Page 19 of The Highlander's Accidental Wife
Emma squealed and darted toward her, while Sophia frowned and her lips parted. Her father scowled but nodded, and Helena felt compelled to continue. “Laird MacCabe is an honorable man. And this will satisfy the new terms of the Queen’s Edict.”
“I am so happy for you,” Emma squealed and hugged her. “You look a bit dazed, dearest,” she added in an undertone. “Let’s retire somewhere for a snack and a chat.”
Somehow, Lady Ronson took charge, sending her husband to deal with the guests and then leading Helena and Sophia to asuite. There, Agnes waited, her pretty face anxious, yet it lit up when they entered.
“Glad to see you standing on your feet, Helena,” Agnes said warmly. “Here, sit and have some tea.”
The twins fussed over Helena, while Sophia paced around, her small form brimming with both overtiredness and excitement.
“I confess that since we heard of your interaction with Laird MacCabe this morning,” Emma said, “we’ve been wondering if he was the kiss you stole.”
Helena found she did not mind that Emma had told Agnes, though she flushed to think of Laird MacLarsen and Laird Ronson knowing.
“He was,” she admitted.
“Well, he seems quite taken with you,” Agnes noted. “Leo agreed. But if this isn’t what you want, I believe we can smuggle you out of the castle and somewhere safe.”
Helena smiled at the woman, feeling as though she had gained another best friend. “I appreciate that. But as I told Laird MacCabe, enough running.” She tipped her head back. “I confess, I am too dazed to even make another plan to run. And…”
She swallowed hard.
He agreed to my condition—but then he became very strange.
“He is a good man,” Emma said. “Grant speaks highly of him—and his father.” Her face dimmed. “I do not think either Damien or Grant have recovered from his death.”
“Many still mourn the former Laird MacCabe,” Agnes agreed. “And speak highly of his son, of his honor and prowess.” Her eyes danced. “They also say that they do not know what he is quicker with—his sword or his wits or his words. Despite his rough exterior, that is. Why, he can even make Leo laugh.”
Helena rubbed at her heart and agreed, letting their chatter wash over her. It wasn’t until they fell silent that she sat up and gazed between them.
Emma took her hand. “Helena, I must ask you at least one more time—are you sure?” Her eyes flicked to her sister and back to her friend. “You do not have to do this. We can help.”
“I’m sure,” Helena said.
She would not back down now, even if Damien—Laird MacCabe—had suddenly gone cold on her when speaking of tomorrow and had barely bid her a good night. Perhaps realizing what he’d agreed to.
“At least he is far too good-looking for his own good.”
Agnes and Emma exchanged surprised looks, then burst into peals of girlish laughter, but Sophia suddenly appeared in front of them and stamped her foot.
“I do not agree, Lena,” she said, her face red, her fair hair falling in ringlets around her head. “I find him terrifying.”
“No, sweet, he is just a warrior,” Agnes reassured her.
“Even your husband is not so scary,” Sophia said. “He is scarred, yes, but he is kind—he gave me a treat. Helena’s Highlander looks like…” She bit her lip as she thought. “He looks like he would throw you over his shoulder and take you to his castle only to eat you.”
At that, Agnes and Emma burst into more peals of helpless laughter.
Helena smiled and reached forward, smoothing Sophia’s hair out of her face and trying to soothe her.
Sophia grumpily clambered into her lap and hugged her, and Helena rocked her to and fro.
Deep down, though, did not children and fools see true?
Will Laird MacCabe keep his word? Or will he carry me off—to make good and eat me?
CHAPTER 8
Pacing through the snow,Damien had circled the Banrose gardens twice, and even his boots were beginning to protest. But he could not stop the thoughts bouncing around his skull, keeping him trapped between what had just transpired and what he’d agreed to.
