Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (16 page)

Chapter 18

Edina ran her sweaty palms down the front of her gown. Her heart raced and she found it hard to breathe. Preparing to meet Duncan for the first time proved to be more difficult than she’d ever imagined. “You can do this. You have no choice,” she muttered to herself.

After taking a minute to steady her nerves, she reached for the latch then shoved the door to the great hall open. The din of conversation ceased when she stepped into the room, and as she proceeded to the laird’s dais all eyes were upon her.

What are they staring at? Have they never seen a lamb led to slaughter afore? That is exactly how she felt at the moment.

Her father, deep in discussion with his guests, stopped mid-sentence and rose to his feet. “Duncan. May I present my daughter, Edina, your betrothed?”

His statement caused her chest to tighten and she found it hard to breathe. She wanted to turn tail and run while she still had the chance, but managed to stifle the urge.

“It is a pleasure tae finally meet you, m’lady.” Duncan stood, then bowed.

“And you, m’lord.” She had to force the words. Edina responded to his gesture with a curtsy, but could not bring herself to look him in the eye.

“Your da has told me so much about you and I feel as though we are already acquainted. However, I must say his description dinna do you justice. You are far lovelier than I anticipated.” Duncan stepped around the end of the dais and took Edina’s hand.

Her stomach knotted and her breath caught when he brought her palm to his lips. How dare he be so bold? But then again, she would soon be his wife and he’d be at liberty to do with her as he pleased.

“I look forward tae getting tae know you a lot better, Edina. Your father said he plans to see us wed in the next few days. I hope it will be sooner.”

Edina withdrew her hand and tucked it in her skirts. While she had to admit Duncan Sutherland was charismatic and dashing—mayhap the handsomest man she’d ever laid eyes upon—his touch did not ignite the same unbridled passion as Alasdair’s. Despite his good looks and charm, she still had no desire to marry this man.

“If my da told you all about me, I am surprised you still wish tae go through with the nuptials,” she said for lack of a better reply.

“On the contrary, my dear, I am quite taken by your beauty and intrigued by your father’s tales. This should prove to be an interesting union.”

“We can talk about that later. First we must break our fast,” Laird Sinclair announced. “Be seated next tae Duncan, Edina, I am sure he would share his trencher with you.”

“Aye.” Duncan held out her chair and waited for her to sit.

“Och, I’m glad you decided to join us, lad. Come in,” her father called out across the room and waved.

Edina’s heart leapt when she saw Alasdair standing in the doorway with freshly washed hair, clean shaven, and looking every bit the gentleman. If not for the scowl on his face, she’d almost think he was pleased to join them.

Alasdair strode across the room with purpose, stopping a few feet from the dais. “I’ve come tae thank you for your hospitality, Laird Sinclair, and tae bid you farewell.”

Edina almost choked on the piece of oatcake she had just popped into her mouth. Was he really leaving? Alasdair spoke directly to her father and never once looked in her direction.

“You canna leave.” Jayden sprang to his feet. “I thought we agreed you would remain at the castle until after the wedding.”

“You agreed, my friend. I told you Robert is expecting me to join him in battle, and I want tae stop by Fraser Castle on the way.”

“And I said I’d be happy tae accompany you and join in the fight if you could wait a few days,” Jayden replied sharply.

“You’ve obviously made up your mind. Can you not at least stay long enough tae break your fast?” Laird Sinclair pointed to an empty chair between Edina and her brother. “Have a seat beside Jayden, lad. Cook has prepared a feast.”

A tidal wave of emotions hit Edina. She didn’t want Alasdair to leave, but she was also angry he was not prepared to fight for her hand. She was falling in love with him, of that she was certain, but reality hit when she looked at the man sitting beside her. Duncan was her betrothed, not Alasdair, and she’d soon be married to man she neither knew or loved.

“Again, I thank you for your kindness, but I’m not hungry. I have a three-day ride ahead of me and need tae be on my way. I hope tae cover many miles afore making camp for the night,” Alasdair replied.

Not hungry? Edina fought to keep her mouth from dropping open. If she knew anything about Alasdair Fraser, it was that he had a healthy appetite. She stood. “Father is right. You canna leave before you’ve had something tae eat.”

Laird Sinclair continued to speak as if he’d not heard what either Edina or Alasdair had said. “Forgive me for being remiss. This is Duncan Sutherland, the man Edina is tae marry. And this is Alasdair Fraser, the man who saved my daughter’s life, and is responsible for her safe return.”

Duncan rose and offered his hand. “I owe you a debt of gratitude, Fraser.” He slid his arm around Edina’s waist and drew her to his side. “I’d been told Edina had died at sea and was pleased to hear the rumor wasna true. I would be honored if you could attend our wedding.”

Alasdair bowed, but kept his hands at his sides. “Laird Sinclair has chosen well. I hope you and Edina will be verra happy together, but I must depart.”

“Well, if you insist on leaving, may the Almighty guide your way and watch your back,” Laird Sinclair said and raised his tankard.

Speechless, Edina moved from Duncan’s side and returned to her chair. She could not believe Alasdair was leaving. By the time she found her tongue, he’d already departed.

Edina nibbled on her lower lip and shifted in her seat, tempted to race after him, to beg him to stay. But by doing so, she would embarrass her father and insult Duncan before her entire clan. Despite what was in her heart, she did not act on her impulse.

“He seems like a nice fellow. I’ve heard tales of his valor in the battles with the English.” Duncan sat, picked up his tankard of ale, and took a sip. “Have you known him long?”

“Aye. Since we were bairns. His da was one of my father’s dearest friends.” She answered Duncan’s questions, but her eyes remained on the door. Dare she hope Alasdair would have a change of heart and return for her? But as the minutes passed, she resolved herself to the fact she’d likely seen the last of him.

The thunder of his pounding heart resonated in Alasdair’s ears. Anger threatened to consume him as he stomped toward the stable with his fists balled. Had he not contained himself and acted on instinct, he’d have taken Duncan by the throat and pummeled him for being so forward with Edina.

It was plain the man had no sense of decency or respect for the lass. The suggestive way Duncan spoke to her and kissed her hand in front of her kin and the entire clan infuriated him. The familiarity with which he put his arm around Edina, acting as if he already owned her, caused Alasdair’s blood boil.

Alasdair refused to stand idly by and watch Duncan take inappropriate liberties, but it was not his place to intervene. The sooner he left, the better, lest he end up in a brawl and wound up in the pit again.

“Will you slow down?” Jayden shouted as he raced up from behind, almost running into Alasdair when he came to an abrupt halt and turned to face him.

“I have nothing tae say and must be on my way. There is no reason to tarry here any longer and there are things I must do afore I rejoin the Bruce. Naught you say will change my mind,” Alasdair growled. Why his friend could not accept his decision was a puzzle.

“You could stay and fight for her. Is that not reason enough tae remain?” Jayden blurted out. “Nay-say it if you want, but any fool could see you care for my sister a great deal and my guess is she feels the same. If not for you, she’d have died on the beach. She owes you her life and I know she would like you tae stay.”

“You’re daft. She is merely grateful. Women are nothing but trouble and I have no desire tae take a wife. Even if I was interested, which I am not, she is promised tae Sutherland, a man who has far more tae offer her and your clan. The battle with the MacDougalls and MacCanns will soon take place and I must get back. Robert needs every man he can round up.”

“If you werena so thrawn and in such a rush tae leave, I’d join you.”

“Then come with me. But make haste. I have delayed long enough,” Alasdair replied.

“You know I canna leave afore the wedding. If you are too bull-headed tae speak up for her, I willna insult Duncan by my absence. One day, I will be laird of Clan Sinclair and I refuse tae do anything to disgrace my father or my kin.”

“You’ve made your choice. I respect your right tae choose loyalty tae family over friendship, just as I wish you would respect my decision to go. I may not have a future with your sister, but I’ll not stand by and see Edina wed tae another man.” Alasdair turned to leave, but Jayden placed his hand on his shoulder, halting his retreat.

“I wish we’d had more time to catch up. Once Edina is married, I will join you. Together we will face the MacDougalls.” Jayden held out his hand, but when Alasdair grasped his wrist, he yanked his friend into a tight embrace. “Take care, Alasdair. If you stop tae see your brothers afore you join the Bruce give them my regards.”

“I will if I can ever be on my way.” Alasdair laughed and backed out of Jayden’s embrace.

Jayden nodded. “Godspeed. I will see you in a sennight.”

Alasdair heaved a sigh of relief when Jayden trotted back toward the castle. Had he kept up his relentless badgering much longer, he might have succeeded in convincing him to stay, and to fight for Edina’s hand. A battle he had no hope of winning and no intention of waging. Sutherland had so much to offer, and he had naught but himself. A poor comparison by any man’s standards.

Despite the inevitable, Jayden was right in his assumption. Alasdair’s chest felt like it was being crushed by bands of iron. Edina had managed to worm her way into the carefully guarded heart. He’d miss her sweet smile and the soft lilt of her voice, along with her strong will and dogged determination. Her offer to run away with him had been tempting, but they were not destined to be together.

He cursed. He wanted no woman in his life, but Edina had him questioning his chosen path. She was better off without him and the sooner he left Sinclair Castle the sooner he could forget about the little minx.

Determined to purge her from his mind once and for all, he gritted his teeth and resumed his trek toward the stable. He’d saddle Odin and be on his way. If he rode hard all day, he’d be able to put a good deal of distance between them.

“Lad, fetch my horse,” Alasdair said to a young stable hand.

“Are you leaving, m’lord, or just going out for a ride?” the lad asked.

“What difference does it make? I need my mount either way. If you must know, I willna be returning.” Alasdair softened his tone. It was not the lad’s fault he was in such a foul mood.

“Then I’ll put some oats in a sack for you tae take along.” The lad limped over to a large barrel in the corner, picked up a canvas bag, filled it with grain, and handed it to Alasdair. “I’ll go fetch your horse.”

“Never mind.” Alasdair brought his fingers to his lips and whistled.

Odin trotted into the stable and stood a few feet away from his master. “Good lad. You’ve never let me down.” Alasdair stroked the animal’s mane before addressing the lad again. “What ails you? I saw you in the bailey yesterday. The other bairns were playing, but you stood off to the side watching.” He noticed on closer scrutiny that the lad’s left leg was not nearly as well muscled as the right.

The lad lowered his eyes and kicked at a stone with his good leg. “I’m not like the others.”

Alasdair cocked his head to the side and studied the lad’s downtrodden expression. “I dinna understand. You appeared tae be the same age as the other bairns, mayhap even a tad older.”

“Aye, I have seen twelve summers, but they dinna wish tae play with me.” He balled his fist and pounded it against his left thigh. “I’m small for my age and my leg gives me trouble. I canna keep up. They taunt me because I’m different and call me names. My da told me I had better learn tae accept it. He said I was cursed with poor health and a game leg when I was born and would never be like the other bairns, or grow tae be a strong warrior. Sometimes, I think he is ashamed tae call me his son.” He dropped his chin and stared at the ground.

Alasdair swallowed hard as memories of his youth, his own afflictions, and the frustration he’d felt when he was not much older than this lad came crashing back. “Your da is wrong,” Alasdair blurted out, allowing the depth of his emotions to color his words. “You can be or do anything if you want it badly enough. I was a sickly bairn and there was a time when people said the same things about me. My two younger brothers fought my battles for me because I couldna do it myself.”

“You, m’lord?” The boy’s mouth gaped open. “You are a brawny warrior, mayhap one of the largest, strongest men I have ever seen. I’ve heard tales of your ferocity in battle, that men fear you.”

“I was born with a weak constitution and spent most of my younger days in a sickbed. Many believed I wouldna live tae see manhood. Tall, but spindly for my age, with my ungodly hair, the bairns teased me as they do you, about my size, appearance, and limitations. But I proved them all wrong and so can you.” He placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “If you work at it, you can become stronger than, and as fierce as any warrior in King Robert’s army.” I would stake my life on it.”

The boy’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”

“I would stake my life on it. Dinna listen to what others say. Follow what is in here.” Alasdair thumped his chest. “And here,” he concluded and tapped his brow.

The lad nodded. “I will do my best, m’lord.” A broad smile crossed his lips.

“I can offer you one more bit of advice, and it pays tae mind. You canna go wrong with a horse for a companion. But stay as far away from woman as you can.”