Page 3 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I am not going to get married. Besides, I am not from this clan,” Ewan said with a glower.

Ruari huffed. “What did ye just say about making yerself useful?”

Once the chuckling died down, Ruari noted everyone was studying him as if they were noticing what he looked like for the first time.

“Why do ye not have a woman?” Malcolm asked. “Ye have never been with anyone longer than a night…or two.”

The blood in his veins ran cold. “I have seen a woman longer than that,” he lied.

“Who was she?” Tristan asked, eyes narrowed.

Was he really having to defend himself against a marriage arrangement?

His throat became dry and he fought to breathe.

“What if I say no?” Ruari finally asked, scowling at his cousin. “When the time comes, I prefer to choose whom I marry. Not some woman who is forced into it.”

“We do not know if she is forced or not,” Tristan, ever the diplomat, stated. “Besides, I am sure there will be meetings and negotiations first. A marriage may not need to take place.”

Malcolm stood and went to a side table where he poured a glass of whisky. “I have an idea.”

At everyone’s silence, Malcolm gave Ruari a pointed look. “Ye wish to buy horses. Why don’t ye go to see Laird Fraser with that as a pretext? The laird’s brother breeds the best warhorses in the area. Ye can then meet his daughter and see how it will go.”

“Will I be expected to bring the laird some sort of message from ye?”

Malcolm nodded. “Aye, of course. A message that I agree to the alliance, but not to fight if they go to war against the Mackenzie. We will send warriors as a show of solidarity, but our clan will not join in battle. We’ve had enough of it.”

“What about the marriage request?” Ewan, ever helpful, asked.

Lifting one shoulder, Malcolm dismissed the idea. “If he asks, tell him that my brothers are married, and we have few options.”

The idea had merit. It would be a good trip there and back since the weather was warm as it was the middle of the summer season. The house was full of people now that his cousins were all married and fathering children. There was rarely a moment of peace and quiet.

Malcolm’s wife, Elspeth, had recently given birth to a second son, which meant her family was currently visiting.

The keep was crowded between family, visitors and villagers who spent an entire day or two there when coming to meet with Malcolm.

“I agree to go see the horses, and to deliver the message. I will not marry the woman, so ye must find someone else who is willing.”

“Do ye need anyone to go along with ye and help bring back horses?” Tristan asked.

“No. If I choose more than two, they can bring the rest when they visit.” Ruari was not about to give up the opportunity for time alone. Despite it being two days each way, he did not mind the idea of sleeping outside while heading to visit the Fraser.

They continued to discuss other things that pertained to everyday life in the clan. There were farmers and villages to visit and collect taxes from. There were elders that had to be checked on and widows who often required help of some sort. Ruari went over the list of responsibilities mentally.

“Tomorrow, Ian and I will ride out to the Stuart farm and take care of making sure all is well there,” Ruari told the group.

“Very well,” Malcolm said. “When can ye depart to visit Fraser?”

“In three days, if that is acceptable.”

Once Malcolm nodded, Ruari left the study and walked back to the stables. He’d have to speak to one of his stable hands about the rebellious horse. Then he stopped and looked at the animal, considering if he should ride it. It would be a good opportunity to tame the animal. Besides, no one else would be able to go near unruly beast.

In the corral, the horse had stopped circling and now nudged the far end of the enclosure several times with its nose. Moments later, the horse moved a few feet away and repeated the gesture. The animal was intelligent and tested the fencing for weaknesses.

A lad who worked for him neared. “He is going to escape.”

“If he sets his mind to it, aye. I might just have to ride him when I depart for a visit south.”