Page 48 of A Flawed Scotsman

Ruari considered his cousin’s words. Is that what they were doing? The clans who’d come to show their support would also be departing. If the Mackenzie decided to attack again, this time, they’d all perish. Although fifty men did not represent a huge number, it was enough to help them hold their own until reinforcements arrived.

“I do not know what to do,” Ruari admitted. “Without our men, they are vulnerable. I should go and speak to the laird. Perhaps it is best for us to remain.”

“Do ye wish me to accompany ye?”

Ruari shook his head. “Thank ye, but it’s best that I do this alone.”

Upon entering the keep, only a few people remained in the great room. Off-duty guards settled onto pallets near the hearth and some servants scurried about doing last chores for the day.

“Where is the laird?” Ruari asked a lad who pointed toward the stairs. “He just went up.”

Hoping to catch Keithen, he went to the laird’s study and found the man standing next to a side table holding a glass of whisky. Upon seeing him, Keithen motioned to the decanter. “Help yerself.”

“Am I to presume there will not be a wedding night for ye?” Keithen asked without expression.

“Yer sister is with her friend. I understand.”

Keithen frowned into his glass. “Catriona seemed broken. The ride back here was the longest of my life.”

“Ye have known her a long time then?”

After letting out a breath, Keithen nodded. “Since we were young. She and Esme have been friends since childhood.”

“I am sorry.”

“So am I.”

Ruari poured whisky into a glass, lifted it to his mouth and drank. “I must speak to ye about our departure. I have decided it would be best if my men and I remain. By departing so soon after everyone else, it will leave the clan vulnerable to attack.”

“Our main concern is keeping Esme safe. The Mackenzie is intent on her for whatever reason. Father could not bear losing her.”

“I understand. I, too, wish to keep her safe. However, to what price? Repeating yer father’s words. We cannot sacrifice the clan for one.”

When Keithen didn’t argue the point, Ruari knew the man agreed. There was no choice in the matter. If no one else could send their loved ones away to be safe, the laird shouldn’t either.

Ruari went back out to find the guards. They would not be leaving in the morning.

*

It was late that night when Esme finally came to the bedchamber. She hesitated at the doorway upon spotting her husband. “Ye are still awake.” She came to him and placed her head on his chest. “Catriona is sleeping. I came up to get a bit of rest.”

It felt good to put his arms around her. Already, she felt familiar and comforting. “Ye must be very tired.”

Esme peered up at him. “Aye. I will sleep for a bit and then get up and pack.”

“We will not be leaving in the morning.”

Searching his eyes, she frowned up at him. “When then?”

“Yer father is looking after yer mother in their bedchamber. I have not discussed it with yer father as yet, but I am considering not leaving at all.”

Her arms went around his midsection and she held him tightly. “Thank ye. Oh, Ruari, thank ye so much.”

Ruari chuckled and held her for a few moments longer. “Go to sleep. We will speak in the morning and then go to yer father together first thing.”

Before he finished speaking, Esme rushed to the corner of the room and behind a screen to undress. She emerged in a nightshift and splashed water onto her face.

Turning to him, she motioned to his body, sweeping her right hand in the air in his direction. “I suppose we should consummate the marriage.” The sentence was punctuated with a wide yawn. “At once.”