Page 20 of A Flawed Scotsman

Ruari chuckled. “Ye are inquisitive.”

When she gave him a pointed look, he met her gaze. “It is my duty to obey my laird and yer da wishes for a strong alliance. Marriage is the strongest way for it to come about.”

So it had nothing to do with her. “I see…”

“How nice to see ye about.” Calum Robertson approached and looked to Ruari and then to her. “I was hoping to have a word with ye.”

Ruari stood and gave her a light nod before walking away.

The constable could not have had worse timing. However, Esme strived to keep from glaring at him as he settled on the bench.

“What do ye wish to speak about?” Esme asked, noticing that he’d slid closer.

Esme didn’t care for the man. He’d always been dismissive and arrogant toward women. There was the death of his wife, which had been a sad occurrence, and she’d felt badly for him then. The feelings had been dashed when she’d gone to the burial and found out he’d given his child away. Several times, he’d been inappropriate toward her, often touching her in what could be construed as an accidental gesture. However, she knew better and often kept her distance when he was about.

Calum’s gaze locked on her lips. “I hear alarming rumors that ye may be forced to marry and be sent far away.”

“I cannot answer yer question as ye interrupted me from asking.” She knew it was a rude reply but, at the moment, there were pressing matters. The sooner she understood what would happen, the sooner she could prepare.

A child ran across the courtyard, tripped and fell. The poor thing began crying and was quickly picked up by a woman who then inspected the squalling child for any scrapes.

“If ye agree to marry me instead, ye can remain here. My home is not so far way.”

What he said was true and she did know Calum better. Although not a love match, he was pleasant of face and it would mean her remaining there.

Esme sighed. “Ye are kind to offer, Calum. But what would it accomplish? We’d still be under threat by the Mackenzie.”

“I do not believe becoming allied to Clan Mackenzie is as bad as people make it out to be,” Calum said, his face suddenly much too close. “Say yes, Esme. Ye know I have harbored feelings for ye for a long time. Tis enough of playing coy.”

If only her injuries wouldn’t cause extraordinary pain, Esme would have stood and stalked away. Instead, she slid sideways to put distance between them. “I am not playing coy. Ye have never declared yerself. Ye come here often. This is the first time ye’ve sought me out.”

She held up a hand when he started to speak. “I am sorry, Calum, I do not wish to marry ye. I must do what is best for my clan. If my father wishes that I marry Ruari Ross, I will do it. As much as I appreciate yer offer, I do not share yer feelings about us joining Clan Mackenzie.”

Calum’s face hardened. “It is a great mistake. An error of judgment.” With those cryptic words, he stood and looked down at her with an expression that gave her shivers of apprehension. Then he stalked away.

“That was not an agreeable conversation,” Esme mumbled to herself.

When Keithen and Ruari walked by, her brother looked to her. “Do ye need assistance going inside?”

Esme nodded. “Ruari, do ye mind helping me.”

“Of course.” Ruari came to her while her brother continued on his way.

Upon him taking her elbow, the touch brought tingles of awareness. She took a breath and lifted her free hand to him. “This is going to smart.”

Using her legs, she pushed up to stand, grimacing at the pull in her midsection. “That was not too horrible,” she said in a strained voice.

“Ye’re a brave lass,” Ruari said, waiting for her to take a first step.

Esme decided it was best to speak to him before they were interrupted again. “How long after we marry would ye wish for us to leave?”

“I plan to remain here, lass, for the time being. Yer father agreed it would be for the best. I, along with fifty guardsmen, will come to live here at Fraser Keep.”

“Truly?” She smiled up at him, enjoying the nearness.

For a moment, they remained quiet, both looking at each other. Esme, of course, could not remain silent. “I am pleased for us to marry then.”

He looked away for a moment. “What about Robertson? He seemed like he was trying to persuade ye away.”