“It wasnae needed for anythin’ more than exercise. I have been cooped up too long, that’s all.”
“Did ye nae travel to the mainland only yesterday?” Kenneth asked but backed up a step as Magnus advanced on him.
“Ye would be wise to keep a civil tongue in yer head, man.”
“And what have I said that’s offended ye? The truth?”
Magnus growled at him, stalking through the halls and up to his room. He threw his clothes onto the floor and ran his hands over his face, trying to dispel the feeling of unease in his gut.
Why is it me job to protect the lass? She’s survived this long without me—she’s capable enough to defend herself once I’m gone.
But he did not believe it. Despite his mind emphatically trying to dismiss the lass as beyond his concern, his heart remembered her speech in the carriage.
What kind of father could entrap his daughter in such a way? She had described an utter lack of choice in the proceedings, as though her opinions were unimportant and irrelevant.
How could a man raise a child from infancy, watch it grow into a strong, independent woman, and then callously dash all of her hopes so completely, selfishly choosing what aided his family’s reputation over her happiness?
He slumped in front of the fireplace, his mind dredging up memories of the last time he had encountered a father’s love.
Sometimes, it could be a burden, and often, it could be a curse. Many fathers doted on their daughters—as they should. It sounded like her father wanted to use her to advance his status in the world, anything she wished for be damned.
Magnus regretted his decision to avoid drowning his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. His thoughts turned dark and melancholy as he considered what influence he might have on the girl.
Who’s to say she wouldnae be better off with who her faither picks for her? It would be better than being saddled with a cursed man who doesnae deserve happiness.
He’d do anything to protect her from the men in her life… and especially from himself.
CHAPTER 10
“When canwe expect Laird MacIrvin’s visit?” Lord Mortimer asked. He was one of the more traditional council members and had been the most vocal in demanding that Magnus either make an alliance or find a wife.
“When he’s ready,” Magnus replied gruffly. “They have just had a bairn.”
Kenneth cleared his throat from the back of the room, and Magnus sighed, glancing back at him as he forced himself to soften his tone.
“It was a good exchange,” he conceded. “We have agreed to meet, and he is open to the alliance. I will ensure he feels welcome when he arrives.”
It was a half-truth. Magnus had not formalized the alliance yet, but Mortimer’s pompous face was getting on his nerves. Everything seemed to be doing that this morning.
He refused to believe it was because he had been called into this meeting as soon as he woke up and hadn’t had a chance to ask Leah how she fared.
He had suffered a restless night of bad dreams. Memories of his father had plagued him through the early hours, and he had not been able to shake a feeling of unease from his mind.
He had woken up to find Kenneth knocking on his door, telling him that the council was requesting his presence.
They were most eager to understand what had occurred at the dance and to question their Laird’s reasoning as to why he had brought home a strange Englishwoman who he appeared to have no intention to wed.
Despite a love for his people and a desire to do right by them, Magnus would have happily dispensed with almost every member of the council if he could.
Just at that moment, the object of his thoughts pushed open the doors of the room with such force that Kenneth drew his sword on instinct.
Leah’s confused expression morphed into an apology as she stared at them all in shock, the doors slamming violently against the walls behind her.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, backing out of the room. “I thought the Laird was alone.”
“It is nay matter, M’Lady,” Lord Mortimer said warmly as he shuffled the papers in front of him, giving her a friendly smile. “Ye are most welcome.”
Magnus frowned.
