked had we killed her, too,” Michael pointed out. “We all kent what the risks were.”
“Aye, but this is just asking fer trouble,” Matthew added.
“We’ll send scouts out,” Keane said, quieting the men. “And ye’re right.” He looked at Callum and Matthew. “Laird Gunn will come looking fer her. But Michael is also right. He was going tae come after us nae matter what we did. Was nae that the plan, men? That we bring him tae us so I could destroy him?” Keane growled.
All the council members nodded, some agreeing more begrudgingly than others. They were still clearly unsettled, however, which annoyed Keane. None of them had travelled across country risking life and limb.
“May I ask, me laird,” Michael spoke up. “Is the marriage binding?”
Any other asking the same question might have trembled in their shoes, but Michael was old, and wise, and had been a close friend of Keane’s father. He had watched Keane grow up, and, when Hamilton had been murdered, he had shed a tear at Keane’s side. There was a strong bond between the men, and since then, Michael had been there to comfort Keane, as much as he would allow himself to be comforted.
“Aye, Michael. The marriage is binding. Alisdair stood as me witness in the chapel.”
Michael nodded and continued. “Then, may I put forth that since the clan was unable tae celebrate yer union with ye, that we have a feast tonight. The two o’ ye can create a failte stone forthe hearth here in the great hall.” Michael gestured to the huge fireplace behind him. “That way, the clan can share in yer union with ye and Lady Mackay.”
Keane considered this idea, and noting the rest of them nodding in agreement, the first time they had agreed on anything since they had gathered, Keane eventually inclined his head.
“Very well. If it pleases ye,
I will dae it.”
“I think the clan would delight in sharing the celebration, me laird,” Callum said, his tone now far more amicable.
“Then so be it,” Keane said.
CHAPTER TEN
Anna was a young lass of about Elsie’s age, who, from the moment they left the laird’s side, was so warm and kind that Elsie took an immediate liking to her. She had a round and pretty face, framed with wisps of red hair that had escaped from her bonnet, and a sprinkling of freckles dotted across her nose and cheeks.
“Ye must forgive me surprise, me lady, but nayone kent the laird was away tae get… married.” Anna’s voice faded as her brow furrowed. “Ye must be exhausted, me lady. I’m sure ye would like a bath.”
“Aye, a bath would be lovely.”
“And some fresh clothes,” Anna continued.
At that, Elsie frowned. “I would love some fresh clothes, but alas, I have naething with me but the clothes I am wearing.”
Anna smiled again. “Dinnae worry about that. I’m sure I can find something suitable. Some of Lady Iseabail’s clothes are still here, and by the look o’ ye, I reckon yer close enough tae the right size.”
“Lady Iseabail?” Elsie said, as they continued along the corridor, passing heavy wooden doors on their left and right.
“Aye, me lady. The laird’s sister.”
