Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

W hile Keane had wanted nothing more than to grant Elsie her wish, his injury simply would not allow it. In fact, Elsie made that perfectly clear, for after her request, she told him she would wait.

“We are married now. I’m nae going anywhere,” she had said. “Ye need tae heal first.”

Over the following days, however, Keane had found himself more concerned with what the result of their lovemaking might be, rather than the pleasure of it.

There was something he had not told Elsie. Not that he was keeping it from her. It had simply not been relevant to discuss. It wasn’t exactly a secret, but he had tried to bury this particular childhood memory in hope that one day, it would not cause him pain. So far, that had not worked.

At ten years old, he had been as excited as everyone else in the family to welcome his new brother or sister, for Sinead Mackay, his mother, had been with child. But when she had felt the first birth pangs, panic had rippled through the castle. He hadn’t understood it at the time, but when he was older, his father had explained that the baby was two months early.

Keane had sat on the floor outside her bedchamber, watching the maids rush in and out for hours, while his mother’s screams of agony pierced the air. Hamilton had paced the floor in front of him. On each occasion the door burst open, he had stopped and turned towards it expectantly. But the maids continued to hurry back and forth with no word for him.

After an entire night, he and his father were eventually allowed to go into the chamber. As they entered, a maid had whispered to his father.

“She doesnae have long, me laird.”

Hamilton had hurried to the bed, wrapping his arms around his wife. But Keane had stayed back, looking at the woman who lay there. She did not look like his mother. Her eyes were near black and sunken, her face was white as snow, and her lips were dry and cracked.

Not once did she open her eyes. Not once did she move as his father broke down in tears by her side. Her chest lifted and fell several times, a small movement that could barely be seen. And then, it stopped. Just like that.

On that day, the castle mourned greatly, for both mother and child were lost.

And thus, Keane struggled with a dilemma. As customary as it might be to produce an heir, that memory had haunted him for life. Having never been married before, it had not been something he had concerned himself with. Now, however, he was.

Four days had passed. Four days where Keane felt he and Elsie growing ever closer. Without even realizing it, she had toppled the barriers he had spent so long constructing. And she had to make no extra effort to do so. His beloved wife was just her beautiful, kind, open and caring self. The difference between them and how they now interacted with each other since returning, was like night and day. And it was not going unnoticed in the castle.

Alisdair and Keane took a walk around the castle grounds that morning. The day was fresh and warm, and Keane felt good. Alisdair, too, seemed more than pleased.

“I cannae remember the last time I saw ye this settled. This happy,” Alisdair said. “Perhaps Elsie is a sorceress, for she certainly seems tae have cast a spell upon ye.”

Keane smirked at his friend, who smiled broadly as he spoke.

“A spell I am happy tae remain under, me friend. She has brought a new perspective tae me life, fer she is like a breath o’ fresh air. I feel alive again.”

“Ye look it,” Alisdair replied. “I’m happy fer ye. Truly, I am.”

“Thank ye.” Keane paused a beat, and then said, “And I am sorry fer me conduct over this last year, Alisdair. I ken I cannae have been easy tae be around.”

“Nay. Ye’ve been a bloody pain in me arse,” Alisdair quipped.

The two men burst into laughter. But when the laughter died down, Keane continued.

“Me soul, consumed with hatred, and anger and revenge, slipped into a dark place. I could think o’ naething else but smiting the man who had taken something so precious from me life. Now, though, those things hardly enter me mind.”

“That is what love does tae a man, Keane. It takes yer heart and wraps it up, making yer experience a sensation nay other emotion can match. Every day is a perfect day, and every moment is one tae be savored.”

The laird’s heart skipped at the idea that he might be in love. That he might actually love Elsie. What else could it be? Yet, he had not admitted that to himself, let alone anyone else. Thus, he remained quiet about his own feelings, and instead, turned the conversation to his companion.

“Ye talk like ye have experienced it,” Keane said. He was confused though, for he knew well that Alisdair had never had a serious love affair.

Alisdair shook his head. “That privilege hasnae been bestowed upon me.”

“Yet,” Keane added.

“Aye. Yet. I kent o’ it only from what I have seen and read. And believe me, me friend, I can see it in ye, fer ye are practically glowing.”

Then the subject moved on.

“There has been nay more word from Laird Gunn,” Alisdair said, reporting the news. “Nor have the scouts spotted his men since the attack.”

But Keane was no fool. Defeating six men would not have put Gunn off. He was holding back. Perhaps waiting for something. What he was waiting for, Keane did not know.

“The guards are still doubled on the wall and the men prepared, though?” Keane said, asking the question he already knew the answer to.

“Naething has changed,” Alisdair confirmed.

“Good.”

Later that morning, Keane found Elsie in the drawing room. But he did not receive the usual bright, warm greeting he had become accustomed to. Instead, she looked utterly distraught. Holding a letter, she sat on a chaise lounge with her head in her hands.

“Little one,” Keane said, kneeling in front of her. “What troubles ye?”

Without lifting her head, Elsie held the letter aloft. “Me faither has sent me a missive,” she replied.

Her voice was laden with sorrow, and Keane felt a pang of worry gripe in his stomach. Taking the letter from her, he settled beside her and began to read.

Elspeth,

The very fact that I am having tae write this missive tae ye is irksome. But then, I suppose I ought tae expect naething else from a whimsical woman, a young lass who kens naething about responsibility. Had ye been a son, this would never have been necessary.

Ye cannae ken how disappointed I am in yer actions. The alliance between the Munro and Gunn clans is an important contract. One that must be honored. Yer recklessness has made me look like a fool. In me life, I have never been as humiliated.

Nay doubt, yer own happiness is all that concerns ye. Nae the future o’ this clan. And yet, that is where me responsibility lies, and will remain, above all else. Including ye.

Ye have defied me, daughter, and I am angry. Yet, there may still be a chance we can reconcile. It is nae something I am willing tae discuss in this communication. However, ye must write me back so an arrangement can be made fer us tae talk properly. Things cannae be left the way they are.

I await yer reply.

Laird Roland Munro

While she had told him what kind of man her father was, Keane could hardly believe the words on the page. Disbelief, anger, and a sense of injustice swirled around him simultaneously.

His own daughter was kidnapped, and this is the manner in which he speaks tae her?

Not once had he asked her if she was well, or harmed, or safe. There was not one bit of concern for her well-being. In fact, the laird only bemoaned his own lot, more concerned with his reputation than his daughter’s welfare.

“God’s teeth,” he growled. “What a bastard.”

With her head still in her hands, Elsie turned sideways to look up at him. With her brows furrowed, and a heavy sadness he had never seen in her, she said, “But he’s nae wrong. I have disappointed him and let the clan down.”

Keane’s eyes flew wide at her words, and dropping the letter to the floor, he spun toward her. Taking her wrists gently in his hands, he pulled her to face him.

“Nay, Elsie. Ye cannae believe that. Yer faither is a cruel and heartless man. I ken ye told me already the way he treated ye. But I will admit, until reading this missive, I dinnae really think I understood how bad he really is.”

Elsie sighed and dropped her gaze. She stared aimlessly past him, lost in her own thoughts. Thoughts that pained Keane greatly.

Ye cannae begin tae understand. This has been me experience all me life. He has nae once spoken tae me with any kindness. I am naething tae him but a tool tae be used. He is grateful fer me existence only in the ways he can use me.

“That’s nae how a faither should be,” Keane said tenderly.

Elsie lifted her head, giving him a strange look. She glanced at her hands, her eyes flying wide. Only then, did she realize that he had heard everything she had been thinking.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didnae mean tae?—”

She shook her head and cut him off. “It’s fine. It is just going tae tak’ some getting used tae.” She smiled then, her eyebrows lifting. “And perhaps, I need tae be more careful when ye are touching me.”

He feigned a scowl. “Ye wouldnae dare keep secrets from me, would ye, Elsie?”

“I kept me affection from ye fer long enough.”

He smirked. “Or so ye think.”

Her eyes widened and she looked surprised.

“Come on.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “It is a fine day. Let’s go fer a ride. Ye need something tae put that smile back on yer face.” He took a step forward, brushed his fingers against her cheeks, and lowered his lips to hers, if only briefly. “The smile that makes me heart sing.”

Elsie blushed as she gazed back at him.

As they were heading to the stables, Keane heard a soldier’s bellow echoing across the courtyard.

“Someone is approaching.”

Halting in mid-step, he changed direction. Still holding onto Elsie’s hand, he headed toward the gates. By the time he reached them, the gates were yawning open, granting access to two riders, both of whom brought their horses to a steady standstill once inside the castle grounds.

“It is yer sister, me laird,” one of the guards declared.

But he need not have bothered, for Keane spotted her at the exact same time. Surprise soon turned to worry when he noticed the expression on her face. Instead of delight at seeing her brother, Iseabail glared down at him.

“Ye’re in big trouble, braither,” Owen, Iseabail’s husband, chuckled, before jumping from his horse.

“Aye. I can see that,” Keane replied.

Lord. What the blazes is she doing here? I expected a harsh reply tae me letter, nae a special appearance.

Keane followed Owen as he approached Iseabail. He then waited while her husband, taking her by the waist, lifted her off her beast.

“Keane,” Iseabail said tersely, wrapping her arms around him in an embrace. She then took a step back and slapped him across the cheek.

“Oh!” Elsie gasped.

Iseabail turned to Elsie, who stood there with her mouth wide open. His sister’s expression changed immediately. With a huge smile, she took several steps towards his shocked wife, her arms open wide.

“Och, me dear,” Iseabail sighed.

Elsie was still stunned when Iseabail wrapped her arms around her and gave her a huge hug.

“It is so good tae meet ye,” Iseabail gushed. Turning her head slightly, so Keane could hear her clearly, she continued. “Even if it is in hardly the right circumstances.”

“Och, sister, would ye give it a rest. I told ye I was married, did I nae?”

“In a letter , Keane,” she spat, spinning to glare at him again.

Keane grinned down at her, knowing that she could not possibly stay mad at him for long. He then held his arms out to her again. “Can I please get an embrace without the slap?”

Iseabail held her frown for only a second longer. A beaming smile replaced it, and she ran into his arms. “Och, ‘tis so good tae see ye, braither.”

Over Iseabail’s shoulder, Keane caught Elsie watching the goings on. Her wide eyes betrayed the fact that she was still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions his sister had just expressed.

“Me wife thinks ye’re completely mad,” Keane said.

Stepping away from him, she turned back to smile at Elsie. “Better mad than boring, dinnae ye agree?”

A slow smile grew on Elsie’s lips, though it was clear she was still astonished.

“I dae.” She nodded.

“I am Owen. The mad lass’s husband,” Owen said, stepping forward to Elsie and taking her hand to plant a polite kiss.

“Elsie,” Elsie replied as she greeted him with a curtsy.

“Wonderful tae meet ye, Elsie. Were ye aware that ye’d married intae a crazy family?” Owen quipped, grinning widely.

She shook her head. “Given I am married tae Keane, I’d say I had a wee clue.”

Owen, Keane, and Iseabail burst into laughter at her reply. After that, the four made their way into the castle. Iseabail and Elsie were already some ways ahead of them. They fell into conversation like they had known each other for years.

Owen threw his arm around Keane’s shoulder as they continued on behind.

“It is good tae see ye, me friend. I would have tried tae warn ye.” He nodded to Iseabail. “But the minute she finished reading yer letter, we were packing tae leave.”

“I dinnae doubt it,” Keane replied. “And in truth, I cannae really blame her fer being mad at me.”

Owen gave Keane a knowing look. Lowering his voice, he said, “I’m guessing, with the speed o’ the wedding, there’s more tae this than meets the eye. Is she with child?”

“Nay!” Keane gasped, his reaction causing the women to turn back and look at them. He pinned on a smile and hissed under his breath. “I’ll tell ye later, but only if ye swear nae tae repeat it tae me sister.”

A flash of doubt crossed Owen’s face.

Keane looked disappointed. “Och, come on. Dinnae tell me ye have nay secrets from each other.”

Owen smiled proudly and shrugged. “We have naething tae hide.”

Sighing, Keane nodded. “Well, then. Maybe I’ll just keep me own council and stay quiet. Believe me, if she’s mad at me now, she’ll be outraged if she discovers what really happened.”

Owen’s eyes widened. “What did ye dae?” he gasped.

Keane only smiled and shook his head. “Never ye mind.”

For the next hour, the four conversed in the drawing room. At Keane’s prompting, Iseabail and Owen told them of their life in the castle. He had an ulterior motive, of course. While they conversed, he could avoid speaking about the circumstances under which Elsie and he had married.

But Elsie changed all that.

“I wish we could say that we have had the same spate o’ peacefulness, but alas, we cannae. Keane has only just recovered from a serious injury after an attack.”

“What?” Iseabail gasped, staring at Keane. “Why?”

Keane took a deep breath in. I have nay choice now. I’m going tae have tae tell her.

“It’s a long story,” he said, trying to put her off.

“Then start from the beginning,” his sister countered immediately.

Her remark elicited a light chuckle from Owen, who looked at Keane knowingly. But his brother-in-law hardly helped Keane’s plight, for Iseabail then spun her head to look at her husband.

“Dae ye ken, too?” she said, looking more than a little frustrated.

“Absolutely nae,” Owen said, raising his hands in surrender. “He wouldnae tell me, me love. I swear.”

“Coward,” Keane said, a light smirk dancing on his lips.

“Nay braither,” Owen came back. “It’s called survival. When we leave, I have tae live with this woman.”

Iseabail’s annoyance grew as the two men bantered.

“Will someone tell me what the devil has happened?” she snapped.

“Keane saved me from a terrible fate,” Elsie said, surprising everyone.

Iseabail then turned to Elsie, her expression far softer than a second ago.

Seeing Iseabail’s attention, Elsie continued. “I was being forced tae marry Laird Gunn and?—”

But at the mention of the laird’s name, Iseabail spun her head and gasped at Keane. “The laird who?—”

“Aye,” he said. He then nodded toward Elsie. “But let her tell ye the whole story given ye are so eager tae hear it.”

“O’ course,” Iseabail said, turning back to his wife. “I’m sorry. Please continue.”

Elsie did continue, and just like that day in the tavern, she lied through her teeth. In fact, she romanticized the entire ordeal as though Keane had done her a favor. While he listened, his mind wandered back to the letter she had received that morning. Her father’s biting words leaped into his mind and then a thought occurred to him. Perhaps, under the circumstances, that was exactly the way Elsie saw it.

Maybe. But nae at first.

No, definitely not at first. But she’d had a lot of time to think about the situation since. Besides, she had made her choice clear that day of the attack.

As Elsie continued, Keane maintained a passive expression, even when some of the things she said were entirely untrue. But like the villagers, Iseabail and Owen seemed entirely enthralled.

When Elsie came to the conclusion of her story, Iseabail turned and looked at Keane, her face a mixture of frustration and worry.

“He is going tae attack again?”

Keane shrugged. “It is inevitable, sister. He’s angry. But more than that, he’s proud. Me actions humiliated him, and now, he wants revenge.”

“And ye dinnae?” Iseabail said knowingly.

Keane lifted the corner of his mouth in a smile. His sister was no fool. No matter how Elsie had dressed it up, Iseabail had seen right through it to Keane’s motivations.

“I did.”

“And now?” she pressed.

“Now, I am only interested in protecting me people and me family.” His eyes moved to Elsie, who gazed at him softly.

“But ye wouldnae have tae be worrying about protecting them, had ye nae started this, Keane,” Iseabail returned. “Surely, ye must have kent what was going tae happen.”

Keane nodded. But no longer wanting to discuss it any further, he swiftly changed the subject.

“Ye have both had a long journey. And, now ye’re here, we will celebrate yer arrival with a feast. Yer bedchamber must be ready by now. Maybe it is wise fer ye tae unpack and get a little rest afore tonight’s festivities. Alisdair will be happy tae see ye too.”

His sister gave him a long look, but before she had a chance to argue, Owen pushed himself to his feet.

“A great idea. I could certainly use a rest. Come, Iseabail. If there is tae be a feast, yer brother has some preparing tae dae.”

Once Owen and Iseabail had left, Keane crossed the room and sat beside Elsie. Gazing down at her, he said, “That is the second time ye have protected me from judgement.”

A slow smile grew on her lips, and her eyes danced as she gazed back at him.

“Ye are worth protecting,” she replied.

A shadow of doubt crossed his mind. Bringing danger to his clan’s door had hardly been a clever move. And for what? To exact vengeance for his father’s death? He could have taken the fight to Gunn. His avenging need not have involved the people he cared for at all.

But killing him wouldnae have saved Elsie.

Indeed, it would not. She was the only wonderful thing that had come out of all this. Falling for her had not been part of his plan, of course. But sometimes, fate worked in mysterious ways.

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