Page 41 of An English Rose for the Highlander
The Laird stopped short, exchanging an uneasy confusion with Rose. What on earth was the matchmaker doing at his castle? She’d traveled all the way from England to seek out an audience with them, so he must conclude that it was of grave importance. But Dominik was truly at a loss as to what might have called for her unexpected arrival.
“I see. Thank you, Eilidh. We will see her at once.”
Eilidh nodded with a tiny bow, something she only did when she was feeling especially on edge or formal. It turned Dominik’s stomach, making him swallow done a sudden lump in his throat. She led the way toward the main entrance; Rose and he followed along quickly and quietly. Oskar and Layton also joined them, and as much as Dominik would have preferred privacy, he knew that neither of the men would accept that, if for very different reasons.
Oskar was loyal beyond measure, and Dominik trusted him to support him through whatever came next. Layton, on the other hand, was a stern old bastard, and Dominik was intimately aware of how he had opposed Rose’s presence at every turn. The man constantly challenged him, always stroking his beard as he pontificated to the council.
As they all reached the main entrance, Miss Wood stood with her back toward them, turning as she heard their footsteps echoing off the stone floors. When Dominik made eye contact with her, it was immediately clear that the woman was in no mood for pleasantries. Her expression was especially serious—downright somber and a rather significant change for the woman. Moreover, Mirren stepped forward with a short, curt nod and addressed Dominik before he even opened his mouth to greet her.
“Laird MacKay,” she curtsied slightly, “Lady MacKay thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I apologize for the interruption, but I will admit that I knew time was of theessence. It is not only my own reputation as a matchmaker but, most importantly, your own that is in jeopardy.”
“Jeopardy? Whatever do you mean?” Rose stepped forward, her brows pinched together as she stared across at Miss Wood.
“A rumor has come to my attention, one that I regret must be treated with due consideration and care.” Mirren sucked in a breath, visibly steadying herself. “I regret to say that the English are abuzz with whispers about your ladyship. They say that she was taken against her will. They…Goodness me, they say that it was an abduction.”
Dominik’s hands reflexively balled into fists, his brow furrowing intently as he clenched his jaw. Did the matchmaker really just tell them people thought he had kidnapped Rose?
A low hiss of air sounded from various directions around him, the castle positively buzzing with excitement over the news. Dominik turned over his shoulder, eyeing Oskar, who returned his look with a grave expression of surprise and concern. Layton, however, was quick to pin the Laird with a scowl, almost as if he knew something like this was bound to happen.
“I…I don’t understand.” Rose was stiff beside him, her cheeks darkening with a pink that signaled her embarrassment.
She had no reason to feel shame, however. The rumor was entirely false. They both knew that. But his wife looked extremely distressed, nonetheless.
“That is utterly preposterous. Miss Wood, you helped us to arrange our nuptials yourself. Why on earth would thetonbelieve that I have been abducted?”
Dominik noted the tone of frustration, of downright anger, in Rose’s voice, and he turned to the matchmaker once more, searching her expression for any sign that she knew something she was not sharing. There was no indication of that, however, only a look of distress and agitation. He had respected the woman quite a bit upon first meeting her, and it looked like now she had come all this way to do her clients another service by alerting them to this gossip.
“This is absurd. We have a signed marriage document, and I have several witnesses who watched the marriage ceremony. We can attest to the validity of our wedding to any soul who dares to ask. This is obviously some wild attempt to discredit me and me clan.”
Rage simmered in Dominik’s veins, and as he exchanged a look with Rose, there was a silent moment of shared frustration. Tension swelled between them as she shook her head, her eyes fixed on him as Dominik offered a stern shake of the head. He would not let this bloody rumor harm her.
I shall see any challenger in irons should I find whoever started this damned story.
“Again, my laird, I apologize for coming with such dreadful news. I only wished to share it with you because I knew you deserved to know. It would be in both of your best intereststo come up with a response to the rumors. I have been your matchmaker, and my own livelihood is wrapped up in this, so I will be honest when I say I am gravely concerned.”
It made sense, of course. Mirren introduced them, created the match. If it circulated that she had done so under threat from the Laird or that he had bought her cooperation, it would damage her business immeasurably and likely permanently.
“What must we do to quell this unrest?” Rose took Mirren’s hand, her attention sharp and focused on the matchmaker and none of the growing whispers around them. “We will do whatever is necessary. I was most certainlynotabducted, and I will attest to that no matter who inquires.”
“Well, dear, that is just the case, in point of fact. Officials will likely come to investigate this claim. An abduction is a crime. Should one have been committed on English soil by a Scotsman, they will seek to do something about it, believing they are ‘rescuing’ you.”
English constables within the walls of MacKay Castle. Dominik could not put into words howdispleasedhe was with that notion he was.
“I will speak with them and deliver the truth.” Rose nodded, resolute in her conviction, which sent the corner of Dominik’s mouth up, her determination continuing to impress him. “We will be at the ready, Miss Wood. I assure you. And we are most grateful that you have traveled all this way to inform us of thesituation. If need be, I will testify to the validity of our marriage in court.”
That was no small action if it came down to it, and when Rose glanced his way, Dominik returned her unafraid look with a subtle grin. While women were not required to become soldiers and warriors as men were, he had no doubt that Rose—if trained—would be at home on a battlefield with that fire of hers. As strong a heart as any of the men he had fought with.
“That is good to hear, Lady MacKay.” Miss Wood curtsied once more, nodding her head as she traded glances between the Laird and Lady. “I must return to London. But I will write of any further developments. It is comforting to see how you face this situation. I am grateful for that devotion. Truly.”
Dominik lowered his head solemnly. “Please, Miss Wood, ye must take a rest before ye hurry back to the city. Ye may stay in the keep tonight.”
The Laird waved a servant to them, discussing with them briefly to get Mirren settled in a guest room. As she left, murmurs still took up the air in the entrance hall. Dominik would have none of that. This was his clan to command, and they would continue to treat his wife with the respect she had earned since arriving here. But more needed to be done, more to settle the rumblings within the clan now that news had reached them.
“Convene the council. Have them ready in the meeting chamber within the hour.”
“Of course, me laird,” Oskar answered behind him, and Dominik stared straight ahead at the doors.
Someone had started this disastrous rumor, and Dominik would see to it that whoever that unlucky soul was, they met Scottish justice.
