And if so, was he making a grave mistake which might endanger both their lives?
13
It was decided that Katherine would pass one more day and night at Castle Oliphant before setting out for the McGregor lands with Bryan. The journey was long, and it was preferable to spend as much of it in daylight as possible, Bryan reasoned.
Again, though, he was forced to wonder whether this was his true reason, or if he was simply eager to spend a bit more time with Katherine before releasing her. Whatever the reason, Katherine did not seem to mind. If anything, when the idea was put to her, she beamed and agreed immediately. Bryan was pleased at that, and they spent much of the remaining morning and afternoon together.
They strolled the opulent gardens within the castle walls, and marveled at the birds that congregated among the trees and flowers, each so colorful and delicate that they resembled nothing so much as glittering fragments of stained-glass come to life.
They walked the ramparts side by side for hours, ignoring the dubious looks from the guardsmen—no doubt confused and somewhat annoyed that their captain was spending so muchtime with a McGregor, and that he appeared to be having a marvelous time at that. Bryan pointed out every corner of the Oliphant lands to her, and told her everything that could be found there; the towns beyond the one they had previously visited, and which fields belonged to which families, and which roads led where.
“I hope I have a chance to see it all properly someday,” Katherine said breathlessly.
The sunlight picked up the auburn highlights in her silky brown hair, making it look almost as though there was a crown of autumn leaves threaded within in. Her dark eyes shone happily whenever she looked at Bryan, and they stood so close together that her scent intoxicated him completely, like dew upon spring roses.
Their hands were so close that they brushed against each other here and there. Every time it happened, it sent lightning bolts crackling through Bryan’s entire body.
Everything in her eyes, her voice, her posture, told him that if he were to kiss her, she would welcome it. She would reciprocate. She would fall into his arms, and perhaps agree not to leave Castle Oliphant after all.
But that would be a betrayal of his duty to his laird. He could not allow it. Not when the Oliphant Clan had taken him in as a youth, given him an opportunity to go from the son of a wretched thief to the captain of the guard for Scotland’s most powerful clan.
His loyalty to the clan must be placed above all else. He knew that all too well.
So he resisted these temptations, and when it was time for supper, he dined with her in the scullery. Even though she was the daughter of an enemy, it still would not have been considered decent for him to pass the time with her in herchamber unchaperoned. This way, they were in full view of the servants at all times.
The meal passed pleasantly enough. As they talked and laughed, though, there were several times when Bryan glanced at the entranceway to the scullery, and saw Alex loitering there, watching the exchange.
Each time, Alex seemed to ask the same question silently;Must she truly go back? Can ye not persuade her, if given more time?
And each time, when he was sure that Katherine wasn’t looking, Bryan replied with an almost imperceptible nod.
He knew that this might have been less than honest of him. Perhaps he might have been able to change her mind if she stayed longer.
He feared, however, that if she did, it was more likely thatshewould changehismind; he would eventually be unable to resist her any longer, and would give in to his passion for her. There would be no success in his mission then, he was sure. His mind would be too clouded by his feelings for her to guard her as he needed to, or make a true case for helping the Oliphants without relying on their personal feelings for each other.
And even if none of that were true, was it in his nature to essentially hold her hostage until she espoused the views they wanted from her? How could they trust that she meant it if she eventually did say it, instead of just pretending to relent to gain her freedom?
No, returning her to her homeland was the only course of action that made sense. Even if knowing that made his heart ache.
Neither of them wished for the evening to end. But when the servants made it clear that they were retiring for the night—and that none of them felt particularly comfortable doing so while the captive McGregor was being entertained in the kitchen—Bryan had no choice but to say goodnight to her. He walked her up to her chamber, and lingered briefly at the door with her, knowing he could not enter, but wishing desperately that he could.
Neither of them got much rest that night. Both looked forward to the journey together, while dreading its inevitable conclusion.
The next morning, Katherine dressed in her own clothes again and went down to the courtyard at first light. Bryan was waiting for her there, holding the reins to Bluebell and Heather. When he saw her, he gave her a nod and a wistful smile, gesturing to the horses.
Katherine nodded approvingly. The image of him seemed to double and triple before her, as her eyes filled with tears. She blinked them back, not wanting to cry in front of him.
Or in front of Isla and Alex, who were likewise waiting there to see her off.
“Lady Isla.” Katherine curtsied. “Thank ye again for lending me yer clothes. That was very kind of ye.”
“Would ye care tae take one or two of my dresses along with ye?” Isla asked kindly. “Tae remember us by?”
“A strange sentiment,” Alex chuckled. “A keepsake of the time during which she was detained by us against her will?”
“Not at all, Laird Alex, I assure ye,” Katherine said with a laugh. “Ishallremember my time here fondly. And I would like nothing more than tae accept Lady Isla’s gracious offer. However, I doubt that my father would be particularly understanding with regard tae why I would choose tae wear the garments of his enemies.”
Alex placed a hand upon her shoulder, looking into her eyes solemnly. “All the more reason why ye must do whatever ye can tae make yer father see reason. Tae lead us into war would be theheight of folly, especially when not a drop of blood needs tae be shed.”
