Page 14 of A Flawed Scotsman

He knew those words would be spoken and Ruari had considered how to reply. “Whoever shot Esme probably mistook her for wildlife. She herself said they were hidden at first. Once they saw what had happened, they fled. If they are guilty of anything, it is cowardice, not an attempt on her life.”

The laird’s face tightened, a muscle flexing on his jaw. “Then it is for two reasons that they should be punished.”

The maid returned with a plate of cheese and warm bread. Not wishing to be rude, he tore a piece of the bread and chewed on it.

He understood the man’s anger toward the men who had injured his daughter. The men could have owned up and brought her to seek help. If they’d mistaken her for dead, perhaps they’d been fearful of the laird’s reactions. While considering his duty to his new bride, he ate a piece of cheese.

“I will stand by ye whatever ye decide. I myself will fight with ye, but I cannot bring forth my clan.”

The words seemed to mollify the laird because he finally nodded. “Will ye then accept to marry Esme?”

His stomach lurched, the food instantly becoming unappetizing. He’d hoped Malcolm would have made the decision for him but, instead, his cousin had been diplomatic and left it up to him to decide. He took a breath. “Aye, I will.”

The laird studied him for a moment, seeming to discern the confusion and reluctance he felt. “Yer betrothal will be announced at last meal so that news travels to the Mackenzie.”

“Do ye think perhaps it would be wiser to announce it after the marriage has taken place? That way he will not try to do something to impede it?” Ruari asked him.

“I will consider it.”

When Ruari reached the door, he turned to the man who held his head in both hands while looking down at the tabletop. He didn’t envy him or Malcolm. The yoke of lairdship was a heavy one.

Needing better sustenance, Ruari went to the kitchen and was served once again. This time, he ate his fill.

Ruari walked up the stairs to his chamber. Upon reaching the second level, he considered whether he should speak to Esme about the possibility of them marrying. The lass would no doubt be aware, but he wished to know her thoughts on the matter.

Usually, a woman was not part of the decision. Although he considered it unfair, it was the way of the times. Personally, he hoped she was in agreement.

The guard at her door gave him a once over. “I will ensure they wish to see ye.”

The guard rapped on the door and a servant opened it. Her eyes widened at seeing him. “Mistress Esme, tis the Ross visitor.”

“Come in, please.” She sounded better, her voice still soft, but without the hoarseness or breathlessness of being in pain.

Esme was sitting in her bed, her dark hair pulled back into a braid that had been swept forward over her left shoulder. She wore a shawl across her shoulders and was covered from the waist down with the bedding.

“I would have never imagined receiving visitors in my bedchamber while not fully dressed.” She motioned to a chair. “Please, sit. I am glad ye came, I wish to speak to ye.”

That it was the woman who’d initiate the conversation was interesting. Ruari found it refreshing that she, like her father, was direct.

“Ye look well.”

“Thank ye.” Her cheeks flushed just a bit. “I am still in pain but refuse to wallow in it. I am sure it will eventually go away.”

He studied her face. Without the smudges of blood and dirt, her skin was bright and rosy. Once again, he noted the sprinkling of freckles that made her look young and alluring.

Her gaze met his and she scowled.

“Is something wrong with my face?”

Caught staring, he struggled for what to say. “Nay. It is just that I have not seen ye clearly before. When I found ye, yer face was dirty and the last time I was here, ye were feverish.”

Esme let out a sigh. “Not the most appealing look for a woman.” Her lips curved. “I wish to thank ye for saving my life. I know that my parents have both spoken to ye. In truth, I had given up hope when ye found me. Truly, it was fate that ye saw where I was hidden.”

He was taken aback when her shiny eyes looked to him. “I thought for certain I’d die there, hidden by the rock. I hadn’t the energy to move, much less travel any further. Thank ye, Ruari Ross.”

Pride at his actions made Ruari’s chest expand. “I am glad that I did see ye. Once I got ye here, it was the healer who saved ye.”

“He tells me ye cleaned one wound out and tended to both.”