The Highlander's Runaway Bride

by TERRI BRISBIN

  Although he would sit at the high table, he searched for a servant and asked for something stronger than either the ale or wine he usually drank. He drank the first bit down and held out the cup for more...and twice more. He waved the man away then, for a drunken groom would just give wagging tongues something else to pass around.

  Rob moved aside and watched as the hall filled and the priest arrived. The portly man almost waddled as he walked, making his way to the table at the front of the hall and greeting several MacKays along his path. From what Rob could see, the priest seemed good-natured and well liked among those here. When the lord and lady arrived and took their seats, he knew it was time, both to make his way there and to take this step that would change his life forever.

  The laird greeted him and introduced him to Father Darach before sitting and motioning for them to sit. The lady conversed quietly with the priest at her side and the laird nodded to those at this and the other tables.

  Nothing in his words or manners gave any sign of the scene above stairs a short time ago. No clue to what the man truly felt or was about. Rob’s gut told him something was going on here, but outwardly all seemed well enough. When silence filled the room, he looked up and saw that everyone’s gaze was turned to the stairway in the corner.

  Eva MacKay had arrived in the hall.

  He was on his feet before he knew it and on his way to escort her before he could think of it. A blank expression momentarily changed as their eyes met, and Rob watched as surprise gave way to a glimmer of fear. Even that disappeared and the neutral countenance was back in place.

  Rob stopped several paces from her and took his first true look at the woman who was his bride. The simple but elegant gown outlined her lush curves, and he noticed the way her long, unbound hair fell over her breasts and ended just above her hips. His mouth went dry even while his palms grew sweaty. Her hair was pulled away from her face with only a few curling tendrils outlining her face, and the graceful lines in her jaw and neck were revealed to him.

  This woman before him was new to him.

  Not the runaway disguised as a boy.

  Not the ill woman, pale and wan.

  The only signs of her recent illness or injury were the dark circles beneath her ice-blue eyes and the limp.

  The limp. He strode to her side and bowed.

  ‘Lady Eva,’ he began. ‘Should you be walking on that ankle without help?’

  A blush rose in her cheeks, giving her more colour than he’d seen there before. Even when she sat naked in her bath. Rob tried to forget the images of her creamy skin and feminine curves as he offered his arm to her now. How she had managed to make it this far, he knew not, but he knew she was trembling and in pain. Far more than just her ankle now.

  Though he’d tried not to look at her back when he’d stormed into the room at the sound of her screams, he had. It was all he could do not to tear Ramsey MacKay apart with his bare hands. The welts were wide and deep.

  ‘Here,’ he said, placing his arms behind her with a care to those areas struck and lifting her from her feet.

  She did not resist him. She did not say anything. Eva just sat in his arms, unmoving, as he carried her forward. If he was not mistaken, some of the women watching sighed as they passed. Although done for another reason, if it would smooth things over, that was good, too.

  Rob stopped near the table and placed her on her feet, never letting go of her completely. He nodded to the priest who walked towards them and then glanced down at the woman at his side.

  And in that moment, he realised his life was about to change in ways he probably could not even dream of. More than his decision to support Brodie. More than his work or position in the clan now that they had been successful and ended the threat to it.

  More than any step he’d taken in his life up to this moment.

  So why was his gut telling him to turn and walk away?

  Chapter Seven

  For whatever reason, the priest’s words about their marriage contract eased his concerns. Rob listened to the details of the agreement reached between the MacKay and Brodie and calmed with each bit spoken. He’d not known about her dowry or the amount Brodie was giving him until the priest said it, and the wealth he would gain surprised him.

  Any sane man would leap at the chance to take Lady Eva MacKay to wife.

  Any sane man...

  The silence startled him, and Rob realised they waited on his words. His vow. Words that would tie him—body, soul and possessions—to the woman who stood at his side now.

  Who stood trembling at his side.

  Rob glanced down, now noticing the paleness of her face and the way she held her mouth closed tightly. And how she shook as she waited on him to speak. Did she harbour a hope that he would yet disavow this arrangement?

  He opened his mouth and spoke the words the priest had asked for—I will.

  I will, a second time.

  And then, the words he’d always imagined he’d speak at some point in his life, but not now and never in this way.

  ‘I, Robert Alexander Mackintosh, take you, Eva MacKay, as my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.’

  Father Darach turned to Eva and waited, even as Rob did, for her response. Rob did not dare to look at her, but he felt the shudder that tore through her then and wondered if this would be the moment when she refused him. When the moment expanded to several seconds, he thought it might be.

  ‘I...’ she began, so low that he doubted anyone but he could hear her. ‘I...’

  Eva pulled against his hold, trying to move away, though with her injured ankle and foot, she would never be able to do so. When he did glance at her, he recognised the expression in her eyes—sheer and utter panic. That turned into terror when her father took a step in their direction.

  ‘Courage now, lass,’ he whispered, sliding his arm back around her. ‘You surely have faced greater dangers these last weeks than anything you face from me.’

  Why he’d felt the need to assure her, he knew not, but one look at her haunted eyes and he’d been unable to stop himself. Something terrified her. Something or someone. As he motioned for her father to step back, Rob suspected the latter. And it seemed more than just the simple strapping her father delivered.

  It took a few more seconds before she stood up straighter and nodded at Father Darach. Another second and she began to repeat the words he offered her, giving her consent to this marriage. Rob let out the breath he’d been holding as she did so. Not many could hear her words, but her voice grew stronger with each word. Then it was her turn to say the words that would join them.

  ‘I, Eva Morag MacKay, take you, Robert Alexander Mackintosh, as my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish and obey, till death us depart, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.’

  Father Darach nodded and smiled at them and then held out the prayer book where Rob had earlier placed his mother’s wedding ring. Brodie had offered to have one made, but Rob wanted his wife, any wife of his, to wear the one his mother had worn when she’d pledged her heart and life to his father. Rob eased his arm away from Eva and took the ring before turning to face her. She did not resist when he took her hand in his and held the ring above her fourth finger.

  ‘With this ring, I thee wed,’ he said, watching her face as he slid the ring onto her finger. Moving it a bit lower with each phrase, he continued, ‘With my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.’

&nb
sp; As those around them raised their hands to bless themselves and the priest declared them by their words and consent husband and wife, Rob watched as the terror and fear left her face. But instead of whatever emotion he thought to see there, he saw an expression of abject hopelessness in her eyes. She closed her fingers into a fist and looked away, staring into the distance as tears trickled down her cheeks.

  Shocked by it, he could not feign joy when the MacKay and his wife approached to offer their felicitations or when Father Darach made some comment about nervous brides. Nor when they went to their seats and cups were raised in their honour. He drank deeply of the cup of rich, red wine and held it to be filled again.

  Servants poured out of the kitchens and pantry to carry platters of food to the table. Within minutes, every sort of delicacy and treat sat before him...and his new bride. But every bit he put in his mouth tasted like dirt. Eva, he noticed, took little to eat, but also finished her cup of wine.

  He remembered little of the rest of the meal or anything said to him. Eva sat motionless at his side, barely replying to wishes offered them and flinching every time their hands touched or their legs brushed against the other’s under the table. Soon, the meal, such as it was, was done, and it was time for them to retire...together.

  Rob remembered telling her that he would not avail himself of that part until they returned to Glenlui, and that was his plan. Until he could decipher what was happening here, to them, between them, he would not take her to his bed. So, this night would be one of rest before their journey on the morrow. At ease with his choice, he stood and held out his hand to her. She pushed up from her chair and balanced more on her uninjured foot as he prepared to pick her up.

  ‘We have a special chamber prepared for you,’ Lady Morag called out. ‘For your first night together as man and wife.’ She smiled, and Rob could almost believe she meant it sincerely. Almost. Right in this moment, he would not trust any of them to be telling the truth, his new wife included.

  ‘A kiss!’ someone yelled out from the back of the hall. Iain, he thought.

  ‘A kiss!’ someone else called out. And then another and another until the hall echoed with the sound of it. All of them urging, nay, ordering him to kiss his new wife.

  Eva glanced up at him. Clearly, she’d not thought that this would happen. He’d be lying if he tried to say he’d not thought about tasting that lush mouth of hers, so he shrugged at her and leaned over.

  What trouble could one kiss be between them now that they were man and wife?

  At the first touch of his mouth to hers, he discovered the answer was not the one he’d thought it would be.

  * * *

  Eva tried to tell herself it was the wine. Or the pain and exhaustion that yet plagued her. Or the crowd shouting their names. Any of those things could be the reason for the way her heart pounded as his mouth touched hers.

  Taller than her, he’d leaned down to meet her as she looked up at him. His lips were firm as they touched hers, but he canted his head and pressed more fully against her mouth. She lost her breath. He took advantage of that moment and slid his tongue over her lips, teasing them to open for him. Eva did, though why, she knew not, and everyone and everything else in the hall disappeared when he dipped into her mouth and tasted her.

  She wobbled then, fighting the urge to reach up and grab him for support as he relentlessly plundered her mouth with his. As he thrust his tongue deeper, she touched it with hers and he growled, sucking it back into his mouth. Before Eva could reach up, his strong fingers entangled in her hair, pulling, holding her closer to him. He released her for a scant moment, allowing her to draw a ragged breath as he did, and then he kissed her again.

  And again.

  And once more.

  Thoughts scattered. Her body awakened as it had not for months and months, her heated blood rushing and filling places she’d not felt since...Eirik had loved her.

  Eirik.

  With a push, she freed herself and leaned back against the table, breathing hard and trying to gather the wits she’d clearly lost at his touch. Rob looked just as surprised as she felt. Truth be told, he looked worse. Those watching still cheered loudly, banging their cups and spoons on the wooden tables, calling out for more.

  ’Twas expected at a wedding feast, but hers, theirs was not the usual marriage or feast. He blinked several times and then looked at those calling out to them. He leaned down once more, and she thought he would kiss her again. Instead, he lifted her into his arms and nodded to a servant to show him the way to the chamber her mother had mentioned. He carried her with a tenderness she did not deserve from him.

  Eva wanted to put her head down and hide, but that would mean touching more of him than she wished to. So, she let her body relax as he climbed the steps and took her away from the cheering and yelling of those in the hall. She did not fool herself into believing that they were actually happy for her—Eva knew quite well that they were happy to be rid of her and the shame she’d threatened to bring on their clan with her behaviour.

  The MacKays rid themselves of her and got a wonderful new treaty with the powerful and wealthy Mackintosh clan, all with just a few words uttered and a few secrets hidden. On the morrow when they left, her father would rejoice in his newfound friend, the Mackintosh, and in seeing his biggest problem on her way out of his gates forever.

  She had not realised she’d moaned out in pain and misery until he first cursed under his breath and then whispered some words of comfort to her as he carried her down the corridor. After tomorrow, she would lose her daughter forever.

  And her new husband had no idea.

  The servant girl opened the door to the chamber, stepped out of the way as Rob carried her inside and then closed it softly after they’d entered. When he stopped, Eva looked around the room.

  A fire burned in the hearth in the corner and candles lit the chamber. The large bed was covered with plump pillows and blankets and the linens lay turned back, ready for someone to rest beneath them. A pitcher and cups sat on a tray on the small table near the bed, along with a bowl of fruit and cheese.

  The chamber looked as it would for an honoured guest’s arrival. Certainly, Robert Mackintosh was that. He carried her to that bed and set her down with her legs over one side. She sank into the feather-filled mattress on the rope-strung bed. Before she could say a word, he walked to the door, lifted the latch and left.

  Surprised by his actions, she wondered about what he meant to do. To sleep elsewhere this night would be an insult that she was sure not even her father would allow to go unmet. Eva pushed herself back a bit and wondered what she should do. It took only moments, lying on the soft, warm bed to fall asleep.

  It could not have been long before she woke to someone saying her name.

  ‘Lady? Eva?’ He stood over her, peering down with a serious gaze and a frown. ‘Are you well?’

  She struggled to sit up, her gown and chemise rubbing over her sore skin. He held his hand out and she took it. ‘Your pardon, I fell asleep.’ He stepped back and ’twas then she saw her maid behind him.

  ‘Here now, Nessa,’ he said, as he helped her to move to the edge of the bed. ‘See to your lady’s needs. Did you bring the unguent for her injuries?’

  ‘Aye, sir,’ Nessa said, moving to his side. ‘And some of the healer’s brew to help with the pain. And a fresh shift to... To sleep...’ The young woman blushed fiercely and could not meet her gaze then. Everyone knew what they should be doing this night, and it should involve little or no sleep.

  ‘Just so, lass,’ Rob said as he stepped away. ‘I will return soon.’ He’d reached the door, and still she was unable to speak. He surprised her at every turn, and she could not predict his next word or action. And then, he was gone.

  Nessa did not waste time, moving a stool close to the bedside and helping her to sit on it. Th
e maid’s movements were steady and quick, removing the gown and her other garments. Nessa spread the soothing ointment on the welts on her back and covered them with clean linen bandages.

  Nessa offered her the healer’s brew; however, Eva waved it off. She would not seek solace in an herb’s grasp again, no matter the pain involved. The last time... Eva shuddered at those memories. Nessa took the potion away and brought her some ale instead, which she sipped as the young woman loosened her hair and brushed it in long, soothing strokes. Her eyes drifted shut, and soon the crackling noises made by the fire were the only sounds in the chamber.

  When he’d opened the door, she knew not, but one moment he wasn’t present and the next he was, staring at her as Nessa drew the brush down the length of her hair. He might have hissed, or Eva might have misheard the sound. It mattered not, for now he had the right to enter her chamber whenever he wished and whether or not she wished him to be there. She saw the steaming bucket he carried and chided herself for misjudging him again.

  ‘What is wrong?’ he asked, placing the bucket near her on the floor.

  ‘Nothing, sir,’ Eva answered, as the girl stopped tending to her hair and gathered up a few other supplies. ‘Just some confused thoughts.’

  Nessa spread a drying cloth and other linens there and then poured a thick liquid into the water. A lovely scent filled the chamber and Eva inhaled it. Then, Nessa curtsied to her and, with a nod to her husband, left. Rob knelt on the floor next to her and reached out for her injured foot.

  ‘You walked too much this day. It is swelling again,’ he said as he lifted it and placed it on his own leg.

  He found the end of the strip binding her foot and tugged it free. She could only watch as he tended her ankle and foot. Once the bindings were removed, he moved the bucket closer and guided her to place her foot into it. She could not help the sighing sound she made as the warmth of the water with its appealing scent eased the pain in her foot. After only a few minutes of soaking, she could move her foot without much pain.