She still affected him strongly, even now. It had grown worse when he’d watched her drink from the pool. One of the water droplets had slid over her pale skin, beneath her gown. The wool clung to generous breasts, and he had to shut off his imagination to keep the unbidden desire under control.
Why in the name of God had she traveled here? He didn’t doubt that there was unrest after the death of her husband, but didn’t she realize how dangerous it was? Although he and his brothers had kept the English at bay for many years, there were always raids from neighboring clans or English soldiers who entertained themselves by attacking their fortress.
A beautiful woman with only two escorts was open prey. She wouldn’t last an hour out here alone. He led her through the valley, noting the determination on her face.
But even more disconcerting was the way she kept glancing over at him. Almost as if she was trying to discern how to heal the broken years between them.
He didn’t trust her at all. There were secrets beneath that treacherous face, and she wanted something—wanted it badly enough to run away from home. And it wasn’t merely an escort.
They rode for hours without speaking as they drew closer to Glen Arrin. The castle wasn’t large, but it was enough for clan gatherings. Although Alex had offered him a chamber of his own within the main dwelling, Dougal preferred the house he’d built on the outskirts.
Celeste slowed the pace of her horse as they approached, her eyes widening at the sight of Glen Arrin. When they rode through the gates, the castle towered high above the stone walls, an imposing structure that would defend them from all enemies.
“It’s much larger than I thought it would be.” She took in the sight of the structure, adding, “I heard that it burned down years ago.”
He nodded. “We tried to keep to ourselves after we defeated the English. Our peace was hard won.”
Although they’d paid the price in blood, he didn’t believe for a moment that the truce would last. King Edward would rise up against the Scots, and Dougal and his brothers had no choice but to be ready.
His brothers had gained control of this region, and the MacKinloch Clan held great power. Still, they never ceased the endless training, the preparation for a battle that could be brought to their gates. Allies were necessary to their survival, and he suspected that his brother would want to learn more about the upheaval at Eiloch.
For a widow, Celeste did not appear grief-stricken over the death of her husband. Instead, she seemed far more disturbed by the prospect of harm coming to her sister. Dougal tucked that thought away as he led her inside.
He didn’t miss the startled looks on the faces of his kinsmen. A few sent him sly smiles, as if he’d plucked the woman from the ground like a delicate flower. They didn’t know anything about her, or the years he’d courted Celeste at Locharr, where they’d met. To them, she was a stranger, and he was grateful for that.
He led her through the inner bailey, directly toward the castle. Nairna, Bram’s wife, caught sight of him, while she held the hand of her young niece. In her other hand was a comb, and the girl sent her aunt an indignant look.
“Have you brought a visitor with you, Dougal?” Nairna asked. She smiled warmly at the pair of them, but he didn’t miss the gleam in her eyes. She had been trying to find a wife for him over the past year. He’d ignored her efforts, avoiding the women as best he could. Yet, he knew exactly what Nairna was thinking.
And he had no intention of letting her draw false conclusions. “Lady Eiloch has asked for our protection over the next few days. She can tell you more about what’s happened.” He reached up to help Celeste dismount, but the woman was staring at him, her mouth set in a frown. “I’ll be with the horses.”
He didn’t give either of them a chance to argue but seized his escape. With the reins in both hands, he retreated to the stables. Better to leave Celeste with Nairna and the other women, where he wouldn’t have to look upon her face or question what she truly wanted from him.
It was as if he’d been so eager to get rid of her, he couldn’t leave fast enough. Celeste wasn’t surprised by Dougal’s retreat, but it left her feeling uneasy.
“Don’t be worrying yourself about Dougal,” the young woman said. “I think you made him nervous. I am Nairna, wife of Bram MacKinloch. And this is my niece Ailsa, who has not yet learned to comb her hair, it seems.” She held up the comb, and the brown-haired girl eyed it as if it were a weapon.
“Aunt Nairna, please,” the girl moaned.
“Either do it properly, or you’ll bring shame upon your parents.” She handed the comb over to the girl, gently guiding Celeste to follow her. “We are fostering her while Callum has my boys. Callum is Dougal’s older brother.” All the while she guided her inside the castle, Nairna kept talking, her bright voice filling up the awkward space.
But when they entered the Hall, Celeste was caught spellbound, her feet no longer able to walk another step. Above them was a round window made of colored glass. It was a depiction of the Madonna holding an infant child with bold colors of sapphire and emerald shining through like jewels. It took her breath away. She’d only seen one window like it, in a cathedral when she’d journeyed south to Edinburgh with her husband.
“Our chief’s wife, Laren, made that,” Nairna said. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Celeste nodded. But the image of the Holy Mother cradling a child struck her hard. Would she be holding an infant of her own by next spring? Or would she and her sister have to fight Rowena for her share of the land?
She knew the simplest solution was to conceive a child, but every part of her conscience railed at the idea. It wasn't right to use Dougal in that way. Her idea had been born of desperation as a last effort to protect her sister and herself. But it was wrong. And now, she didn't know what to do.
If there was any other way, she would have to find it quickly.
Nairna led her up a winding stone staircase that led into a small solar. There, Celeste found a red-haired woman sitting beside the window, dipping her quill into ink as she drew shapes. An older girl sat beside her, the young face intent upon the drawings.
“Are you teaching her your secrets?” Nairna said in a teasing voice. Nodding toward the woman, she said, “This is Laren, who made the glass you admired. And her eldest daughter Mairin.” Turning back to Celeste, she added, “This is Celeste de Laurent, the Lady of Eiloch.”
Laren glanced up, and a slight frown marred her lips as if she’d recognized the name. Swiftly, she recovered and asked, “Are there other visitors with you, Lady Eiloch?”
Celeste shook her head. “My men were attacked and killed on the journey here. Dougal saved my life, and I owe him my thanks.” She studied Laren for a moment, wondering if the chief’s wife knew of her. But if she did, the woman said nothing at all. Celeste didn’t know whether to be glad of it or dismayed that Dougal had never spoken of her to his family.
