Page 61 of A Virgin for the Vicious Highlander
“The trouble, M’Laird,” Kelvin continued in a brazen tone that Murdoch did not care for, “is that the servants like to talk and gossip, and we have heard that ye and yer wife havenae slept in the same chambers since yer weddin’.”
Roger plastered on a tight smile. “So, ye can understand our concern. It’s imperative that we find out, sooner rather than later, if yer new wife is fertile. If she isnae, there might beconsiderations to make. Indeed, that is the only reason tomarry.”
They were fortunate that Murdoch had not brought his broadsword with him, or the two men would have been headless by now.
Over the years, he had barely tolerated their constant nagging for him to take a wife, and now that he had one, they were still not satisfied. Perhaps he could have borne that, but what he would not stand for was other men deciding how he should live his life, andanyonediscussing the fertility of his wife as if she were cattle.
“I wasnae aware that either of ye had been made Laird of Clan Moore,” he said darkly.
Roger paled. “That wasnae me meanin’, M’Laird. We just?—”
“Need to learn when to keep yer mouths shut and yer opinions to yerselves,” Murdoch retorted, cutting off the man’s shaky words like a blade. “Ye dinnae make decisions for me. None of ye do. It’s the other way around, and I’d urge ye to remember that in the future, providin’ ye like where yer heads are right now.”
He would not mention their rude comment about his wife—he had made his point well enough. He could see it in the way the color drained from their faces and the way they bowed their heads. Some of them were trembling in their chairs like naughty lads who had been asked to pick a switch from the woods.
Murdoch pushed back his chair and headed for the door. These men needed to stew for a while until they remembered who they served—The LairdandLady of Clan Moore.
CHAPTER 26
Cecilia had not intendedto eavesdrop on the council’s conversation. She had not known that the room Murdoch enteredwasthe council chamber until she heard masculine voices and her name being mentioned. She was fully aware that she should have left, rather than invade anyone’s privacy, but her curiosity had always been her downfall.
Everyone kens… Oh goodness, everyone kens that me husband doesnae want me.
It was the first time in a very long while that she had felt her cheeks burn with the sting of embarrassment. In truth, she could not rememberanytime where she had been so thoroughly mortified.
She darted to the side, hiding herself in a corner as she heard Murdoch’s familiar, thudding footsteps approach the council chamber door. The last thing she needed was for him to see her embarrassment when he was the one causing it.
The whole castle must be talkin’ about me. Pityin’ me. Either that or they’re wonderin’ what’s wrong with me.
Cecilia was beginning to wonder that, too. Murdoch had no qualms about touching her before they got married, so what had changed? Why did vows change anything?
Murdoch strode out of the council chamber and headed in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, Cecilia remained in the shadows long after she had heard his footsteps fade into silence, needing that time to gather herself and cool her cheeks.
Once she felt calm enough, she emerged from the darkness and began to walk away, unsure where to go without having to endure the servants’ whispers.
“M’Lady?” A kindly voice stopped her in her tracks. She had been too slow in making her escape.
She turned around hesitantly. “Mr. MacGill. What good fortune this is—I was just about to go and find yer daughter to see if she wants to go for a walk.”
George smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, as if he did not believe a word but was too polite to say it. “Me daughter has grown very fond of ye. I’m certain she’d be happy to go for a walk with ye, but she’s nae in the castle at present. She went to the village this mornin’ and willnae be back for several hours.”
“Oh…” Cecilia did her best to keep her chin up. “Nay matter. I’ll see her when she comes back.”
“Ye could wait with me if ye like?” George gestured up the hallway. “I’ve been meanin’ to speak with ye, actually.”
Cecilia balked, her eyes wide.
“Nothin’ serious,” George assured her, as if reading her mind. “As the head of the council, it’s me duty to see to the welfare of me Laird and Lady. I cannae imagine it has been easy to marry into this clan, goin’ from a novitiate to a noblewoman. I suppose I just wanted to see how ye were farin’, especially as ye’re so dear to me daughter. We could have some tea if ye’d like?”
Cecilia relaxed a little, though she was furious that her cheeks flushed again. She was tempted to take George up on his offer. There was nothing like a calming cup of tea to assuage most worries, and she would certainly feel better if she was away from the main body of the castle, where people could see her and gawk at her.
But what if he wants to discuss heirs, like the other councilmen?
She doubted she would survive the humiliation, particularly in closer quarters.
“That’s very kind, Mr. MacGill, but nay, thank ye. I have somethin’ else to attend to,” she replied. “Another time, perhaps.”
George bowed his head. “Of course, M’Lady.” He hesitated. “And if I may be so bold, I hope that things improve between ye and the Laird. It isnae right, in me opinion, for him to let the rest of the castle whisper about ye. He should be doin’ everythin’ within his power to quell the gossip and be a good husband to ye. It’s the least he can do.”
