The smile on his face said he would most likely do it again just to get the same reaction from her. He was good—he could become a professional with his acting skills.
“Cannae have ye get yer boots muddy now, can I?” he teased as he set her back on her feet. “What kind of husband would that make me?”
Helena giggled again, trying to sound natural, though the feel of Alexander’s arms around her both frightened and excited her. She noticed Sophia glancing at Felicia, who was following them to judge her reaction, and Helena shot her a knowing look.
The maid was halfway to rolling her eyes when she noticed she was being watched and schooled her features.
They settled in the meadow at the edge of the forest, under a large oak tree. It cast just the right amount of shade in the afternoon light. Alexander and Helena sat beside each other, Sophia opposite them next to Alice, and Felicia stayed back in the shadows behind the massive tree trunk after setting the food and plates before them.
“So,” Sophia spoke up, unable to stand the display a moment longer. “Yer faither isnae pleased with ye, Helena. He took great offense at yer takin’ matters into yer own hands. Marryin’ the enemy? Why such foolishness?”
“Well, had he nae been so stubborn when I asked the first fifteen or so times to negotiate a truce, Helena wouldnae have had to hide our love,” Alexander interjected, coming to his wife’s defense without hesitation. “What do ye think?”
“I am undecided. That’s why I’m here,” Sophia responded with a rueful sigh.
Helena wrung her hands in her lap, looking between the two but not interrupting.
“Ye need to understand, Laird MacAllister, that Helena is like a daughter to me, havin’ raised her alongside me Ian after her maither passed. The two were nearly a year apart.” Sophia’s tone grew lighter as they refilled their cups, casting glances across the clearing. “Though I will say that she seems happier than I had anticipated. I will admit that it is nice to see her warmin’ up to someone beyond that cat of hers.”
“They werenae this happy a few days ago,” Felicia muttered under her breath.
Yet, she was heard.
She froze as the three turned to her, Alexander with a disapproving look, Helena with an uncertain look, and Sophia with a bewildered look.
“What does she mean by that, Helena?” Sophia demanded.
“Nay! I…” Helena stammered.
Alexander leaned over to squeeze her hand reassuringly. “What Helena means to say is that she was saddened that none of her kin were able to attend the ceremony, since it was rushed,” he explained. “I didnae pressure her into makin’ up an excuse. I already felt bad that she had made the trip here alone. Then, we wed so quickly after her arrival… We wanted to show how serious we were to ye, to her faither, to everyone…”
Helena was, once again, impressed. He really was quite impressive with his words when he wanted to be.
Felicia unfroze, bowed, and rushed away with a half-polite, “Excuse me.”
Alice jumped up, her expression a mix of sadness and pity. “Please enjoy the honey cakes and smoked venison. It’s really good, as are the salmon spread and fresh butter rolls. I’m goin’ to check on Felicia.”
“Aye, good,” Alexander sighed, his voice kind and soft, surprising Helena, though she tried to hide it from her aunt. Hethen turned to Sophia and explained briefly, “Felicia is another orphan I took in. Bein’ here with the two of ye is hard for her.”
“I see,” Sophia whispered, watching the two girls in similar pale blue dresses disappear. “Takin’ in the girl is very generous of ye, Me Laird. How kind.”
Sophia took a long moment to contemplate what he had said, and Helena could see the wheels turning in her mind. Her aunt was conflicted, looking between the two once again before she spoke.
“I must admit, ye’re nae quite the brute I expected ye to be. I am glad me niece has wed someone who respects her. That is a rare thing in marriages of this caliber, and I consider ye both lucky.”
“I think I’m the lucky one,” Alexander said, smiling at Helena with what seemed like genuine affection. She couldn’t help but admire his theatrical skills. She would have fallen for it had she not known it was part of their ruse. “It is a marriage of love and duty, which I take very seriously.”
“Well, I think I’ll reserve me judgment and be content that me dearest niece is happy here, with ye and yer people,” Sophia relented, nibbling on some bread as she took in the beautiful meadow around them. “I also think we should take the time to admire what God has put before us—it’s such a beautiful day.”
“I cannae agree more, Auntie.” Helena smiled, watching her aunt slowly rise from the blanket. “Where are ye off to?”
“A quick stroll to allow the married couple some time alone.” Sophia smirked, before taking off toward the trees.
“I… that is…” Helena sputtered, glancing back at Alexander, who smiled at her.
“Perhaps we should spend more time together.” He winked, making her blush.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
