Although he couldn’t see Helena’s face, for her hood covered her head once again, he could feel the warmth of her body against him. At one point, her hood slid down and he could smell the sweet scent of roses and sage that he already knew belonged to her.
It was a couple of hours’ ride back to his home, and they rode in silence most of the way. A few courteous words were exchanged each time they stopped to rest or relieve themselves. But besides that, they rode in relative silence.
They stayed off the main roads, not wanting to be seen by any of her father’s men who may misconstrue the situation. It was unlikely that they would give them any time to explain that she was with them willingly before lopping off their heads.
More than once, Alexander’s mind wandered to the feel of her body against him. The growing need, the insatiable lust that stirred inside him. When he felt himself begin to harden and throb, he feared she may notice, so he shifted his thoughts to other matters.
He thought of the benefits and inconveniences of her wild idea. The benefits seemed obvious enough—the war would end, and he would eventually become the Laird of both clans. They would have to have two boys, of course. One to assume each lairdship once they were of age or upon his death.
The inconveniences were less obvious. Chester could continue to create problems for his clan. The old man was vindictive and could easily come up with numerous ways in which to harass Alexander despite his marriage to his daughter.
When they finally arrived at the keep, a little before dusk, they were greeted by the housekeeper, Lorna. A perplexed look crossed the older woman’s face as she waited for them to dismount.
“Me Laird, I didnae ken we were receivin’ guests. I fear I am unprepared to host this evening.” She turned to a maid behind her. “Nessa, set one more place at the table and inform the cook.”
“That willnae be necessary,” Alexander said, reaching up with both hands to lift Helena down from his horse. “We are all very tired, and I’d safely assume we would all like to dine in our quarters this evening. Please have the rooms adjoinin’ mine prepared for Lady Helena.”
“Aye, Me Laird.” Lorna bowed slightly, then turned toward the hall to carry out his instructions.
“And Lorna?” Alexander called. “Please inform the household that we will be hostin’ a wedding three days from now.”
“Oh?” Lorna stopped and turned back to him, shocked. “Whose wedding, Me Laird?”
“Mine.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Helena stared out the window somewhat absently as she watched the maids below weaving garlands of flowers. Those would decorate the courtyard for the ceremony that afternoon.
Her mind wandered to her home, her bed, her clothes, her books, even her father—everything she had left behind. Mags was the only familiar thing here with her.
The rest was all strange and new. She glanced down at the canvas she was working on. The paints had mixed pleasantly in her attempt to replicate the great oak in the center of the courtyard below.
I wonder if Faither is worried about me or if he is angry with me. Probably both. Probably more angry than worried.
His temper was a thing of near legend, especially when things didn’t go his way. Her sudden disappearance and her marryingwithout his permission would ignite a rage she was happy she would not be there to witness.
Lord help me when we meet again.
If for any reason her plan was not successful and she had to return home, she would be in for a life in the dungeons. Either way, her sense of freedom was slowly fading away.
She had only left a brief letter explaining that she had fallen in love with Laird MacAllister and that they should not worry about her. She had led her father to believe that she was running away to MacAllister Castle because she was intent on being with the man she loved.
She hadn’t even taken the time to say goodbye to her aunt. Her heart hurt at the thought. She hoped she hadn’t hurt Sophia much with her sudden disappearance. Her aunt had already lost so many people dear to her.
I miss them so much already. I’ve never been this far from home, nae alone.
The scuffing of the heavy wooden door on the stone floor pulled her out of her thoughts.
Margaret, a disapproving older maid who had been assigned to her, bustled into the room. She was holding a handful of garments in her hands as she bowed to Helena briefly.
Mags lounged quietly on the bed, stretching and yawning as the woman entered. He was only slightly disturbed by the movement around him. Warm and satisfied with his new accommodations, the cat had settled in without a hitch.
An endearing smile crossed Helena’s face as she took in the sight. Mags had been the one constant in her life, through the loss of her mother, her brother, her cousin, and now her very home. It was almost as if the cat were some great guardian sent to comfort her.
The room was well-lit, thankfully. She had been able to set up an easel near the window so she could utilize the natural light during the day and the candlelight at night.
MacAllister Castle was much larger than she had anticipated. With five tall towers along the battlements, the perimeter was secured with archers at the ready day and night.
