Page 79 of A Flawed Scotsman

Her husband’s hazel gaze met hers for a long moment. “I saw a messenger come. Does he bring bad news? Ye are troubled.”

It seemed, already, Ruari could sense her moods. Esme wasn’t sure how she felt about it. “Not bad news really. Catriona sent a letter. My brother has not been seen in days.”

“It is probable he is accomplishing work for yer father.”

She’d not considered it. If her father required him to do something, they usually did not inform others. Her mother wouldn’t ask and she was sure that Flora, Catriona’s companion, would definitely not know.

“I am bothered by the news. I wish to go and see about it.”

Ruari shook his head. “Ye will not go. I am not welcome at Fraser Keep and, therefore, ye are not as well. Ye are a Ross now.”

“It will always be my home,” Esme replied with a set jaw. “I am sure ye and my father will work things…”

“I said no.”

Words caught in her throat. She thought of too many responses at once until none escaped. How dare he speak to her as if she were a child? She was not a prisoner to be kept from going where she pleased.

Ruari’s right brow rose. “Go inside, Esme. We will discuss this later. I have much to do.”

Pushing a finger into his chest, Esme snarled, too angry for words. Then, taking a deep breath, she placed both palms on his chest and pushed hard. It was irritating when he didn’t move a bit. “Are ye dismissing me? I am worried about my brother. I wish to visit my family and ye tell me to go away?”

“I did not say go away.” Ruari pronounced each word clearly. “There is no reason for us not to speak of it later. The messenger will not leave until morning.”

“I will go with him.”

“No.” Ruari shook his head, this time, his eyes darkening. “Ye will not.”

Knowing it was a battle of wills neither would win, Esme turned on her heel and hurried back to the house.

She almost fell when, upon entering, one of the house hounds raced across her path. Esme groaned and continued forth, up the stairs and into her bedchamber.

“What happened?” Ceilidh appeared in the doorway, her blonde hair pulled back into a soft braid, allowing for several ringlets to frame her pretty face. “Did ye and Ruari fight?”

Esme nodded. “Why do men act as if they own us?”

“Mostly out of protection.”

“I am not sure I believe it. I think it is because they consider us beneath them.”

“My husband has always treated me equally. I am sure Ruari is as fair as Ian. All Ross men hold women in high esteem.”

Perhaps Ceilidh’s husband did, but Ruari had just dismissed her and ordered her into the house. “My mother always said that a woman must know her place. Father never includes her in any important matters.”

“Let us go back downstairs. A bit of honeyed mead will help settle yer nerves.”

Once again in the great room, Esme noted some people lingered. This place always had many people about.

“Come.” Ceilidh took her hand and pulled her to a table where the other women sat. Elspeth, Malcolm’s wife, was joined by Merida and Gisela, Kieran’s wife.

After Esme settled into a chair, everyone looked to Ceilidh. The pretty blonde explained Esme’s concerns. It was quite interesting when their expressions went from curious to narrowed looks in the direction of the doorway.

Merida huffed. “Did ye kick him in the leg?”

“I should have,” Esme said.

“Or another place that would have hurt worse,” Gisela said.

Elspeth held up a hand. “Women like us must learn to know our places.”