“That is what ye get for beating me, ye brute.” She stormed off with a young child running after her.
The man hung his head, accepting his fate. No doubt, he’d remain tied to the pole for three or four days. A light punishment, Esme considered. No man should beat the mother of his children.
She admired her father for the way he handled situations. Although she couldn’t hear what was said, most seemed to bring their grievances and were promptly sent off with whatever solution was given.
“It is nice to see ye out.” The deep voice caught her unaware. She’d been so focused on what her father was doing that Esme did not notice Ruari had neared.
She cleared her suddenly dry throat and her breath caught. It was embarrassing to have such a reaction to him.
“Yes…well…” Esme tried to come up with a suitable reply but failed. Annoying as her lack of speech was, it was nice when he lowered to sit next to her.
“I hear yer mother has banished all from the keep,” he went on to say, not seeming to notice her lack of words.
“Does yer mother do the same?”
“I rarely see her, so I do not know.”
It occurred to Esme that she knew very little about the man she might marry. “Do she and ye not live at Ross Keep?”
He looked away for a moment, seeming to mull over what to say. “Only I do. When my da disappeared, I was very young. Mother could not get over it. At the time, we lived at Dun Airgid, Ross Keep, with our clan. But soon thereafter, she left. It was decided best that I remain there, with my aunt and uncle.”
“Did ye ever find out what happened to yer father?”
Ruari shook his head. “No. I barely remember him, but I am told I look a lot like him.”
Her chest tightened. It was sad to hear of a young boy losing both parents. “Did ye have a good life then with yer aunt and uncle?”
His lips curved. “Very much so. I was raised as if I were one of four brothers. I was treated the same. For that, I am thankful.”
She knew that his uncle, Laird of Clan Ross, had recently been killed, but she refrained from mentioning it. “What do ye think will happen?”
At the abrupt change of subject, his hazel gaze snapped to her. “In regards to yer clan?”
“Yes…no. Between us. Has father agreed to our marriage?”
“He has.” Ruari studied her face for a reaction. Esme couldn’t figure out how, exactly, she felt. On one hand, he was attractive and seemed a fair man. On the other, she was to marry a complete and total stranger and, in all probability, be taken to live far away from her family and friends.
“When will it happen?”
His gaze softened. “The details have not been discussed. I imagine he wishes to wait until ye recover.”
At his regard, her breathing quickened. “Do ye wish to marry me?”
“It is a duty to my laird and clan that I accept without hesitation. My cousin left the decision to me. I could have said no.”
What kind of a reply was that? The reply made little sense to her. She wanted to know if he found her attractive, did this “duty” mean that, to him, it was more of a chore?
Of course, she could not ask without seeming like a whimpering simpleton. Esme looked toward the gates. If only Catriona was there, she’d know exactly how to word the question without sounding like a ninny.
“So ye chose to do as asked, or did ye choose to marry because it would benefit ye in some way?”
Ruari chuckled. “Ye are inquisitive.”
When she gave him a pointed look, he met her gaze. “It is my duty to obey my laird and yer da wishes for a strong alliance. Marriage is the strongest way for it to come about.”
So it had nothing to do with her. “I see…”
“How nice to see ye about.” Calum Robertson approached and looked to Ruari and then to her. “I was hoping to have a word with ye.”
Ruari stood and gave her a light nod before walking away.
The constable could not have had worse timing. However, Esme strived to keep from glaring at him as he settled on the bench.
“What do ye wish to speak about?” Esme asked, noticing that he’d slid closer.
Esme didn’t care for the man. He’d always been dismissive and arrogant toward women. There was the death of his wife, which had been a sad occurrence, and she’d felt badly for him then. The feelings had been dashed when she’d gone to the burial and found out he’d given his child away. Several times, he’d been inappropriate toward her, often touching her in what could be construed as an accidental gesture. However, she knew better and often kept her distance when he was about.
Calum’s gaze locked on her lips. “I hear alarming rumors that ye may be forced to marry and be sent far away.”
“I cannot answer yer question as ye interrupted me from asking.” She knew it was a rude reply but, at the moment, there were pressing matters. The sooner she understood what would happen, the sooner she could prepare.
A child ran across the courtyard, tripped and fell. The poor thing began crying and was quickly picked up by a woman who then inspected the squalling child for any scrapes.
“If ye agree to marry me instead, ye can remain here. My home is not so far way.”
What he said was true and she did know Calum better. Although not a love match, he was pleasant of face and it would mean her remaining there.
Esme sighed. “Ye are kind to offer, Calum. But what would it accomplish? We’d still be under threat by the Mackenzie.”
“I do not believe becoming allied to Clan Mackenzie is as bad as people make it out to be,” Calum said, his face suddenly much too close. “Say yes, Esme. Ye know I have harbored feelings for ye for a long time. Tis enough of playing coy.”
If only her injuries wouldn’t cause extraordinary pain, Esme would have stood and stalked away. Instead, she slid sideways to put distance between them. “I am not playing coy. Ye have never declared yerself. Ye come here often. This is the first time ye’ve sought me out.”
She held up a hand when he started to speak. “I am sorry, Calum, I do not wish to marry ye. I must do what is best for my clan. If my father wishes that I marry Ruari Ross, I will do it. As much as I appreciate yer offer, I do not share yer feelings about us joining Clan Mackenzie.”
Calum’s face hardened. “It is a great mistake. An error of judgment.” With those cryptic words, he stood and looked down at her with an expression that gave her shivers of apprehension. Then he stalked away.
“That was not an agreeable conversation,” Esme mumbled to herself.
When Keithen and Ruari walked by, her brother looked to her. “Do ye need assistance going inside?”
Esme nodded. “Ruari, do ye mind helping me.”
“Of course.” Ruari came to her while her brother continued on his way.
Upon him taking her elbow, the touch brought tingles of awareness. She took a breath and lifted her free hand to him. “This is going to smart.”
Using her legs, she pushed up to stand, grimacing at the pull in her midsection. “That was not too horrible,” she said in a strained voice.
“Ye’re a brave lass,” Ruari said, waiting for her to take a first step.
Esme decided it was best to speak to him before they were interrupted again. “How long after we marry would ye wish for us to leave?”
“I plan to remain here, lass, for the time being. Yer father agreed it would be for the best. I, along with fifty guardsmen, will come to live here at Fraser Keep.”
“Truly?” She smiled up at him, enjoying the nearness.
For a moment, they remained quiet, both looking at each other. Esme, of course, could not remain silent. “I am pleased for us to marry then.”
He looked away for a moment. “What about Robertson? He seemed like he was trying to persuade ye away.”
So, he’d been watching. Esme was secretly pleased. “He did offer marriage in an effort to help me from having to leave.”
When he looked awa
y in the direction Calum had gone, Esme almost told him about her apprehension.
Once inside, she motioned to a table. “Will ye join me for a small repast? I am a bit hungry.”
Ruari gave her a quizzical look. “I can for a moment. Yer uncle waits for me to discuss purchasing horses. I am going to acquire some for my cousin.”
“What will happen back at Ross Keep? Is there someone there to take yer post?”
With a pensive nod, he helped her to sit and then sat across the table from her. “I am not sure yet about it. I plan to travel there once we are married to discuss such things. I have an apprentice that is almost ready, so I am not overly worried.”
“Yer clan is at peace at the moment, is it not?”
“Aye. After a long time, we finally have had a period of no battles.”
Esme looked about the great room. Her clan had not fought in many years. They’d relied on the alliance with the larger Clan Fraser, which deterred most would-be encroachers. Until they’d caught the eyes of the Mackenzie, there had been little threat to their borders.
Now, guards patrolled the borders, often returning injured or not at all after a clash with Mackenzie warriors.
“I do not understand why he will not let us be. Our lands and people would be of little gain to him.”
Ruari studied her for a long moment. “If he overtakes yer clan, then it would force the larger Fraser Clan to defend ye. Ultimately, Clan Mackenzie could very possibly defeat them, and it would make him the most powerful laird in the region. Once that is done, only Clan Campbell would be able to go against him.”
That he took the time to explain such things to her was extremely rare and pleasant. Ruari did not insist that she, as a woman, should not be concerned with such things. In her mind, it was important for the women of a clan to be knowledgeable in order to stand next to their husbands and provide proper counsel.
When a servant brought warm bread and cuts of meat, Esme ate and washed it down with cider.
Ruari bit from the bread and studied her for a moment. “It is best that I go speak to yer uncle. Do ye require help with anything?”
Without thinking, she reached for his hand and he allowed it. Long, callused fingers wrapped around hers and it felt natural. Esme looked up into his eyes. “I owe ye so much already. How can ye ask that? Not only did ye rescue me from death, but now ye will save my clan from a powerful man. Thank ye.”
When he bent over their joined hands and pressed a kiss to hers, her breath caught at the intimate gesture. No, it wasn’t so much the kiss to the hand that was sensual in nature, it was the way his gaze never left hers and the lingering of his lips on her skin.
“Ye need to go rest.” Her mother approached, breaking the spell.
The corners of Ruari’s lips twitched and he winked at her before turning to her mother. “Lady Fraser, I assisted Esme inside and now I must go speak to yer husband’s brother.” He gave a soft nod and walked out of the room.
Her mother’s gaze followed his movements. “He is much too handsome.”
When Esme giggled, her mother gave her a pointed look. “Men like him can cause women not to think clearly and give them too many liberties.”
So her mother had seen what had transpired between them. Esme smiled, looking in the direction Ruari had gone. “Is that so, Mother?”
“I must speak to the healer and ask that he come and ensure yer injuries were not made worse with all this moving about,” her mother said, changing the subject.
“I will not remain in bed every day,” Esme replied, placing a piece of meat on bread and lifted it to her lips. “It is time for my recovery as there is much to do. We must discuss my wedding.”
At the mention of the wedding, her mother’s eyes lighted up and her worries seemed to evaporate. “Oh, goodness, ye are right. There is much preparation to be done.”
“Esme!” Catriona burst into the room and raced to her. “I did not know. Forgive me.” Her friend neared and fell to her knees so to inspect her face. “What happened to ye?”
“I am recovering from injuries that occurred in the forest. It was mostly my fault for chasing after Dot.” She looked to her mother. “Where is Dot?”
“She is in the corral, tied with a long rope to ensure she doesn’t escape again,” her mother replied with obvious disapproval. “Yer brother had men go to the forest to find her. They returned with three other fawns before Dot was identified by yer father.”
Esme giggled at the picture of the men returning with random deer.
“It is not in the least bit a reason to laugh,” her mother chided. “If anything, the animal should be let free.”
“I am aware, Mother. However, Dot has been around humans for far too long. She is much too trusting of people. Otherwise, how were the men able to catch her?”
“They caught three others I remind ye.”
“With snares no doubt,” Esme insisted. “I am willing to bet Dot was the easiest catch of all.”
By her mother’s expression, what she said was true. However, she did not press the subject. Instead, she turned to Catriona and hugged her friend, careful not to hurt herself. “Why did ye stay away so long?”
“My grandmother was horribly ill. She died.” Catriona squeezed her eyes shut as pain rolled over her.
“I am so very sorry,” Esme said, hugging her friend again. “I wasn’t aware.”
Catriona shook her head. “I can only be grateful that ye were not taken away from me as well.”
Her mother huffed. “She is recovering well. As long as we can keep her from moving about so much, I do believe ye will have a quick time of it.”
“I was just telling Mother there is much planning to do. I have something exciting to tell ye,” Esme said, motioning for Catriona to sit.
Her mother stopped Catriona. “Do not sit. First, let us get Esme to her chamber. Ye must rest.” Her mother took one arm and motioned to Catriona to take the other. “Up we go.”
The entire keep was clean and refreshed as her mother had instructed that every inch be scrubbed and mopped.
Upon entering her bedchamber, Esme was pleased to note the same went for the now pleasant and airy space. The bedlinens had been changed, flowers placed on a table by the window and the curtains had been exchanged for a lighter fabric.
Used to their close relationship, her mother made excuses and left Esme alone to speak to Catriona.
“Tell me what is happening, I am most curious,” Catriona said as soon as Esme’s mother left.
“My father sent a missive to Laird Ross. He asked for an alliance by marriage.”
Catriona’s eyes widened. “Did he reply?”
“Yes. He did so by sending his cousin here to speak for him. His name is Ruari Ross.”
“What did he say?”
“That he agrees to the alliance…through marriage.” Esme gave her friend a tentative wry smile. “I am to marry him once I recover.”
Both hands over her mouth, Catriona’s wide eyes met hers. “Ye are to marry a total stranger? Does this mean ye will be leaving?”
Esme shook her head. “Nay. He has decided to remain here. Actually, there are fifty men traveling here from Clan Ross in a show of support.”
Catriona’s wide eyes met hers again. “It must be the tall, handsome man I saw just before entering. He is most bonnie.”
Esme could not help the curve of her lips. “Aye, he is. But that is not what is most important. It means we will be allied with Clan Ross. They are as powerful at Clan Mackenzie.”
Her friend let out a sigh. “That is very good news.”
Catriona let out another long sigh. “Ye must spend time with him. Get to know more about him.”
“Aye, I know,” Esme frowned. “What if he is not as he seems? I have no way of knowing.”
“What do ye know?”
She considered the short conversations they’d had. “When he was young, he was left by his parents to live with his uncle, Laird Ross.” Then
something sprang to the forefront. “When I asked, he did inform me of his interactions with father, which I find quite different.”
“That is different.” Catriona bit her bottom lip in thought. “Does he seem glad for yer marriage?”
It was not like bedtime stories in faraway lands where a princess and a prince fall in love. Instead, the reality of marriage for most people was a means to an end. “When I asked why he agreed to the marriage, he replied it was his duty.”
“Duty?” Catriona blew out a breath, looking quite annoyed.
“Aye, then I asked him if he chose to do as asked by his laird or because he would gain from it. He replied that he did what was best for both clans. Or something to that effect.”
“Certainly a loyal man, is he not?” Catriona’s disapproving tone made Esme glad to have her to speak to.
“That is certainly a good quality, but not what I wished to hear.” Esme shrugged. “I suppose I do value his honesty.”
“Not one mention of finding ye attractive?” Catriona tried again.
Esme shook her head. “Not at all.” She leaned closer to whisper. “He did kiss my hand. His lips lingered longer than necessary. Mother was not at all pleased.”
“That is something then,” Catriona replied, seeming a bit mollified.
Through the window, the sounds of nature intermingled with guards’ swords clashing, bringing to the forefront the reminder of what her clan was facing.
“I have to marry him, Catriona. The sooner our clans are allied the better.”
If things were switched, Esme would have the same concerns as her friend. The fact that she had always known her marriage would be arranged did not mean it was easier to accept and go into without some kind of trepidation.
“Tell me about his clan,” Catriona interrupted her musings. “What do ye know about it?”
“His cousin is Laird Malcolm Ross. Ruari says he was raised like brothers with him and the other two brothers.” Esme paused in an effort to remember anything else. “He works with horses. He’s spending time with my uncle to acquire some for Clan Ross.”
Esme sighed. “How strange that a total stranger, someone I do not know well at all, will be my husband for the rest of my life.”
A Flawed Scotsman (Clan Ross Book 4) Page 6