Page 47 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
Lennox glanced over at him, and Sloan did his best to hide his surprise, but he said, “Say no more, lass. I’d be happy to escort you, and just a ride. I understand.”
“My thanks, Sloan. I do need to get out of the hall. Mama and Lennox are right.”
Meg said, “Tamsin and Thane are going. I’m excited to see everyone. I heard there will be minstrels.”
Lennox added, “And Connor Grant already has over a hundred guards around the castle and in the forests. I’m not worried.”
Rut gave her daughter a hug and a kiss and said, “Go and enjoy yourselves. I’ll be waiting for you here.”
Eva glanced up at Sloan with those blue eyes that had a way of squeezing his heart and said, “I’m ready, Sloan.”
“Lennox, we’ll be right out. Eva,” he said, grabbing the wrapped parcel. “I brought these for you. If I recall, you used to enjoy reading when you were young. Marta and Sheona helped me choose them for you.”
Eva, excited to open a true gift, took the package over to the nearest table and set it down, untying the twine. “Sloan, you didn’t need to bring me a gift.” She pulled it open and nearly teared up. Inside were two books, both in lovely bindings. “These are exquisite.” She thumbed through the first one, skimming in spots, and was surprised at how interesting it looked. If she stayed home, she’d have something to do.
“This was unnecessary.”
“I thought it might help keep your mind off other … things.”
Her mother turned her back and moved over toward the fire. Eva stood up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Many thanks to you. It’s a lovely gift, and I will treasure both.”
Then she smiled, and it took every bit of control he had not to lean down and kiss her the way her rosy lips should be kissed, but he knew she was not ready for that. So, he set his hand on her back and ushered her out the door, Lennox and Meg following.
“Bye, Mama!”
If Sloan turned around, he was certain he’d see tears in Rut MacVey’s eyes. It was on his honor this eve to escort Eva, treat her well, but mostly, help her get past the nightmare that had happened but a few days ago.
The horses were all saddled and ready, so he said, “May I lift you or would you prefer your brother?”
She pointed to his chest, which nearly made it explode, but he did as requested and lifted her onto his horse and mounted behind her. They set out for Clan Grantham, Eva settled in front of him, and he was pleased to see that she did indeed trust him because she didn’t hold her back rigid like some lasses do, instead leaning against his chest, taking in his heat, if he were to guess.
“Don’t worry, lass. I’ll protect you with my life. You’ll be safe with me.”
He had a sudden inkling that made him question the truth of that statement. What the hell could happen?
***
As soon as they approached Duart Castle, Eva tipped her head back to Sloan and said, “Oh my. There are so many guards in red plaids. Are they all Grant guards?”
“I see a few Ramsay guards. They are in blue plaids, and the other plaids? I believe those belong to Clan Menzie. I heard Maitland’s parents had arrived with a number of guards too. It’s quite a group.”
“Is that your brother?” Eva pointed to a man standing by the stables, helping with the horses as more arrived.
Sloan couldn’t believe his eyes, but there was Rinaldo fiddling with the horses. Hell, the fool couldn’t help his own brother, but here he was assisting strangers. And he was as polite and sweet as ever. “Greetings, Rinaldo. I wondered where you were.” He waved his brother over, though Rinaldo made the mistake of reaching for Eva, who quickly denied his request to help her down, instead waiting for Sloan. He dismounted, handed the reins to his brother, and lowered Eva to the ground as carefully as he could.
“Greetings to you, my lady.” He nodded to Eva, smiling that innocent Rinaldo smile. “I’m glad you came after the troubles you’ve had.”
“Enough, Rinaldo.” Sloan hated to have to plant his fist in his brother’s face in front of a crowd, but if he said one more insulting comment to Eva, he would, brother or not.
Eva nodded and walked away from him, something Sloan needed to do more often. Glancing around, he was glad to see more guards posted on the wall than usual and a number checking all guests. They were waved on, so he ushered Eva into the great hall as quickly as he could.
“Eva, if you need anything from me this eve, please let me know.”
“My thanks, Sloan. You are forever the gentleman, and I do appreciate it. I think I may choose to visit with Maeve and the bairns for a bit. And I may have a chat with Dyna, though she’s probably busy at the moment.”
They stepped inside, Lennox and Meg directly behind them. Meg swooned. “Oh, the decorations are lovely, are they not, Eva?”
Eva looked at the greenery over both hearths, at the blue ribbons on the staircase, and the flowers on the tables, all multicolored, just as their summers were. “It is beautiful.”
