Page 71 of A Flawed Scotsman

“What is so funny?” Ewan asked.

“That is my wife and she is furious.”

Urging his own mount forward after asking the warriors to remain behind, Ruari dismounted and waited for Esme to near. He braced himself for what was sure to be a loud, verbal bashing.

She practically leaped from her horse, the action admirable and he would have told her so but the punch to his jaw sent his head reeling sideways and he stumbled, caught unaware.

“I will not be left behind. Ye left without a word!” Esme screamed and swung again. This time, he was able to avoid the strike. “How could ye?” She kicked him in the leg and Ruari bit back a curse.

“Stop hitting me,” he snapped. “I was just now heading back to fetch ye…” He stopped speaking when she slapped him so hard his ears rang.

Grabbing her hands, he held her in place. “Do not dare kick me,” he warned. “Allow me to speak.”

Her eyes were glossed with tears of either anger or hurt. Probably both. “How did ye expect me to remain there?”

“I should not have left ye. I have no excuse for it, other than being angry and acting rashly.”

Ruari pulled her against him and held her tight, realizing how being away from her for just a few days had felt like an eternity. “I am very sorry.”

Pushing away, she took a step backward. “Escort us to the Ross Keep. We have ridden without stopping and are tired and hungry.” Her face remained proud and his heart melted. His beautiful wife did her best to keep from breaking down. He understood. She’d brought men with her who were there to ensure her safety while, at the same time, she was responsible for them.

“Ye have a warrior’s heart,” he told her, cupping her jaw. She immediately slapped his hand away.

Although they rode back side by side, Esme kept her gaze forward and didn’t speak to him.

Finally, Ewan came alongside and gave her a warm look. “How fares yer friend?”

Esme let out a breath. “Much better. She still refuses to leave the bedchamber. She will never be the same, I fear.”

“I believe women have a fighting spirit and are stronger than us in that manner.” Ewan met Ruari’s gaze sending a clear message to give them privacy. Although Ruari wanted to remain next to her, he understood.

For the next hour, he remained annoyed that the conversation between Esme and Ewan continued unabated. They spoke of the area and he explained to her who lived at Dun Airgid. Esme listened and asked questions about the villagers and other things pertaining to life around Ross Keep.

Every so often, she’d peer over her shoulder and spear him with a glare. In turn, he gave her apologetic looks. He’d not continue apologizing. His wife would have to accept it.

Upon arriving at the keep, pride filled him as Esme’s eyes rounded at seeing the massive gates and huge stone building within. Ross Keep was perhaps three times the size of her home and housed many more people.

Men and lads hurried to help with horses. Ewan began instructing the men to see about finding the Fraser guards a place to rest. Everyone was invited inside to the great room where they’d be fed.

He took Esme’s elbow and escorted her to the main doorways just as Malcolm and Elspeth appeared.

“My cousin, Laird Malcolm Ross,” Ruari said by way of introduction, “and his wife, Lady Elspeth Ross.”

Malcolm nodded in acknowledgement. “Welcome to yer new home, Lady Esme.”

Unlike her formal husband, Elspeth rushed forward and took Esme’s hands. The women were almost the exact same height. “Come inside, ye must be exhausted and famished. I will ensure to have a hot bath prepared for ye immediately. Upon eating, ye must bathe and rest.”

“I am very tired and hungry,” Esme admitted, allowing Elspeth to guide her inside. The women went into the keep leaving Ruari only to stare at his wife’s departing figure.

Malcolm studied him for a moment and chuckled. “By the cut on yer lip, she is not happy with ye.”

“Not in the least,” he replied, giving his cousin a bland look.

Esme slept most of the day with Ruari keeping constant vigil. When night fell and she’d yet to speak to him, he slid into the bed and reached for her.

Although she was half-asleep, she turned away from him. Ruari groaned in frustration and lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Once morning came, he’d have a talk with his wife and settle things.

*