Chapter 31 #2
Catriona hurried to fasten her gown, speculation racing through her mind. Who could possibly want to meet her there? And why the chapel?
She quickly ruled out Malcolm. He never went there because it reminded him of Arron’s death and the guilt he still carried fer it.
So who?
With her gown finally fastened, she put on her slippers, grabbed her shawl from the back of the door, and left the chamber, hurrying downstairs.
Catriona paused at the threshold, her hand hesitating on the doorhandle as she listened. No sound came from within. Taking a steadying breath, she pushed open the door and slipped inside.
“Hello?” she called softly into the hush, frowning in confusion as she cast around the seemingly deserted place. Then, a tall, broad figure shifted in the shadows near the far pews and stepped into the fractured light from the high windows.
Her breath caught in surprise as she recognized him. “Malcolm?”
Brows knitting, she hurried towards him, anxiety flaring hot inside her at finding him there. He came to meet her, and the seriousness of his demeanor filled her with foreboding.
“I dinnae understand,” she murmured, looking up at him worriedly as they stopped just short of each other, as though separated by an invisible wall. “But ye never come in here. Has somethin’ happened?”
His unease at being in the space was almost tangible. “I had tae see ye,” he said quietly.
She gazed up at him, remembering that only an hour ago they had been locked in passionate lovemaking. “But why here, in the chapel?”
His handsome features were strained, his posture tense. But she supposed that was to be expected in this place of ghosts.
“It had tae be here, Cat,” he said simply, his dark eyes upon her.
She searched his expression more carefully now. “Malcolm…”
He took a breath, then another, as though steadying himself. “Nay, love, let me speak. I’ve been thinkin’, and I realize I’ve spent too long lettin’ what happened tae Arran... decide who I am,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to a pew. They sat down.
Her chest tightened at the name.
Sincerity shone in his eyes as he said, “I asked ye tae meet me here because I want ye tae understand how precious ye are tae me. I want tae show ye that I’ve made a choice.
I ken now that I need tae face up tae the past, because ’tis the only way I can leave it behind.
And I want so much tae leave it all behind and.
.. build a new life of happiness taegether with ye.
” He folded both her hands in his large, calloused ones and squeezed them gently.
“I love ye, lass, and I’ll give up everythin’ tae be with ye. ”
He paused, seeming uncertain, then continued, “I want ye by me side always, as me wife. If ye’ll have me. That is why I am askin’ ye here, in this holy place. ”
Joy blossomed in Catriona’s chest like a flower opening to the sun.
“Och, Malcolm, ’tis what I wish fer most in the world!” The words came out as a breathless sob as she entwined her fingers with his, feeling his warmth and strength flowing into her. “And again, yes! I’d be proud tae be yer wife.”
The tension in his shoulders visibly released all at once. The lines of worry vanished from his face as he pulled her into his arms. The kiss that followed was different from all the others that had come before. It was deep and tender, holding the promise of a bright future spent together.
When they finally broke apart, his forehead rested briefly against hers.
“Now I ken ye’re fully certain, I’ll speak tae Duncan, ask fer his blessin’,” he murmured.
“Aye, as soon as ye can, me love,” she replied, hearing the excitement in her voice. “After all this waitin’, I’m impatient tae officially be yer betrothed.”
Breathless with elation, she momentarily lost herself in the dark, melting chocolate of his tender gaze, hardly able to believe her cherished dream was about to come true.
“I never imagined such happiness would be mine,” she added, smiling, her fingertips tracing his strong, stubbled jaw. Truly, he had never looked more handsome.
“I feel the same. Och, ye make me so happy, Cat, happier than I’ve a right tae be, I’m sure.”
“Ye have a perfect right, no less than others,” she told him firmly. “I’m yers, Malcolm. And ye’re mine. Och, I love ye so much!” She hugged him tightly, peppering his face with small kisses, his soft laughter only increasing her joy.
A short while later, Malcolm walked her to his study and ushered her inside, closing the door behind them.
“I should get back tae work,” he said with soft regret, looking at the neat piles of correspondence lying on his desk. “I’ve been shirkin’ me duties.”
She tilted her head, unable to resist teasing him just a little. “Well, yer discipline was never very impressive.”
A reluctant smile tugged at his mouth. “Can ye blame me? Ye’ve always been me greatest distraction, Cat.”
Her breath caught at the warmth in his tone. Before she could answer, he bent and kissed her, pressing his lips to hers with exquisite gentleness. She melted into him.
The next thing she knew was the sound of the door opening. Abruptly, they pulled apart, heads turning to see who had come in.
Catriona’s heart dropped like a stone. Duncan was standing there on the threshold, his mouth open in shock. Silently, he looked from one to the other. Then his mouth snapped shut, his expression hardening. But she could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes as they fixed on Malcolm.
“So, this is what ye’ve been up tae behind me back, is it? I’d started tae suspect somethin’ was goin’ on,” he said with frightening calm.
“Duncan, I’m sorry ye had tae find out like this, but I swear, I was just comin’ tae speak tae ye,” Malcolm began, stepping closer to Catriona.
Duncan shook his head, regarding him with narrowed eyes. “I trusted ye tae protect me sister, nae compromise her,” he said with contained anger. “I never fer a minute suspected ye’d betray me like this, Malcolm.”
He stepped forward and took hold of Catriona’s wrist, drawing her away towards the door.
“Duncan, will ye please just listen—” she began, trying to pull away. But he tightened his grip, refusing to look at her.
Malcom did not try to get in the way but stepped nearer, exchanging a worried glance with Catriona as he tried to reason with Duncan.
“Listen, man, I’m tellin’ ye the truth. I was about tae come and find ye and speak tae ye,” he repeated, though Catriona could see the tension tightening his shoulders. “And I will now if ye give me the chance.”
She looked back at her brother, pulling back as he tried to lead her away, praying he would stop and listen, give Malcom the chance he requested.
Duncan’s jaw flexed. “This is nae how it should have been done,” he said, crushing her hopes.
“D’ye think I dinnae ken that, man? Is this how ye think I wanted this tae go? Malcolm replied. “I ken ye’re angry, but what I feel fer Catriona is true and I’ll nae try tae deny it.”
Catriona threw him a look of adoring desperation, digging her heels into the rug, trying to resist her brother’s attempt to lead her from the room. But it was in vain. Bit by bit, she was being pulled away from Malcolm.
“Duncan, please listen,” she argued, holding back the tears pressing at the back of her eyes, knowing this was not the time to show weakness. “This isnae about me bein’ compromised. I choose Malcolm!”
“Enough.” The quiet word cut through the air like a blade, carrying the weight of finality.
Duncan had her almost to the door now, still refusing to meet her eyes. Instead, he kept his gaze pinned on Malcolm, hard, accusatory, and laced with deep disappointment.
“Duncan, as a friend, I’m askin’ ye tae give me just a few minutes tae explain,” Malcolm tried again, dogging their steps, clearly not prepared to give up.
Duncan’s jaw set. “Dinnae have the gall tae stand there and ask me as a friend. I need time tae think,” he said with decisive intensity. “Ye’re nae tae speak tae her. At first light, Catriona will be comin’ home with me.”
Shock rippled through her. “Nay!”
“Dinnae dae this, Duncan,” Malcolm said calmly, though Catriona could see the pain in his eyes.
Duncan ignored him. Finally, his gaze flicked to her—softening only slightly as their eyes met.
“Ye’ll come with me, Sister,” he said gently but firmly. “And when we get home, we’ll talk about this... whatever this is... and I’ll decide what tae dae about it.”
Malcolm’s expression darkened further as he followed them into the hallway.
“Catriona isnae the same young lassie ye left at the priory five years ago. She’s nae a decision tae be made or a chess piece tae be moved around a board, man. She’s a woman with her own opinions,” he argued calmly.
But Duncan lifted a hand, cutting him off. “Save yer breath. It’s settled,” he said.
Catriona protested and tried to pull away, but two maids turned into the hallway then and began coming towards them.
Malcolm saw them and halted, obviously reluctant for the servants to witness the ugly scene. Catriona looked back at him despairingly as Duncan took the opportunity to lead her away down the hallway.
Catriona could not rest or sleep. She sat by the narrow window in her chamber, arms wrapped tightly around herself as the rain traced uneven lines down the window pane.
Every hour that passed felt as though her chance at lasting happiness was draining away, like sand in an hourglass.
The knock came softly at the door. She rose and turned towards it, knowing who it was.
“Come in.”
Duncan stepped inside. He closed the door behind him and remained near it for a moment, as though unsure how close he was allowed to come.
“I didnae come tae argue,” he said quietly. “I’m here tae try tae understand.”
Catriona raised her chin determinedly. She loved her brother dearly. She had never argued with him in her life, never questioned his decisions. But now, though it pained her to do it, too much was at stake not to fight for what she wanted.
“What is there tae understand? Malcolm and I love each other.”
Duncan did not respond immediately. So she kept going.
“Have ye forgotten who he is? He’s the man ye sent tae fetch me in yer place, who singlehandedly saved me from Sinclair by riskin’ his own life more than once because ye asked him tae. If nae fer him, I’d be Sinclair’s wife by now.”
The strength and determination in her voice surprised even her. She would make him understand if it killed her. Because if she was forced to live without Malcolm, she might as well be dead.
“Malcolm is a good and honorable man. And he’s good laird,” she added. “His people love him. He’s earned that by his own efforts, and I respect him fer it.”
Duncan listened in silence, but something flickered in his expression at that.
Catriona took a breath, then steadied herself. “Whatever ye think, I havenae been forced intae anythin’,” she said more quietly. “Naethin’ has been taken from me. Everythin’ I’ve given has been given freely.”
In the long pause that followed, she silently prayed he would heed her words.
Finally, he spoke.
“All that...” He waved his hand dismissively. “It changes naethin’,” he said, sounding dubious. “Even so, I’ll nae make a decision about this in haste.”
He stepped further into the room now, his eyes steady upon hers
“Ye ken as well as I dae, Cat, as an unwed noble lass, ye’re an asset tae our clan. And I willnae see yer worth squandered through a foolish impulse.”
Catriona laughed once, sharp and disbelieving. “An asset?” The word cracked something open in her. “So that is what I am tae ye?”
Duncan frowned slightly. “Catriona, I didnae mean?—”
“Nay,” she said, stepping back from him as though repulsed. “Ye’ve said enough.”
Duncan held her gaze, visibly taken aback by her reaction. But not enough to make him yield.
“At first light, we’re leavin’ fer home,” he said, his tone gentle yet with steel in it. “Then we can think properly about what comes next.”
Catriona let out a bitter chuckle. “Ye mean ye’ll decide what comes next.
What I want clearly has naethin’ tae dae with it,” she told him.
“It daesnae matter where ye take me or how long ye think about it. I’ll never stop lovin’ Malcolm.
And if ye care fer me happiness at all, then ye’ll bless the union.
And after how he helped ye, how can ye think of leaving him after the danger we put him and his clan in? Because of me!”
Silence stretched between them. After a moment, Duncan simply turned and left.
As soon as the door closed behind him, she covered her face with her hands and let the hot tears she had been holding back flow.
Catriona was yanked from an exhausted sleep by a fierce metallic clamor that resonated through the castle’s stone corridors like a banshee’s scream.
Still dazed from slumber, she sat up in bed, blinking around the still dark chamber, unable to make sense of what was happening.
But as the clang, clang, clang continued relentlessly, it dawned on her befuddled brain what it was—the alarm bells were ringing, sounding an attack on the castle.
Attack! Sinclair!
She was out of bed before thought could follow, heart hammering in her chest, grabbing clothes, hurriedly pulling them on.
While she struggled into her petticoat and gown with shaking fingers, doors banged out in the hallway as people emerged from their rooms. A flurry of voices erupted.
Men shouted, barking instructions, women fretted aloud.
The sound of running feet in heavy boots was accompanied by the swish of drawn steel.
“Malcolm…” she whispered, shoving her bare feet into shoes and heading for the door. It opened before she could reach it.