Chapter Seven #3
Alex focused on steadying her breathing to not reveal how nervous the abbot’s letter had made her.
Her heart pounded in her ears while she unhurriedly folded the parchment.
Then she dropped her hands to her side, taking on a relaxed stance.
Long ago, she had learned to mask her nerves in any situation.
Still, three men, three strangers, stood before her while, unbeknownst to them, she would be trying them on over the next month like a pair of slippers at market to see how they fit.
And then there was Rory.
She could feel his presence, the weight of his gaze.
It had been some time ago when she had requested Abbot Matthew send north another agent to help her move her stockpile of weapons.
It was too great an undertaking to accomplish alone, and it would be a relief to have the job done.
A shiver coursed up her spine as she thought of completing another mission with Rory.
But then she remembered Abbot Matthew’s words she had only just read...
He is NOT one of the men I have put forth as a potential husband.
She cleared her throat and stepped forward.
Her duty was to her clan, and she would not lose sight of that.
Clan MacKenzie needed a chieftain. She quickly scanned the three noblemen who stood by patiently awaiting introductions.
One of the three would—hopefully—be that chieftain.
She smiled and dipped into a low curtsy.
One of the men with chestnut brown hair, deep-set green eyes, and full, appealing lips stepped forward. He dipped his head to her and took her hand, bringing it to those full lips.
“My name is Sir Adam Lennox. I am so terribly sorry for yer loss, Lady Alexandria. I hope my presence here will provide ye comfort. Please know that I am at yer service.”
Adam was certainly tall and broad of shoulder and rather handsome. His sympathy seemed genuine. She had also felt his calloused palm when he took her hand and remembered Abbot Matthew’s description of Adam as a seasoned knight. His skill in battle would certainly be an asset to the clan.
With another dip of his head, Adam stepped back. Alex shifted her eyes to the next man who came forward.
“I am Sir Robert Gow,” he said, bowing low before kissing her hand.
Robert was almost angelic in appearance.
He had hair as blond as hers and very dark blue eyes.
Two dimples appeared in his cheeks when he smiled, framing white, even teeth.
“I’m honored to be chosen by the abbot to assist ye in any way I can.
” Then he gestured toward the castle stables, the entrance to which was on the other end of the courtyard.
“I have been observing some of the comings and goings at yer stables, and I’m already impressed with the MacKenzie horses. ”
“Thank you,” she said, remembering Abbot Matthew had mentioned that Robert knew something of horse breeding.
He was certainly handsome, even more so than Adam, but his countenance seemed lighter, less serious, which she also liked.
She could imagine Robert having a playful side, which she knew the children of the MacKenzie clan would enjoy in a chieftain.
Timothy was the last to step forward, and she liked him instantly. He introduced himself simply, using only his given name and leaving off titles.
“My condolences, my lady,” he said, clasping her hand in both of his. The compassion she saw in his eyes rang true. “I would be honored to pray with ye and help ye through this trying time.”
Timothy was sincere. His eyes radiated warmth and kindness. Unlike either Adam or Robert, his clothing was simple—not unlike her own. Aye, she understood why the abbot had sent Timothy. He would be a servant to the MacKenzie clan, not a lord.
Michael came forward then and gestured to Rory. “I did not hear whether ye made introductions earlier when he was helping ye to yer feet. May I present, Rory MacVie.”
A half smile curved Rory’s lips, lips she had boldly tasted beneath the cover of darkness, under a canopy of stars. He took her hand and pressed those same lips to her skin. “’Tis a pleasure to meet ye...for the very first time,” he said, giving her a knowing smile.
Her heart raced. “The pleasure is mine...for the very first time.”
She gently tugged her hand free and stepped away from Rory, trying to escape the pull he had on her senses.
She stepped farther back and once more quickly scanned the men standing in front of her, all looking at her expectantly.
Then she cleared her throat. “’Tis time for the noon meal.
Shall we retire to the keep?” she said, before turning on her heel and heading toward the great hall.
Behind her she knew they all followed. Adam, Robert, Timothy... Rory.
Her stomach flipped and her heart pounded.
When she had written the abbot, she never would have imagined his solution would be to send her multiple suitors.
A new secret mission had begun: one that ended with her choosing a husband.
She glanced back at the unknowing suitors, feeling devious and delicious all at the same time.