Page 60 of A Flawed Scotsman

Hatred raged inside her and Esme shook her head. “If he were to win, what would happen to my clan?”

Ruari’s expression was grim. “I imagine he’d expect yer people to pledge allegiance or go. I suppose yer parents and brother would have to go live on Fraser lands across the river.”

The fact that it was a possibility infuriated her but Esme decided to enjoy the moment.

When the village came into view, it was a pretty sight. Shops and homes lined up, people meandering about, some with baskets or carrying bundles of purchased goods, while others stood empty-handed, chatting in groups.

Shingles outside shops announcing what was sold there swung in the breeze as children raced in circles, playing games.

“Seems all is well here,” Ruari said.

“Aye, it does.” Esme motioned to the right. “We can leave the wagon there. The blacksmith will keep an eye on it.”

Ruari assisted her down and she spoke to the blacksmith, introducing Ruari to the gruff man who managed a smile at her. They made their way to the village square.

“I must see how everyone fares.” Esme hurried down the street, excited to see fresh faces after too many days at the keep.

Several vendors greeted her with enthusiasm. Once again, people repeated that she’d been a hero for protecting the clan.

At a stand where a woman sold beautifully embroidered linens, Esme lingered while picking several to purchase. The woman was quiet and gracious. “Thank ye, Lady Esme. This will help me feed my bairn and mother.”

“Do ye not have a husband?”

The woman took a shaky breath. “He was one of the guards killed. Now, Mother and I are left alone.”

Esme studied the pretty woman who wiped at errant tears. “How old is yer bairn?”

A smile stretched across the woman’s face. “He is almost a year.”

“Would ye and yer mother be interested in moving to the keep? We are in need of a companion for Catriona. The work would be simple and ye can eat in the great room daily.”

The woman’s face lit up. “I would very much appreciate it. I barely sell enough here to eat.”

“What is yer name,” Esme asked.

“Flora,” the woman replied. “Flora Hay.”

“Very well then. I will instruct guards to fetch ye when ye are ready.” Esme looked to Ruari who remained a distance away and was inspecting other wares. “I am glad to have met ye.”

“I as well.” Flora reached for Esme’s hand. “Thank ye.”

“Do not thank me. Ye are doing me a great service. I was afraid that I would not find someone today and the need is dire.”

“We shall be ready today then. Just allow me to pack these up and I will hurry to fetch my family.”

As the woman hurried to do as she stated, Esme spoke to a guard who assured her that he and another would remain to assist Flora to travel to the keep.

She went to stand by Ruari, who’d purchased a dirk from the blacksmith’s son. The small blade was beautifully crafted and fit in the palm of his hand. He handed it to her. “For ye.”

Although it was a thoughtful gift, it reminded her of the need for protection that was necessary now. She smiled at him and sighed. “Ye are so kind to me.”

They strolled to another stand, her arm through his and Ruari leaned close to whisper, “I wish to be more than kind to ye tonight.”

A peal of laughter escaped her, making several people turn to look at them. Several people smiled toward them, approving of their light spirit.

Just then, shouts rang out as a man tried desperately to control the horses that pulled a large wagon. The beasts had been spooked and did not heed his commands. The large farming horses’ hooves pounded the ground with force, sending vibrations as they headed in the direction of the square.

People scrambled to move out of the way as Ruari ran straight toward the wagon.