Page 82 of A Flawed Scotsman

A woman walked in and, by her age, Esme guessed her to be one of the Mackenzie’s daughters.

The woman was about her age and quite pretty. Esme wondered if this was the woman he sought to have Keithen marry.

“Father. May I offer her a meal? She has been here for a long time without drink or food.” The woman looked to Esme, who studied her in return. Her hair was a light brown that had been pulled away from her face rather tightly. She glanced at Esme and it was as if she tried to communicate something. However, Esme wasn’t sure what to make of it.

The Mackenzie stared at Esme. “Why would ye ride away without yer husband?”

“He agreed that I could visit my family alone as he has duties to see to.” Esme wanted to add that it was none of his business. But being she’d been caught on Mackenzie lands, perhaps he had a reason to be suspicious.

“Is my brother here?” Esme blurted.

The man’s eyebrows rose. “Why do ye ask?”

Now, she’d made a mistake. “I am aware ye wish to have him to marry one of yer daughters.”

The woman glanced at her father, her brow crinkling.

The Mackenzie shrugged as if it were inconsequential and then looked to the woman. “She can eat, but must remain here.”

The laird walked out and, soon thereafter, Esme was served stew, bread and drink. The woman sat and began eating alongside her. In her company alone, Esme felt comfortable enough to eat.

“Are ye his daughter?” she asked the woman. The young lady nodded.

“I am Ava, his eldest.”

“Ye are married?” Esme asked, noticing she wore a band on her finger.

The woman met her gaze. She had the palest blue eyes Esme had ever seen. “I am widowed.”

Instead of a reply, Esme wanted to ask more questions. “I hope yer father allows me to go. I have to attend to family matters.”

Ava shrugged. “It is hard to know what he will do.”

“Are ye the one he wishes to marry to my brother?” Esme asked.

“Father does not discuss things with me, but I overheard it. I believe so. Although I am told yer father refused.”

“Help me leave,” Esme said, pushing her plate aside. “I do not wish to be the reason for another clash between our clans.”

Her hopes were dashed when Ava shook her head. “There is nothing I can do.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

It was now the second day and, still, they’d yet to catch up with Esme. It was obvious she’d become lost. Ruari’s fears were all but confirmed at a traveler telling them he’d seen a woman being escorted by Mackenzies.

Although he was furious at his wife and at the other women who’d confessed their plan after he’d found her gone late the morning before, Ruari was more concerned.

“Should ye send word to Fraser?” Ewan asked.

He’d already sent a scout back to Ross lands to ask Malcolm to send more men. He rode with only twenty at the moment.

“She is my responsibility, not the Fraser’s.”

They continued farther into Mackenzie lands, their banner on full display to ensure that they were recognized.

Why had Esme gone to such lengths to return home? Had she planned to return to him?

Did he wish her to? His wife had not considered him upon planning to leave.