Part 15 (2/2)
”Then I suppose I'll have no choice but to accept you as husband.”
Brave words, from a nervous maid. ”Then we will not speak of this again.” He took a deep breath. ”Well, at least one thing has come of this conversation.”
She lifted her eyebrows in question.
”At least we know we aren't suffering alone.”
Their shared laughter eased the tension between them. He extended his hand. ”Friends?”
She squeezed his palm, her pet.i.te features serious again. ”Aye, friends and fools.”
He leaned close, grazing her cheek with his lips.
She backed away from him, begging him with her eyes not to tempt her, grabbed the remainder of her clothes, and fled. Adam started after her, then thought better of it.
His disappointment died to be replaced by a hurt he'd not felt since Suisan's visit to his sickbed. Gwenyth's rejection pierced deep. No, not the rejection, but the betrayal. For Gwenyth had promised someone something, and that promise meant a denial of him.
If she truly loved Daron, then betrayal was inevitable. He must harden his hearta”'twas time to set this creature free. Her wound might never heal, and she had far too much potential for wounding him. But he was ready to move into new country, whether it be a mountain peak or a steep chasm that he must face.
THIRTEEN.
DISOBEYING ADAM'S REQUEST that she eat in the hall, Gwenyth picked at the hot porridge and bread that had been brought to her just after first light. Yesterday's encounter with Adam had provided her with a terrible night's rest. She felt unsettled and more eager than ever to leave. Thoughts of the kiss they'd shared and the promises held withina”promises that must not be kepta”a.s.sailed her. Surely you can't want this, Father.
Pus.h.i.+ng aside the food, she fought the sense of abandonment Daron's absence fostered. Why was it taking so long to hear from him? She refused to believe he'd left Scotland without her, but surely the messenger had had enough time to ride to Altyre and return.
Tears threatened. He must be dead, as Adam feared. And if so, how would she leave Moy? Could she convince Adam to take her to England? Not likely. After yesterday's meeting in the cove, it was clear there was an attraction, one she feared was strong enough to make her forget her promise to Edward. But was it strong enough to make her forget that Adam was pledged to the king she hated? Or for him to forgive her deceit?
Seeking a diversion from these thoughts, she left her room with her guard in tow. She made her way to the large bedchamber on the second level of the keep. As she approached Angus's door, Eva Mackintosh stepped from the room.
The older woman frowned a little at the sight of Gwenyth approaching. Eva was generally kind, but she guarded Angus like a lioness. The older woman held the door open and directed a curt warning to her husband. ”Don't tire yerself.” With a nod to Gwenyth to heed the warning as well, Eva left.
”Ah, I feared ye would choose not to indulge me again.”
His teasing banter warmed Gwenyth's troubled thoughts. ”I didn't think I had a choice.”
”I don't suppose ye did. So, which tale will ye tell this morning?”
His insistence on her company puzzled her. ”Don't you have a storyteller to entertain you?”
”We can't afford both a storyteller and a priest, and Adam insists on keeping Father Jerard. Not that I object, mind you. The good Father is welcome in good times and bad.”
Gwenyth had yet to allow the priest to hear her confession. She would make her peace with G.o.d in her own time and in her own way.
Angus settled himself into the pillows. ”Why not start with Finn Macc.u.mhail?”
And so the morning pa.s.sed quickly. To her surprise she found herself warming even more to the gruff old man as she recounted the ancient tale of Finn and his warriors. Though no doubt Angus had heard the story countless times, he listened with rapt attention.
This was the third such morning Gwenyth had spent with Adam's father, and his company soothed her, perhaps because he was in ill health and posed no threat. Perhaps because she missed her own father and menfolk, men with whom she could feel safe.
”Come, la.s.s. That's the second time this morning ye've lost yer way in the story.”
”I'm sorry, my laird.” She bit her lip.
”Yer worried about yer cousin, I suspect.”
She nodded, and when she was sure her emotions were under control, asked, ”Have you heard anything?”
”Only that Adam is searching for him.” The fatherly concern in his voice fueled her anxiety.
Laying a hand on her arm, he said, ”Come. I've an idea to distract ye. I've a mind to watch my son on the practice field.”
”You can't mean to go to the lists?”
At her obvious disapproval, he chided, ”Where's yer sense of adventure? Help me dress and let's be out for a bit of a walk.”
Gwenyth hadn't seen Angus leave his bed in all the time she'd been at Moy. ”Nay, my laird. You'll overtax yourself and Lady Evaa””
”Don't dawdle, child. Fetch my plaid from yonder hook and let's spy on the men in the lists.”
The diversion appealed to Gwenytha”anything to take her mind off Daron's lack of reply. But she was certain Angus should remain in bed. ”I fear for your health, my laird.”
”At this stage, what does it matter, la.s.s? I'm not going to live forever, and I'm tired of this room and bed. Now, help me or call someone who will.”
They both knew no one else would indulge his wish. All Gwenyth need do was refuse and he'd have no choice but to remain in his bed.
His beguiling smile reminded her of his son. How did anyone, man or woman, deny these two? That smile, along with the lure of fresh air and the opportunity to watch Adam, overcame her objections and good sense.
With a put-upon air, she joined his conspiracy. ”All right, we'll go. But Lady Eva will turn us into haggis for this.”
He chuckled. ”Aye, well, best see she doesn't find out. Let's be on with it.”
Feeling like a bairn playing truant, she helped him from the bed. With a few grumbles from Angus and giggles from Gwenyth, they managed to get his plaid belted fast. As she pinned the extra length to his shoulder, she gave thanks that his long linen s.h.i.+rt provided modesty.
Leaning on her for support, Angus shuffled to the door. ”Ye'll need a shawl, la.s.s. Use that small plaid hanging by the door.”
She wrapped the warm material about her shoulders before asking, ”What about my guard?”
”I'll invite him to join us.”
Sim didn't appear too happy with this escapade, but Gwenyth persuaded and finally, Angus ordered, and he relented, turning toward the stairs.
”Nay, not that way,” Angus admonished, nodding in the opposite direction.
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