Page 4 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
Her father turned toward her bedchamber, and she jumped back from the door just before it sprung open. “Margret, come meet your betrothed. He will come for you on the morrow and take you to the church in England, where you will become his wife.”
Church in England? Where was England? She had no idea since she’d never traveled more than a quarter day from their home.
One, two, three… Her fingers ticked by her side.
“Stop it,” her father hissed quietly, his gaze dropping to her hands. “Do not act foolish.”
How could she explain to her father that counting calmed her? It was something she did whenever she was uncertain of the outcome of a situation. Her father knew this about her. He’d heard her count whenever he hit her with the paddle.
When she stood in front of the man, her father said, “This is Baron Neville de Wilton. You should refer to him as ‘my lord.’ He has chosen you to be his wife. His baroness.”
“Come over here, lass. I’d like to see you up close. See exactly what I’m purchasing.” He took two steps toward her and waited for her to come to him.
She glanced at her father, who propelled her forward then said, “I shall return in a moment.” He stepped out the back door, leaving the two alone.
“Greetings, my lord,” she said, counting under her breath, her fingers kneading her gown to match the count.
“My, but your sire was not lying. You are a comely lass. Your hair is a bit red for my liking, but you have pretty green eyes. Forgive my intrusion, but I wish to learn more about you.” He stepped closer and palmed her breasts through her gown.
Meg pushed his hands away, incensed that he dared to touch her there. He grabbed her wrists and squeezed.
“Do not ever push me away. Once we are married, you will do everything I say, when I want and what I want. Do you understand me?”
She nodded, just so he’d release her arms.Twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two.
He squeezed her breasts again and then walked around her. “Stay there. Do not move.” His hands went to the globes of her bottom, squeezing there as well. “Very nice. You will suit me nicely.”
She wished to put her fist in his face.
He came around to the front again and stood too close, so close that she could smell something rancid. She brushed her finger against the bottom of her nose as if to protect her from the odor, but it did little to help her. He leaned forward, pulled her hand down and kissed her, his tongue pushing against the seam of her lips until she opened them. He tasted of sour ale and rabbit, something that nearly made her heave, but she was afraid to push away.
She was eternally grateful for her father’s entrance again. The baron stepped away at the sound of the door opening.
Her father stared at her, then at the baron. “Well?”
“She’ll suit me fine. I’ll return on the morrow for her,” he said, taking a small bow to her and saying, “Until then, my dear.”
He exited while she froze in her spot, but her sire followed him out. The baron bellowed at his men, ordering them about to assist him onto his horse.
Meg could only think of one truth.
She’d never marry that pig.
Given no other option, she’d have to run away.
Soon.
Chapter Three
Dyna
Dyna rushed her mount up the hill, though the beast wasn’t as excited as she was. She had to see the view from the top, looking for the ship Maitland had just boarded. It was the last month of summer, and Maitland’s wife Maeve would be having their bairn any day now. She smiled, happy for Maitland after losing his first wife when the two had been imprisoned by the English in a dungeon years ago.
It was time for Maitland to have some happiness in his life. She’d learned a few months ago that Maitland’s son was to be under her wing. Dyna had been a protector of her grandfather from the very beginning.
Then she’d learned a while ago that she had three others to protect: Alaric, Eli, and Maitland’s unborn son. She hadn’t told anyone but Derric and Maitland, but she was pleased that she would meet the new laddie in another moon, probably. He wouldn’t travel with the bairn until Maeve and the child were ready.
“Derric, I cannot wait to see Maitland with his son, can you?”
