Her cousin giggled. “Tis true, most annoying.”
“Come cousin let us join the dance." She pulled Allison to the center of the room and joined the other women in a spirited dance that soon had her smiling in glee.
Just as she whirled, a dark figure near the door got her attention. Whoever it was remained in the shadows. Allison looked in the direction of the door as well and frowned. She bent forward and whispered into Emma’s ear.
"That is my husband's friend and newly knighted Gavin McDonnell. Yer father wishes to introduce him to ye for a possible match."
Her heart thumped as she strained to get a look at the man. "How long have ye known about this?" She hissed back at her cousin.
"Just earlier today. I overheard a conversation between he and yer da." Allison looked over her shoulder toward the man who emerged and was now making his way to where the lairds sat.
Tall, with hair dark as midnight and a stern face, he was handsome. However when his gaze traveled over the room all she could sense was a disturbing feeling the man was looking for someone. His gaze hesitated on her for just a moment before moving past.
He looked for someone else.
They went in a circle again until finally facing one another. “I don’t wish to marry him,” Emma hissed into her cousin’s ear.
“I though ye’d be pleased.” Allison replied sliding a look toward McDonnell. “He is fair of face and well built.”
The song ended and Emma hurried from the center to the back of the room. Hopefully she could make it to the kitchens and find something to drink. Also from there she could keep an eye on McDonnell and see what he was doing.
Just as she darted into a darkened corridor, she spotted Paden leaning on the wall watching the festivities with a hooded look of someone who wished to be anywhere but there.
Emma neared and touched his arm.
When he turned there was a brief moment of warmth. "My lady."
“I know I am behaving in the most unbecoming manner. And yet, it seems I cannot stop from seeking ye out.” Emma could not think of what else to say. No doubt he’d think her words those of a silly spoiled girl.
He shocked her by placing his hands on her shoulders. "My lady, there can never be anything between us. Ye know full well this could only cause problems for me."
His words, although true, cut deeply, why did she persist in this? Emma straightened her shoulders and nodded. "I know. It's silly for me to..."
Without warning, his mouth took hers with so much hunger Emma clutched his shoulders almost crying with relief when his strong arms surrounded her.
The pressure of his lips over hers made her knees weak. The beard and mustache tickled but she barely noticed. It was what she’d wanted to know what it would be like to be kissed by him. She parted her lips allowing his tongue to probe into her mouth and she pressed her tongue to it. He tasted of ale.
She raked her hands through his hair, the tresses soft and thick.
Every so slowly, he slid his mouth from hers to press a kiss to the corner of her lips and released her.
Paden locked gazes with her as he gently pushed back.
“Good night Lady Emma. I beg ye. Never seek me again.”
His darkened eyes held her gaze. “Promise me.”
“I cannot.”
“Ye must.”
Not waiting for another reply, he stalked away.
Chapter Six
The announcement was the second shock of the night. No sooner had Emma floated back into the room, her mind awhirl with what had just happened with Paden, did her maid grab her and bring her to where her father and mother waited.
“Gavin McDonnell,” her father stated as if by just stating the name, she would come to a revelation. ““He asks for yer hand and I think it would be a good match.”
The statement made her grit her teeth.
“Ye have not agreed as yet have ye?”
She slid a glance toward the man in question. Gavin sat at the high board with her uncle looking over the proceedings of the night, as if above from it all. She’d always hated sitting up there, as if holding oneself above the others in the room.
To be fair, her father and uncle usually ate with his men, rarely sitting at the high board unless it was a formal affair as this night.
She studied her presumed to be husband. He was broad-shouldered, a pleasant rugged face, and masculine to be sure. The one thing that didn't waiver was the coldness in his eyes. Seeming to sense her regard, he looked at her, meeting her gaze.
She tore her gaze away and back to her father. “Would ye please give me time to become accustomed to the idea? We’ve only just arrived.”
“Ye are of age Emma. Too much longer and we willna find ye a husband,” her mother said shaking her head. “I agree with yer father, tis time to get ye married.”
“Please, just allow me time to get to know him a bit before ye agree. We may not be suited at all.”
Her father’s eyes narrowed at her lips. “Do not do something rash young lass. I will be watching ye. We will give McDonnell a reply before leaving.”
“Come let us dance again,” Allison exclaimed. She rushed to her and tugged Emma back to dance. Her cousin saved her from being forced to approach the high board. Emma wanted to hug Allison and thank her for the reprieve. Not that she had a choice in the matter of who’d she’d marry of course. However, it was good that her parents were fair and would give her a day or two to consider things.
Pipers played a lively jig and in spite of what happened, Emma found herself twirling with the other women. They clapped and turned again, their feet making fast work along with the rhythm of the music.
She could sense Paden’s gaze, or perhaps imagined it as each time she managed to look to where Paden stood with another guard, he was not looking at her. It was best she forget her infatuation with the handsome blacksmith and the wonderful kiss.
Especially when her father would no doubt announce that she'd be betrothed shortly.
Emma lost her footing and giggled and once again fell into step.
When the song ended, her face was flushed and breathing ragged.
“Let us go for fresh air,” Allison said lacing her arm through Emma’s.
As soon as they arrived outside, Emma looked up at the starry sky. “Tis a beautiful night. I wish things would never change.”
“Tis a strange thing to wish for,” Allison replied looking up as well. “Why do ye wish it?”
Emma sighed. “I am not ready to marry. I do not think I ever will be. Other than loving someone at only five and ten, I have yet to have feeling for a man in that manner.”
Marriage to a total stranger, one who'd take her away from her home didn't sit well with her. Although she'd been prepared all her life for the eventuality of it, the reality was quite frightening.
Her cousin took her hands as they entered the garden. Allison’s pretty face was flushed from dancing, her blue eyes bright. “I donnae think most of us are ready for it. But it’s our destiny.”
"Ye married for love," Emma told her cousin, pulling her away from the doorway as to not be overheard. "What would ye do in my place? I am not sure I like him."
“Do ye mean Gavin? I am sure he is a good man.” Her cousin stole a glance over her shoulder toward the doorway. "I hear Gavin McDonnell is most stern, but not cruel. He is handsome and wellborn. I think ye'll come to care for him."
"He lives far from Skye. I won't like that at all." She hated the pitch in her voice, feeling quite childish. "I know tis expected of me, but I feel the urge to run away from here."
"I understand ye. I put off being married off for a long time. Thankfully father was rather patient with me." Allison’s warm gaze met hers. "I advise ye accept this choice as we are about the same age. It's time for a family of yer own."
"Aye, I know." Dejected, she took a breath and pushed her shoulders back. She could not put it off any longer. Her parents had been patient with her as well.
&
nbsp; Lingering as much as possible, she finally could not put off returning to the great room any longer.
Allison hurried to find her husband as Emma hesitating her gaze on the high board where McDonnell remained.
When she took a step forward, a warm hand stopped her and she turned, shocked to find Paden looking down on her. "I hear ye are about to become betrothed."
Her heart beat erratically at being so close to him. "Aye I will be."
"I should congratulate ye then milady."
"Don't call me that. It...It doesn't feel right."
His eyes bore into hers, the familiarity sending chills down her back. "Ye are so much like him. I feel as if I am seeing a ghost." She covered her mouth with both hands to keep from saying more.
Paden didn't reply, instead he looked past her to the high board. "Enjoy yer night Lady Emma." He walked away, but not before she saw something in his tight expression. "Was it anger?"
Of course he thought her a harlot for seeking him out earlier. How to explain that she’d only just learned about the betrothal? Did it even matter at this point?
Upon arriving at her seat, Gavin stood and bowed low. “Lady Emma, how fare ye?”
“Very well,” Emma replied allowing him to put the chair back for her. “Tis a lively night.”
He looked across the room, his gaze moving until hesitating at a table where several women sat. “Everyone is enjoying the music.”
It struck Emma as odd that he kept his attention away from her.
“Gavin?”
Finally he turned and faced her with a brow lifted in question.
“Why would ye want to marry me? Tis obvious ye are quite distracted and by the way women regard ye, it would be easy to find a wife.”
He seemed to consider her question, his gaze traveling over her face. “I find ye quite beautiful Lady Emma. I traveled here to meet ye.”
“And at first seeing me wished to marry?” She couldn’t help but jest. “Tis extraordinary.”
The corner of his lips lifted. “Tis time for me to take a wife. Ye are a laird’s daughter and my family wishes connections with the McNeil.”
“However, my uncle has no daughter.”
“Aye.”
He was refreshingly honest. However, once again his attention was back at the table where the women sat. One in particular lifted her gaze up to them constantly. Emma had to hide her smile. If the woman and Gavin were interested in each other, it could be the way out of the betrothal.
The night had become quite dark, the moon covered by clouds as Paden stalked toward the stables with purpose.
This time he would not be stopped. He'd go back to the village to the new life he'd set for himself.
Never did he consider how much kissing Emma McNeil would affect him. Moments earlier he’d finally realized the true reason why she sought him out constantly. She’d known Larkin. Not only that, she had to be the lass his brother had been infatuated with.
How could it be? If she had truly been Larkin's love? How could he ever forgive himself for kissing her or worse feeling strongly about her.
Of all the times to have an emotional pull toward a woman, this was the worst timing for it.
Images of the horrible day flashed before him and Paden closed his eyes and hung his head in defeat.
The battle cry interrupted the quite ride that afternoon. Stuart and Larkin had been discussing where to camp for the night when the thunder of hooves vibrated the ground.
A band of six men held swords in the air as they raced closer.
“Hide! Run!” Stuart screamed. Although a good fighter, Larkin was too young, not yet ready to fight the kind of men who rode at top speed toward them.
He recognized the plaid colors. They were from an enemy clan. Probably out to rob them of the taxes they’d collected so far.
His brother had refused to hide and instead he fought valiantly, maiming several attackers before one man struck him from behind. The piercing of the broadsword, straight through from his back to chest, had killed Larkin instantly.
Larkin had not made a single sound, but slumped face first onto the ground.
Unable to keep from allowing rage to take over, Stuart screamed and attacked the two he fought with vigor. His sword slashed across both, sending them backward. One fell lifeless to the ground while the other swayed, barely able to hold up his sword. With a final swoosh of the sword Stuart sliced the man’s throat.
Two men fled as Stuart hurried to grab his brother's lifeless body, hoping he was wrong in recognizing death and Larkin lived.
His brother was not breathing, his lifeless unseeing eyes open.
For a long time, he remained on his knees, the pain of loss unbearable. His brother was everything to him. His friend and companion, Larkin had always been the one to accompany him, following Stuart since childhood asking countless questions.
How would he face his parents now? He’d failed as a brother and protector.
Barely able to see past the muck, blood and tears, Stuart lifted Larkin carefully and draped his brother’s body across the horse’s back. Once that was complete, his tied straps across the saddle and Larkin’s body to ensure he stayed on. Wiping tears form his face, he smacked the animal’s bottom so it would head back to the familiarity of the keep.
The entire trip as they traveled their father's lands to collect taxes, Larkin spoke non-stop of an Emma. About how he’d made how he would marry her once they spoke to both sets of parents. According to Larkin, he’d promised the lass they’d marry. With a wide grin, his brother had asked Stuart’s opinion as to whether or not their parents would approve.
Overcome by grief, Paden did not want to face his family. It was to be the first time he’d ever been bested in battle. They’d bested him by killing his younger brother.
Too riddled with sorrow, and unable to face his loved ones to admit he'd failed them, Paden had mounted his steed rode until his horse refused to go further. Every day after that he went farther and farther away until ending up in Moriag.
He was aware of what was said, for travelers often came to the tavern and spoke of the tragic loss of the McLeod brothers. Many considered him a coward, some a hero. It matter little to him what people thought.
His only regret was the pain his absence must have caused their parents.
In the years since leaving Skye, Paden learned to fight better. He’d become even faster, better. Vengeance for his brother’s death was completed. He'd tracked down the two last men who'd attacked that day. Both were dead now.
Shaking the musings from his head, Paden let out a long breath. What did it matter? Nothing did really, except perhaps getting away from Emma McNeil.
He was no longer the young warrior who’d allowed his brother to be slain. He was Paden Fraser a common blacksmith.
Along with Larkin, Stuart McLeod, had died on that fate filled day.
Chapter Seven
“Ye cannot go milady,” her maid whispered wringing her hands. “Yer father will not only punish ye, but me as well.”
Emma huffed. “I am merely planning to travel to visit my cousin. What is wrong with that?”
Her maid’s narrowed eyes made her fidget. “Ye plan to seek out the blacksmith. Lady Emma, we both know tis folly. He can never be yers.”
“I know.” She slumped into a chair. “What can I do? I cannot stop thinking of him. His face, his kiss haunts me every moment.”
“I understand. Ye were young when last in love and it wasn’t more than infatuation. This time, ye are a woman and should know the difference.”
With and outstretched hand, she pulled the maid down to sit next to her. “It is different, I promise ye. At first yes, his likeness to Larkin attracted me. But now...” she hesitated unsure exactly what to say since it was hard to explain even to herself.
“Now I feel as if we are meant to be. As if fate brought us together for a reason.”
The maid nodded. “What are ye going to do? He left and returned to t
he village. There cannot possibly be any excuse to allow ye to go there.”
Her lips curved. “Of course there is. A visit to my dear cousin Allison.”
The maid shook her head but said nothing further.
Emma however smiled widely. “Tomorrow we go the village.”
The next day turned out to be one of the most pleasant. Emma and her cousin along with her maid went to the village square to purchase fruit, bread and flowers. They ate at the local pub and walked to the church to attend a midday service.
All the time, Emma kept an eye out for Paden, noting where the stables were and the cottage just beyond it.
“I will spend the night at the inn,” she announced to her cousin. “I need time alone to gather my thoughts on what I should do. I don’t wish to marry Gavin McDonnell and must find a way to either talk him or my parents out of it.”
Her cousin’s lips pressed together and her eyelids fell. “I’m so sorry Emma. From the way ye react, I am convince ye love another. I pray however that over time ye fall in love with yer husband and he with ye.”
“There isn’t anything I can do to stop it, is there?” The question did not need answering, for once her father accepted the McDonnell’s request for her hand, her fate was sealed.
Even though her parents would be cross at her for staying away for the night. They’d not come looking for her. Nonetheless, she paid for one room for herself and the maid and settled in for the rest of the evening.
Her cousin didn’t question her reason for not coming to stay at her home. It was obvious Allison understood Emma had some sort of plan.
A few hours later, Emma was surprised how easy it was to get out of the inn that night. Once the maid slept soundly in the narrow bed next to hers, Emma slipped from the bed and donned her cloak.
As if in a trance, her mind warring with her body, she hurried past several cottages toward the stables. What she was about to do could have irreversible effects. However at the moment all reason left, her body hummed with need for the first time in many months.
Highland Mists: A Highland Romp Page 4