Chapter 25 #2
“Ye were only doing what was best for yerself,” Ryan said, turning away from him and heading toward the exit. “That much is obvious to me now.”
“Ye’re just going to leave me here, then?” Gerald asked as the two walked away. “Ye’re going to starve me?”
“Nay,” Ryan replied, stopping to turn around and level him with a savage look.
“Ye’ve been charged with treason, Gerald Matheson.
Ye, and the man ye paid to commit the murder, are set to be hanged.
We daenae tolerate men who’re willin’ to go against their Laird in this way. But ye will be fed until then.”
“Waste of food if ye ask me,” Aaron said, leaving the dungeon without lookin’ back.
“I feel the same,” Ryan agreed, casting Gerald one last look before following his friend. “But we are nae animals. Even if they daenae deserve it, we willnae let our prisoners spend their last days on Earth sufferin’ from thirst or hunger.”
The great hall was more lively than normal during dinner that evening as had been the case since Margaret rejoined Ryan after her attempted abduction.
It was clear that she’d been welcomed as Lady McGhee with open arms. She appreciated the enthusiasm at mealtimes more than she could put into words though she was certain that the people of Clan McGhee—her people—didn’t need her to say it plainly to understand.
“I heard the two of ye were walkin’ through the gardens earlier,” Aaron said with a grin, looking between Izzy and Margaret. “I should have known ye’d be fast friends.”
“You’re only saying that because the two of us are English,” Izzy teased as she brandished her fork at him. “You wouldn’t be friends with every Highlander you met, would you?”
“Nay, but it’s quite obvious ye’re kindred spirits,” he retorted before turning his attention back to the plate in front of him. “Ye’re both wee feisty things. It willnae be long before ye’re givin’ me and Ryan trouble. I’m sure of it.”
“Well, at least we’ll keep things interesting,” Izzy said, grinning. “We wouldn’t want our husbands to be bored.”
Margaret enjoyed the presence of the two. Their playful teasing had helped her ease back into normalcy on her first day back in the grand hall. Now, she was becoming used to their boisterous presence.
I’ll miss them when they leave.
The thought barreled into her, making her chest tighten. Margaret’s time in Scotland, though it had been short thus far, had led her to some of the best people she’d ever known. It almost pained her to acknowledge that Izzy and Aaron wouldn’t be here forever.
Most of all, it made her miss her family.
With a sigh, Margaret looked out over the tables of people. All of them were talking, eating, and generally enjoying one another’s company. She’d have them even when her new friends left. And she thought as she glanced over at Ryan, the Laird was part of her family now.
“Is everythin’ all right?” he asked, leaning in close to Margaret and keeping his voice down so they wouldn’t be overheard. “Ye had a look in yer eye.”
“Yes, I’m fine,” Margaret assured him with a genuine smile. “I was just taking everything in. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to how energetic the people here are. It’s so different from England, but I like it.”
“They’re good people,” Ryan agreed, something that seemed suspiciously like pride rolling off of him. “I’m honored to be their Laird.”
“You’re quite good at your job,” she replied with a smile. “You keep everyone you’re in charge of safe. It’s admirable.”
“It’s the right thing to do,” Ryan said. “I wouldnae be a real man if I didnae protect the people I love.”
His words were fierce, a promise to Margaret and all the people in the great hall with him. She knew this already though. He’d always protect her, and if that weren’t true, she wouldn’t be sitting at this table. His loyalty and care were beyond anything she could have dreamed.
“They’re lucky to have you,” Margaret said. Then, more quietly, a secret between the two of them, she added, “And I’m lucky to have you as well.”
“I consider meself the luckiest man in the Highlands to have ye by me side, Margaret,” he told her, resting his hand on her knee under the table. “And I will never let ye forget it.”
She giggled, feeling her face flush at his forwardness. Around her, the noise of the hall faded into the background. She was only vaguely aware of the fact that Izzy and Aaron were watching her and Ryan.
“Ach, I forgot to tell ye,” Ryan said, removing his hand, causing Margaret to desperately miss the contact. “We were able to find the letters that the bastard intercepted.”
“You were?” Margaret asked, disliking that those letters were the reason Duke Cunningham was able to find her.
It’s not like he’ll be a problem anymore though.
“Aye,” Ryan said. “They were in his horse’s saddlebags. He’d opened them, but they werenae damaged in any way. So, I sent both of them again. We should get yer family’s response soon.”
“You… Ryan!” she said, happy tears welling in her eyes as she grabbed hold of his shoulders to pull him forward.
She kissed him gratefully, putting all the emotions she was struggling to find words for into it. He made a noise of surprise before returning the kiss. As soon as the people in the great hall realized what she’d done, they began to cheer.
When Margaret pulled away, she felt as though her face was on fire, and she couldn’t keep a smile from settling on her lips. Ryan was smirking at her, with an eyebrow raised. He leaned back in as the crowd quieted down and went back to their own conversations.
“If that’s how ye intend to thank me for helpin’ ye, I’ll be devotin’ me whole life to ye.”
As he pulled away, shivers went down Margaret’s spine. It wasn’t until Izzy giggled from beside her that Margaret was able to school her face into something less giddy. For the rest of dinner, she could think of nothing but Ryan’s promise.