Page 63 of Bride of the Mad Laird
“Sit, lass,” he indicated the chair beside him at the fire.
Without meeting his gaze she took her seat. But, instead of making herself comfortable, she perched precariously on the very edge of the chair as if to let him know she’d be on her feet in a flash if he offended her.
He took his time before speaking, not wishing her to think he was about to upbraid her for her harsh words to him last night.
He spoke in a soft voice. “I trust ye are well, me lady?”
She grunted. “Aye. But nae thanks tae yer Council’s decision.”
Her rebuff made it all the easier for him to broach the unwelcome subject.
“I understand that ye are nae happy with what resulted from our meeting.”
She huffed at that, without responding.
“As ye have told me, ye wish fer naught but tae return tae yer lands.”
She nodded. “That has been what I’ve wished from the first day I set eyes on ye.”
He nodded. “I apologize that hasnae been possible yet, btu it is fer yer safety” He dipped his head.
She sighed but settled into a somewhat more comfortable position on her chair.
“D’ye still believe ye can make yer escape from Dùn Ara and find yer way, alone, tae Morvern as ye tried tae dae a few nights past?
Her chin went up and a look of pure defiance flashed in her emerald eyes.
“I will make me escape, Laird Tòrr. I will evade both ye and the MacDougall and make me way across the Sound of Mull tae the mainland and me Castle Kinlochaline.”
She said these words with pride and Tòrr’s heart went out to her. He could not and would notforce this lass to remain with him against her will, no matter how much it pained him.
He rose to stand by the mantelpiece, meeting the challenge in her gaze.
“I understand that yer heart is nay at Dùn Ara. I also ken that ye wish naught but tae be wi’ yer clan.”
He waited two heartbeats before he saw her reluctant nod.
“I am willing tae escort ye back tae Morvern if that is yer wish.”
She gasped and opened her mouth to speak, but he went on.
“I will sail ye tae the mainland meself in one of me strongest birlinns and make sure ye are well guarded on the way. It is certain MacDougall will attempt tae seize ye, but we will fight fer ye and dae our best tae deliver ye intae the safekeeping of the Clan MacInnes.”
He watched as her eyes clouded. First with confusion, then doubt, disbelief, and open fear. She shook her head as if clearing her thoughts.
“I am most grateful Laird Tòrr. Ye have recognized what I desire most strongly.”
He shrugged, aware that her words sliced a tiny piece from his heart. Had I really been so foolish as to believe she desired me more than her wish to return to her home?
“If that is truly yer wish, I shall begin the arrangements fer the journey.”
For a few long moments she kept her gaze on the leaping flames, their silence only broken by a log shifting in the fire. He held his breath, dreading her response, but knowing he had no other choice but to offer her freedom. The lass was not his prisoner whatever she may consider herself to be.
She looked up, shaking her head. “This is sudden... I’d nae considered... I beg ye, give me time tae answer.”
He breathed again.
“The banns fer our marriage are tae be published on Sunday. If ye wish tae accept me offer tae escort ye back tae Morvern, I will tell the priest nae tae proceed. I would like ye tae present me wi’ yer decision before that day.”
