Her gaze stayed on Conall as he shifted to face the Bruce. “Twenty-nine. I will see thirty before the start of the next year.” Sarah returned to watching William nurse, not caring about Robert’s query.
Robert slapped Conall’s back and downed his cup, then bellowed for it to be filled again. “Why do men wait so long to see to the next generation? I will have to wait years for wee William to be grown to join me. You should have wed and brought bairns into the world years ago.”
Conall chuckled and she felt his warm palm come to rest on her thigh. “The woman fated for me had yet to arrive. I wed her within three days of meeting. Few men would have been quicker.”
The Bruce rose to his feet and held his cup into the air, the beginning of a toast, if she read the scene correctly. Given that Robert swayed on his feet, she waited for the drunken ruler to begin his floor show. This should be interesting.
“Mayhap I kept Conall too long at my side. A laird’s son should be wed earlier in life. Strong sons are needed to build the foundations of our lands.” The hall silenced as Robert turned to face all gathered. “Conall has given me William, a wee bairn who will grow to carry a sword to defend his clan and his country.”
The palm on her thigh gripped hard, as if to silence the retort threatening to escape. Like hell he will. William will stay here and far from the insanity of politics and nation-building.
Robert continued, wine sloshing from his cup onto the floor. “From this day forth, I would have the Draig Laird wed at twenty-eight years. ‘Tis enough time to find a suitable wife.”
Laughter filled the hall at the drunken tirade. None present could envision commanding finding life’s true partner by decree, or so Sarah assumed, given the hilarity.
“I mean what I speak,” Robert roared over the chaos. “Write it down, let my edict guide the Draig for generations to come.” One of Robert’s men nodded, and Sarah groaned at the absurdity of the wine-induced command never to be honored. That poor guy will actually have to write this down later. What a waste of time.
“Sit, Robert, before you fall.” Conall chuckled as he attempted to grab Robert’s waving arm.
Robert shook his finger at Conall. “You must heed me. For if your descendants fail to honor my command, their title, lands, and wealth will be gifted to another. Mayhap a man loyal to me who I would see rise above all others.”
Evan rose and gestured to the hall. “If that were truly your dictate, none would offer any Draig man a daughter to wed. Instead, they would wait until such time as you seized all in hopes of gaining a title.” But his voice echoed the merriment expressed by everyone gathered.
“You speak true, young Draig.” Robert scrunched up his face in the most non-regal expression Sarah could have imagined. Then his eyes widened when a solution filled his mind. “Aye, your lands, title and wealth will fall to the nearest kin. All clans make plans for the loss of the laird and heirs. That man will gain all.” The Bruce waived his arms and spilled more wine. “I have my ways of making certain he would be loyal to me.”
Merriment exploded at the foolishness. Calls for cheers came from Robert, even as several warriors loudly berated the Bruce for being a fool, and several more foul names. Yet the stalwart aide rose to his feet to confirm the idiocy. “The Draig Laird must be wed at twenty-eight years of age or forfeit title, lands and property.”
Robert stumbled back against the bench and then fell to sit. “I just said that. Write it down and leave a copy of my edict with the clan. Another version needs be written to place with the decrees made for our country’s survival. I would see my hand sign both.”
You’re too drunk to sign a damn thing.
When William fell away from her chest, she covered up and rubbed his back until a small burp filled the air. All around her the hall carried murmurs of conversation mocking the Bruce and laughter at his expense.
I should probably be grateful he’s not trying to find another way to get rid of me.
“Then you must agree to honor the laird’s wife.” The challenge rose from the hall and she would have sworn the voice was Donald’s.
Robert rolled his eyes. “Aye, fine. For the rest of my days, Lady Sarah shall be kenned as the woman who stood against me victorious. Let the bards herald her name in tales to be told for years to come.”
“To Lady Sarah!” Donald roared to cheers and cups banging on the tables.
A sensation of belonging and love surrounded her and never in her life had such peace filled her soul. She stared at Conall’s profile, his face lit with laughter. I love him so damn much it almost physically hurts. He’s mine, all mine.
“Their cloths should be changed,” Jacqueline suggested from her other side. She was the only person in the hall not infected by the hilarity and insane dictates.
Too bad disposable diapers are so far away in the future. “You can relax. I’ll take care of that upstairs,” Sarah teased as she pushed back in the chair, Bella immediately at her side. Looks like the party is over for me.
Conall rose and finished pulling back her chair, giving her more room than needed for an easy exit. “Forgive our departure.” He spoke to Robert, who berated him for leaving too early, given the pitchers of wine left on the table.
But Jacqueline had also risen. “I would accompany your lady wife and aid her, or merely serve as a companion while you continue your discussion.” The woman spoke to Conall, but Sarah caught the desperation in her eyes.
She wants to talk.
Before Conall could refuse, Sarah jumped in. “That would be lovely.” She stepped and kissed Conall’s cheek, which allowed her to whisper in his ear. “She needs me.”
While he didn’t seem overjoyed, he nodded. “Lena, take William.” The housekeeper was already at his side and took the sleeping child.
“Aye, Conall,” Lena spoke softly over the child. “I will stay until you arrive.” Sarah sighed at the heavenly lack of titles, once again signaling life resuming normal.
Jacqueline placed her hand on Colette’s shoulder. “Come, let us leave the men.”
“‘Tis no need for her to leave the hall so early. Many of the women yet remain.” Evan gestured to the wives and other women gathered at the other tables. “I had promised Colette a game of chess. The eve is yet young.”
Jacqueline frowned, but Conall spoke first. “I will stay and keep watch. The game shall be played before all.” The woman sighed but nodded reluctant agreement.
“To bed once the game is finished,” she commanded her daughter, who beamed with delight at staying downstairs.
I don’t blame her. Evan flirts with her like crazy. What young woman could resist those good looks and charm? Plus, Robert is still drinking. There could definitely be more madness to fill the night.
Sarah led the way and remained silent until the three of them were behind the closed door of the laird’s chamber. Basic chit-chat filled the space and would-be diapers were changed and the sleeping babies were settled in the center of the bed.
Lena paused at the container holding wet cloths. At any other time, she would have left to dispose of them promptly. Sarah knew the housekeeper remained hesitant to leave her alone with her once-nemesis.
“Go ahead, Lena,” Sarah encouraged. “We need a few minutes alone.”
“I shall return,” the housekeeper promised as Sarah strode to the bowl and pitcher on the table to wash her hands.
With a nod, she stood alone with Jacqueline, who stared at the sleeping bundles on the bed. “You hold great fortune.”
“I know,” Sarah readily agreed. “I have two healthy children, a man who loves me and a clan that means the world to me.” Every word spoken held a truth unlike any she had ever spoken.
The woman turned to her with pinched, worried eyes. “Have you news of whom Colette will be forced to wed?” Sarah admired the straightforward approach, even if the question held so much that violated her morals.
“No,” she admitted, leaving out that the men Conall suspected as
potentials were less than admirable in too many ways to count.
Jacqueline chuckled without humor. “Your simple reply clashes with your eyes.”
Sarah sighed and gestured to the new chairs before the fire. While they had been constructed months ago, she’d been unwilling to part with the remaining chair that had held Conall before he’d left. She’d forgotten they existed in storage given the chaos of his homecoming and the weeks of uncertainty. “Please sit.”
The women sat before the fire and Sarah struggled for a method to support the unknown. “Conall doesn’t know who, and Robert isn’t divulging that type of information. But he isn’t thrilled with who comes into his thoughts as potentials.”
Surprise widened the lovely almond-shaped eyes. “Why would he care?
“Because he’s a decent man opposed to arranged marriages.” Sarah sat back in her seat and waited for the rest.
“Then I shall be forced to wait and pray for the best.” The woman sighed in resignation. “Would you think the worst of me if I said that I wanted her to marry Conall?”
Sarah laughed despite the fact her world had nearly been undone. “No. He’s the best of men.”
Silence stretched between them. “Tell me, what type of man is Evan.”
“Well, he’s one you can trust with your daughter.” Sarah’s brow furrowed at what she hoped was the truth and Jacqueline caught the slip. She held up her hands to ask for a chance to explain. “Once I wouldn’t have said that, but he returned from war a different young man. Instead of seeking quick and meaningless encounters with a multitude of women, he’s looking for someone to share his life.” I hope that’s still true, given that he’s all over Colette like white on rice.
“I am not reassured,” her companion mumbled. “I left her alone in his company against my better judgment. Speak to me of his character. I would know what type of man holds my daughter’s heart.”
“Oh no,” Sarah replied. “Please tell me your daughter won’t leave here brokenhearted.”
Jacqueline shook her head. “Evan has flirted with her ceaselessly since we arrived. He has sought out many an excuse for conversations that were not needed. The man lingers outside our chamber door and happens to be present every moment we step out. While he has acted with only courteousness, I see more in his eyes. I need to know if he seeks only the pleasures of the flesh and to dishonor my daughter or if his whispers I am not supposed to hear are true.”
Sarah’s mouth fell open. “I had no idea.” We only asked him to keep her company, not make Colette love him.
“Of course not. You had many concerns to sort, the least being my daughter’s daily activities and companions.”
“Why did you allow it?” Sarah asked, certain that her daughter’s honor would be demanded as part of the marriage deal. This is stupid. Medieval men and their hang-ups with virginity.
“I gave her a taste of what she might never know, the attention of a devoted handsome man. I would wager her future husband will be older and less charming than Evan.” Jacqueline gave a wistful smiled and shook her head. “I only pray he managed to steal a kiss or two when I gave him opportunity. Such a new experience should contain affection, do you not agree?”
Sarah grinned. “I have every confidence Evan at least tried to steal a kiss. He’s a charmer. But yes, I agree, your daughter should only ever be touched by a man that adores her.” The unexpected revelations made her wonder at the implications of possible futures. “You do realize the situation would have been a mess if Colette had been forced to marry Conall. Married to one brother and in love with other seems like a recipe for disaster.”
A smile graced the older woman’s face. “My heart sensed that you would remain his wife, as his love and devotion were too strong to allow for you to be removed. So, I allowed all.”
Sarah nodded even if the concept bothered her. “Now what?”
“Now I need to know whether or not to trust Evan.” The question delivered as a statement had Sarah’s mind whirling with implications, potential and thoughts she’d never imagined having.
Both women turned to the door as Lena’s voice could be heard in conversation with the guards. The latch clicked, and Sarah spoke quickly. “I trust Evan completely.”
At Lena’s entry, Jacqueline rose from the chair and bowed her head. “I thank you for the conversation and for your hospitality. Rest while the babes sleep.”
Sarah rose and uttered a “sleep well” to the woman who shook her head and chuckled on her way out the door.
“What did I miss?” Lena asked, her voice all curiosity at the strange and loaded farewell.
“I think the better question is what happens next.”
Chapter 46
Sarah finished wrapping William, who currently slept contented with a full belly and a dry diaper, a mirror of his sister. Sighing into the kiss Conall placed on her temple, she eased her tired body back into the bed as her doting husband prepared to set the wet cloths outside the door. That he performed the task naked and fresh from the bed gave her an early morning floor show to brighten the day that had begun before dawn’s first light. Too bad it’ll be several weeks before I’m able to truly appreciate that handsome naked man.
Conall stopped in his tracks as voices murmured from behind the closed door. Bella rose from her slumber and wagged her tail at the noises. In seconds, leather covered his legs and perfect backside with the dirty laundry forgotten. No knock came before Peter burst in the chamber.
“Dinna wake the bairns,” he growled softly at the intrusion.
Peter never even glanced at the sleeping bundles at her side. “We have a problem,” he whispered with stern tones that hinted at whatever it was being large in nature.
Sarah rose from the bed as Jacqueline stormed into the chamber, with one of the guards drawing a weapon at her back. “Put that away,” Sarah demanded softly at the sword. The guard looked to Conall for approval before sheathing his weapon, but he remained in the room. To her surprise, Bella accepted the commotion.
Clad in only a shift and elaborate silk robe, complete with lace and embroidery, the woman strode up to Conall. “My daughter is missing. She never came to bed last night.” The woman’s voice remained at a low volume, but still managed to carry hostility.
Peter stepped forward. “I’ve searched the kitchens, baths, garderobes, and every corridor without anyone having seen her. The guard at the gates swears it’s been locked all night.”
Sarah grabbed her robe and pulled it over her shift. Her gaze locked with Jacqueline’s, who pointed a finger at Conall. “I demand for each chamber to be searched, beginning with your brother’s.”
“What? Why would she be with Evan?” Conall demanded, his voice pitched low.
Stepping forward, Sarah placed her hand on Conall’s bare arm, her fingers wrapping around the lower head of his dragon as she solved the puzzle in her head. Catching Jacqueline’s gaze for a second, she caught no real sign of the distress that should have been present. In front of her stood a woman poised to challenge the world, even if in her jammies.
“We could certainly start there,” Sarah offered. Conall turned to stare at her and she gave him a subtle nod, not sure if he followed the innuendo.
“I will nay have your tongue disparaging my brother’s character,” Conall challenged, which made Sarah grin. Oh yeah, like Evan’s a saint. But his vehemence told her that whatever was going on was beyond Conall’s knowledge.
Peter walked to the side of the bed and lifted Conall’s sword. “Take this with you.”
Sarah blinked at Peter’s calm and the quick glance Jacqueline gave him. Those two are in cahoots together. That can’t be good, or is it?
“Stay here,” Conall told her and she blew out a loud breath.
“No way,” Sarah answered, already moving to pick up the twins.
“Leave them here,” Peter said as he stared at the guard. “You watch every breath they take. One peep and you send Randall down the hall to get one of
us. Understood?”
The guard nodded and moved to stand at the end of the bed. His companion, Randall, in the corridor stated he had heard the commands. Peter faced them. “I need both of you for this one.”
“What do you ken?” Conall demanded, his potential roar kept hushed.
“Only that today is shaping up to be quite interesting, or a potential crap fest.” Peter’s head shook. “The jury’s out on this one.”
“Bella, stay,” Sarah commanded, and the dog sat at the guard’s side. Wow, that’s a good dog.
Conall grabbed her hand with the one not clasping the weapon and they followed Peter, who led them to Evan’s door. Trepidation mixed with clarity as Jacqueline pushed her way to the front. No panic filled the air, only measured paces. Oh no, she didn’t.
The woman threw open the door that slammed into the wall behind it. For a petite woman, she held quite a bit of strength. At the sight before them, Jacqueline blew out a breath and closed her eyes for a second, a composure-gathering technique that Sarah recognized with ease.
“What have you done?” Jacqueline asked no one in particular as the pair spooning on the bed jerked awake, post-door slam. Wrapped in Evan’s arms, Colette blinked away confusion before pulling the covers tight around her bare chest. Between the pile of clothing on the floor and the messed hair on both of them, the what have you done became quite obvious.
Without the same modesty, Evan pushed tousled hair from his face and took note of the gathering. “Good morn.” His sleepy voice greeted all as if they were expected.
Conall dropped her hand and marched to Evan’s side of the bed. His blade held out to Evan’s throat. “Do you ken what you have done?”
An angry growl sounded behind her and it hadn’t been from the dog. Sarah whipped around to find Robert dressed only in a long sleep shirt at her back. His pitched features gave away the hangover that had to be extreme. Then he pushed to the front of the room, his deadly gaze locked on Evan. “You will pay for the insult.”
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