Page 56 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
He shook his head, looking mystified.
“Ye willnae give me good reason why ye keep yer distance and ye act so tight-lipped when I ask ye about it. How can I understand and trust ye?”
He nodded, leaning in and whispering. “I give ye me promise I will explain. I owe it tae ye and ye shall hear naught but the truth.”
It was only then she realized how important it was for her to learn what it was that would keep them distanced from each other. She needed to know and understand, no matter how much it hurt her heart.
Holding each other’s hands they danced this way and that, holding each other at arm’s length, circling the other couples on the floor to a slow beat of the drum. The warmth of his hands, his closeness and his strength as he held her, gladdened her heart. She looked up into his darkening blue eyes, the breath hitching in her throat as their gazes locked.
There was that same mystical connection between them she’d felt before.
By the time they returned to their seats, the guests were beginning to leave and the musicians were ready to pack up their instruments.
Annora turned to Tyra. “We shall retire tae our chamber soon, and I believe Edmund shares with me the need tae have a wee word with ye before we take tae our beds this night.” Smiling, she looked up at Ewan. “Can ye spare yer bride fer a short while Laird Ewan? There is much we need tae discuss.”
He looked at Tyra, who gave him an almost imperceptible nod in response.
“Aye,” he said, rising to his feet with a smile. “I ken there are a great deal of good wishes tae pass on from the folk at Scorrybreac.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Achambermaid guided them through a maze of passageways to the guest bedchamber allocated for Edmund and Annora. As was the case with Tyra’s chamber, this room was charming, decorated with pastoral scenes, and a distant loch. It was smaller than Tyra’s, yet still with sufficient space for a large bed hung with velvet drapes at its center.
Chairs were arranged at a fire burning merrily in the grate.
Despite the growing knot in her belly, Tyra was gratified to hear the gasps of delight and the comments of “How lovely,” “What a splendid chamber,” from both Edmund and Annora.
A few moments after they had settled before the fire, a kitchen-maid entered bearing a tray with goblets and a large ewer of warm mead for their nightcap.
Edmund filled three goblets and, after passing them around, took his seat between Annora and Tyra.
“I am greatly relieved tae see ye unharmed and, as far as I am able tae ascertain, well and cared fer.” He raised his glass in a silent toast. “Ye look most charming in this new fine gown.”
Tyra’s cheeks flushed with heat at this rare moment of praise.
“Me dear braither, I thank ye fer yer kind words.” She ran fingers over the soft wool of her skirt, smoothing it. “This gown was a gift, along with others, from me husband. He was concerned I had naught but drab clothes meant more fer the convent life of contemplation than fer the light-hearted pleasures of the castle.”
Edmund nodded. “Och. Ye were ne’er meant fer life wi’ the nuns, lass. Yet it was a terrible thing that befell ye and yer companions while ye were enroute tae Pluscarden.”
Annora nodded, taking Tyra’s hand in hers. “Aye, sister. Ye cannae imagine the horror we felt when Laird Ewan’s men told us yer story when they brought our two brave soldiers home. We were filled wi’ trepidation fer ye. Our only thoughts fer yer wellbeing and safety.”
Hauling in a deep breath, Tyra waited for the questions she knew would follow Annora’s remark.
“After the bad news was received it was only a matter of a few days before the messenger arrived from Laird Ewan requestingour agreement fer him tae wed wi’ ye.” She slanted Tyra a puzzled look. “Ye’ll nae be surprised tae learn we couldnae contain our suspicions. Why, fer all we kent, ye’d been abducted at the behest of Harris MacDonald and were being held against yer will in the Mackenzie castle.”
Tyra nodded. It was not difficult to imagine their concern.
“I understand yer doubts. Of course it must have seemed strange tae ye both. The events that unfolded caused me many questions also.”
Edmund continued. “Now that we’ve met the laird and seen the castle, me fears are much allayed. Yet, there is a great deal of haste that has prevented the publishing of the banns and created an irregular marriage.”
He frowned, taking a long draught of mead.
Annora joined in. “It would help us a great deal and alleviate much of our concerns if ye are able tae tell us in yer words exactly what happened.”
Tyra nodded, launching herself into recounting the sequence of events that had led to her arrival at Eilean Donan with Ewan.
“He has already mentioned tae ye how, after me rescue, we spent time together at the inn. We talked, and when it became clear that it was impossible fer me tae continue tae the Priory withoutme soldiers tae guard me, he offered me his hospitality at the castle.”
