TWO LAIRDS ONE LADY

by John Ryan

  What the devil am I so vexed about? Thayer chastised himself. Is it not precisely as I desired?

  Thayer was so diverted that he didn’t hear the request of his mother to return his attention to their host. And, though Graham was evidently distracted by a lovely crimson-topped maid who flitted gaily amongst the MacCourts, it was Thayer’s disquiet that was the most evident to his mother and Lady Fiona.

  In an attempt to ease the restive silence, Lady Fiona suggested graciously, “Come, let’s all retire to the dining chambers for the eventide meal. I’m sure Elspeth and Thayer will be along shortly.”

  “They best be,” Thayer muttered between clenched teeth. “They best be.”

  Chapter Five

  Thayer sat at the great table, hotly eyeing the empty seats that awaited Elspeth and Faolin. Eating little, he spoke less. On more than one occasion, he whirled round at the sound of someone approaching, only to be met with the disappointing sight of yet another servant bearing trays of mutton, bread, potatoes, or ale.

  How long does it take to make one bloody pass through the gardens? He mulled while bitterly pushing the food about his plate.

  Unable to control his angst any further, Thayer excused himself from the table with the pretense of a sour stomach.

  “I’ll have Agnes, the Healer of the castle, prepare an elixir for ye, Faolin,” offered Lady Fiona. “She’s an absolute Godsend when it comes to tending such maladies.”

  “Thank ye for your gracious concern, m’lady, but I’m quite well, I assure ye,” Thayer replied. “I merely need some air. A short walk and I’ll be as right as rain. Which way did ye say the gardens were again?”

  “Oh, just through the courtyard and to the left,” Lady Fiona replied. “And if ye happen upon Thayer and Elspeth, please ask them to join us. The mutton is best enjoyed hot.”

  And revenge is best served cold, Thayer reflected as he took his leave, his jaw working in anger.

  He took a few steps upon the stone path before coming to an abrupt halt. There it was again--that gnawing jealousy! It defied logic. Hadn’t this been his plan all along? What the devil was wrong with him? All he knew was that he had to get it under control before he saw Elspeth with his brother, and did something foolish. Something he might regret.

  Thayer strode quickly toward the grounds. Nearing the bend which lay before the gardens, he felt gooseflesh rise along his nape. He was astounded. Even before he spied Elspeth, he could sense her!

  Slackening his approach as he neared a looming stone wall choked with ivy, Thayer spotted his quarry. They stood close together--too close, he thought--and appeared to be enjoying a lively discussion. Turning his attention to Elspeth, he let his regard flow warmly over her as she flashed a winning smile. Her green eyes sparkled and her effervescent laughter floated along the breeze, giving him cause to yearn to be the recipient of its intoxicating sweetness.

  Noting his brother’s obvious enjoyment, Thayer’s disposition quickly soured. His mood sank even darker when he spied Faolin’s cocksure grin. Was Elspeth succumbing to Faolin’s charms already? Surely, as was his wont, he was peppering her with smooth compliments or witticisms. Thayer felt a heat rise to his cheeks as he noted his brother’s steady encroachment toward Elspeth. It was entirely more than he could bear when he spied Faolin deftly slide his arm around Elspeth’s slender waist.

  “Elspeth, Faol... I mean... Thayer,” Thayer shouted after catching himself. “Lady Fiona beckons ye to the castle.”

  “We’ll be along shortly, brother,” Faolin insisted. The tone of his voice betrayed his annoyance.

  “Nae, she wishes ye to join her now,” Thayer insisted with a wave.

  “We can continue this conversation later,” Elspeth soothed, returning her attention to her betrothed.

  As she laid an elegant hand upon his brother’s sleeve, Thayer could see her lift a speculative brow as she studied his face. Surely, she hadn’t missed Faolin’s miffed look and rosy cheeks. He laughed inwardly. Unsettling Faolin’s aplomb was a minor victory, after all. It was a victory to savor as long as he could prevent his brother from monopolizing Elspeth’s attention.

  “Of course, m’lady,” Faolin concurred, wresting his angry stare from his brother and planting a tender kiss on the back of Elspeth’s hand.

  Disregarding his brother’s glower, Thayer approached the pair and sidled to Elspeth’s side. He paused to swallow hard at the sight of the goddess before him. Although his conquests were many, never before had he beheld such ambrosial beauty. Elspeth was the very essence of grace, both earthy and ethereal. She was utterly beguiling.

  His appreciative gaze ascended her legs. Though they were concealed beneath her flowing skirt, Thayer never forgot the vision of those shapely legs clinging to that tree so many years ago. Nor could he forget the graceful curves of her well rounded hips and taut middle.

  Sweeping his gaze upward with increasing hunger, he rested his eyes upon her pleasingly ample bosom. Her breasts were full and round, evident by the daring swell which peeked above her décolletage.

  Wresting his gaze from her bosom, Thayer swept his regard upward along her elegant neck, sensuous mouth, and finely tapered nose. Unabashed by the discomfort he evidenced in her eyes, Thayer held her gaze fast before ascending to the top of her beautiful crown. The ebbing sunlight had caught her crimson tresses, setting the deep red hues of her hair glistening as if afire.

  Clearly sensing the heat of Thayer’s perusal and lingering regard, Elspeth shifted nervously. She mustered a sweet smile despite her discomfort. That was not lost on Faolin.

  Angrily purveying the exchange, Faolin cleared his throat as a warning to his brother. But his admonition went unheeded, and Thayer knew Faolin was dangerously close to losing his composure.

  Faolin dispersed the uneasy silence by hooking his arm in Elspeth’s and proclaiming, “We’ll be off, now. Mayhap, we will see ye in the eventide, Faolin.”

  But Thayer stood fast, transfixed by Elspeth’s eyes of emerald, eyes which sparkled with the grandeur of the finest gems. He was unable to move, completely disarmed by her nearness. Being wholly drawn to her was a feeling he had experienced just once before in his life. Now, all these years later, her beauty was able to render him just as dumbstruck as before.

  Though she fought mightily to conceal it, Elspeth was deeply affected by Thayer’s proximity as well. And, much to her chagrin, averting her eyes did nothing to ease her disquiet. She felt powerless to quell the heat deep within her chest sparked to life by Thayer’s ceaseless perusal. Though she bitterly admonished herself for even permitting it, the delicious yearning she felt was unlike any she had ever experienced, with the sole exception being the day she first met Thayer MacCourt!

  She produced a gentle cough, hopeful that it disguised the gasp that had just escaped her lips as her mind envisioned once being enveloped in Thayer’s arms of steel.

  Why is this happening? She speculated pensively as the scandalous nature of her thoughts heated her cheeks and raised gooseflesh along her nape. Thayer has been the perfect gentleman. He has manners, title, riches, and breeding. Clearly, I have misjudged him. Verily, he will make a suitable husband. Why, then, do I feel so compelled to shift my regard to his brother?

  “As I was saying, we’ll be off. See ye later, brother,” Faolin announced, gently locking his arm in Elspeth’s slender arm and slipping his hand to the small of her back.

  Elspeth gracefully acquiesced. Smoothing her skirt, she turned toward her betrothed’s twin and dipped into an elegant curtsy.

  Thayer bent at the waist and planted a gentle kiss upon her hand.

  Yet again, that familiar heat effused the place where the troublesome man’s lips had touched her skin! Instinctively, Elspeth’s breath snatched inward and she felt her heart take flight.

  Disgusted with herself for allowing the kiss to affect her, Elspeth forced her attention back to the man at her side. Faolin smiled, and after clearing his throat as a warning to his brother, gently prom
pted Elspeth to take her first step toward the stone path back to the castle. Yet, Elspeth couldn’t defy the urge to steal a glance over her shoulder. He was there, rooted to the place of their parting. She could feel his gaze, even as he disappeared from view.

  “‘Tis folly, to be sure,” Thayer murmured in self-chastising, “but I cannot banish Elspeth from me mind. I dinna understand this incessant nagging at my heart! Verily, I have squired many of the most comely lasses in the entire realm, yet one smile from Elspeth sets my heart afire and weakens my knees! Whilst other women of beauty would employ their charms to their advantage, I doubt Elspeth is even aware how very beautiful she is.”

  Lifting his gaze heavenward, Thayer silently ought his father’s guidance. Father, if ye can hear me, please bestow your counsel upon me. Am I so lost to reason that I must have Elspeth, even if it costs me everything I possess?No! I can see that Faolin has already warmed to her! I must honor this match! After all, was this not me very own design?

  Pivoting on his heels, Thayer strode wearily back toward the castle. His steps were heavy; his heart was far heavier.

  ***

  The sight which greeted Thayer upon his return to the dining chambers caused his honorable intentions to flee in short order. Much to Thayer’s delight and his brother’s chagrin, a vacant chair lay directly to Elspeth’s right. Barely suppressing a rakish smile, Thayer bowed before taking the seat. Faolin shot him a scowl as Thayer inched his chair closer to hers.

  “Where have Mother and Lady Fiona gone?” Thayer asked. “Mother told me she wished for us to dine together.”

  “I suggested that they retire to the drawing room for a draw of mead before we supped. It gives them a chance to become better acquainted. Mayhap, ye should join them as well,” Faolin replied, frost edging his words.

  “Nae, I’m certain they desire to speak alone,” Thayer replied with an aloof shrug. “They are sure to be discussing the wedding arrangements.”

  A tray of piping hot buns delivered by Chloe, a mop-topped servant girl of tender age, brought a much appreciated stay to the tension in the room. Rendered giddy by Thayer’s brilliant smile, Chloe flitted away, a ribbon of giggles in her wake.

  The delightful aroma soon wafted about the table, prompting Thayer to declare, “Withal, I’m famished. Is anyone else as hungry as I?”

  “Aye, I would like some bread please,” Elspeth replied, her brows knitting as she darted a look between the brothers.

  Heeding his grumbling stomach, Faolin took a deep breath and reclaimed his ebbing composure. I suppose Thayer is just being himself, Faolin mused as a faint smile began to lift the right side of his mouth. Surely, there is no harm in his appreciation of Elspeth’s beauty. I would be a fool not to see that.

  “Aye, brother, I am as hungry as a starving hound. Let’s have some bread while we await Mother and Lady Fiona,” Faolin offered, casting a warm look to Elspeth.

  “Then it is true what they assert,” Elspeth murmured playfully.

  “And what is that, m’lady?” Thayer asked, even as Faolin opened his mouth to respond.

  “That the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Elspeth said.

  “Aye, ‘tis true for some men, I suspect,” Thayer conceded, lifting a tawny brow. “Yet, I fancy beauty and fairness of heart high above that. ‘Tis the faster way to my heart.”

  Thayer held Elspeth’s gaze fast. His blue eyes shone brilliantly, causing her to divert her regard. Straightening her back, she inhaled deeply in a futile attempt to recover her fleeting aplomb.

  Stop acting like such a silly milksop and look at your future brother-in-law! Elspeth chided herself. Unaware that her thoughts had taken voice, she whispered “You’re a Mourney; ye shrink from no man!”

  “Did ye say something, m’lady?” Faolin inquired.

  “I was just commenting on the wonderful the aroma from the bread,” Elspeth replied disingenuously.

  Thayer, though keenly aware of Elspeth’s discomfort, felt no compulsion to relinquish his hold.

  Sweet Jesu, if it is possible, Elspeth is even more beautiful than when I first laid eyes upon her! Thayer mulled as he delivered the basket of bread to Elspeth’s waiting hand. Momentarily lost in her glinting pools of emerald, his hand remained clasped firmly on the basket.

  She retains the beauty of the fairest queen but I wonder if her disposition has tamed since that day? Thayer pondered, still clinging to the basket.

  Elspeth smiled, then gently tugged at the basket in a vain attempt to pry it from his grasp.

  In feigned exasperation, she playfully slapped his hand away.

  It stung, prompting Thayer to release his grip. Biting back a snort, he pondered, Nae, she hasn’t changed a whit! And I hope she never does!

  Noting one brother’s look of amusement and the other’s look of annoyance, Elspeth shifted nervously in her seat. She felt as if she were a toy being grabbed at opposite ends by a pair of angry dogs. As disconcerting as this unenviable position was, there was something more devastating and impossible to ignore—the affect her betrothed’s brother was now having upon her.

  Despite her greatest efforts to rein them in, Elspeth’s roiling emotions were wreaking havoc. Utterly disjointed, a large knot formed in her stomach. But the feeling that troubled her most was the urgent need she had to relish this intrigue she felt by Thayer’s nearness. Though she bitterly admonished herself for even contemplating it, she felt the desire to be closer to him. Gritting her teeth, she fought the urge to reach across the table and touch him. It took all of her remaining wits to stop herself from telling Thayer that she longed to be lost in his arms.

  Am I lost to all reason? Why the devil do I continue to have such wicked thoughts? I am to be married to Thayer the day after the morrow. Verily, I am undeserving of the match. Thayer has been the perfect gentleman. He has given me no reason to find disfavor in him. Yet how can I disrespect his honorable intentions so callously?

  Thayer raised a brow and cast a warm gaze over Elspeth. “Elspeth, I am most pleased that our families are to be united. ‘Tis me sentiment that fate has rejoined them. Do ye agree?”

  “Nae, Faolin. I’m sorry but I fear I do not put much faith in providence,” Elspeth returned. “I suppose it is merely the foolhardy musings of young lasses or the wishful dreams of loose women. I see no need for such imprudent myths.”

  “Aye, your contention may indeed have merit,” he conceded, beaming a broad grin, “but surely ye agree that the result of this fateful union is the mending of the rift between our clans. Ye ken, the journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

  “A warrior with a poetic heart, eh, Faolin?” Elspeth chaffed sweetly.

  “Aye, m’lady. And are ye familiar with the words of the Greek philosopher Plato as well?”

  “Nae, whatever did he assert?” Elspeth replied with an inquisitive smile, though she already knew the answer.

  Her verbal sparring partner, in his most authoritative voice, proclaimed, “He said at the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.”

  To his credit, Thayer could hardly know the breadth of Elspeth’s knowledge of ancient Asia. He also couldn’t know her that her father taught her to follow the ancient’s example of steadfast humility. So, without betraying her foreknowledge of the citation, Elspeth politely laughed in response, playfully clasping his forearm.

  “Faolin, do ye agree that a poet in want of inspiration is not a poet at all?” Elspeth bantered.

  “Forsooth, ‘tis true, Elspeth,” he replied with a hearty laugh. “Yet, alas, I have a confession to make. I cannot take credit for that first maxim; ‘tis a quote from the Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu.”

  “Mayhap, ye refer to the founder of Daoism who lived from 600 to 531 B.C.?” Elspeth countered playfully, unable to resist the temptation to best him at his own game. Elspeth continued, “He also said, ‘Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses. ’ Do ye not agree, m�
��lord?”

  “Aye, and with ye, m’lady, it also attacks the body,” Thayer quipped, flashing a winning grin.

  Faolin watched with contempt as their discourse ended in a round of heartfelt laughter. He began to feel as if he had become truly invisible. Though outwardly stoic, his mind was afire. He was nigh to losing control of his swelling anger.

  Mayhap I was right to question Thayer’s designs on Elspeth. First, he cajoles me to marry her, and then seeks to press his advantage upon her. Is there no woman immune to his charms? Verily, I’m sure that she is of no more import to him than another conquest. Yet, while Lady Elspeth has been all grace and sweetness to me, am I imagining that her eyes do not sparkle with the same fire they do when she speaks to Thayer. Nae, I’m sure Elspeth is merely being polite. Yet, what if Thayer mistakes her politeness for acceptance? Nae, I must put an end to this right now!

  “Brother, do ye recall the words of Ovid as well?” Faolin asked intent on quelling Thayer’s self-evident satisfaction with Elspeth’s attention.

  “And, what words might they be?” Thayer replied, lifting an incredulous brow.

  “He said that whether a woman of beauty grants or withholds her favors, she always likes to be asked for them. Mayhap ye should learn the difference between politeness and regard.”

  “Aye, I do recall that passage,” Thayer responded. “But I also recall Perigord’s contention: ‘Women sometimes forgive a man who forces the opportunity, but never the man that misses one.’”

  “I would have the opportunity if ye were not here!” Faolin growled under his breath.

  Spying the look of consternation upon Faolin’s face, Elspeth beamed a winsome smile and queried softly, “Thayer, are ye feeling ill? Ye have the look of disquiet. Is there something I can do to ease your distrait?”