“How do you feel about becoming a baroness, running my household, traveling to Edinburgh to see our king? I’ll see that you have several maids to take care of you. You’ll give me the finest sons and the loveliest daughters. Your every desire will be met.”
Gracie did not know how to answer him, because she suddenly felt uncertain. She’d sworn never to leave Grant land, but if Jamie was not interested, then should she marry another? She did want her own bairns.
Suppose the worst thing possible happened. Suppose Jamie fell in love with someone else, married someone from afar who would move here. Would she be able to watch him with another? The prospect of becoming a baroness was more enticing than that. If Jamie changed his mind, she would reconsider, but what if he did not? No one else had interested her at all, but this man was different, mysterious.
A voice interrupted them. “Gracie, is he bothering you?” Jamie came down the passageway toward them.
The baron turned to address Jamie. “Nay, I am not bothering the lady. Take your leave.”
“I asked the lady, not you. Gracie?”
“And I am giving you a direct order.”
“I do not take orders from you.” With each comment, Jamie took a step closer.
The baron pulled out his small sword, and the swish of the blade against its sheath brought two of his guards into the passageway. “Who are you?”
“I am her cousin, and ‘tis my duty to ensure she is treated with respect. Is he treating you respectfully, Gracie?”
She gave a quick nod, not wishing to anger the baron, pleading with her gaze for Jamie to back down. Something told her this would not end well at all.
“Of course I am treating her with respect. She will be my baroness, and as such, deserves your respect as well. You will address her as Lady Grace, not Gracie.” He gave an odd sound after he stated her childhood name. “Do I also detect a touch of jealousy?”
“Do not be ridiculous, but I will protect her reputation.”
“I think you want more of her than her reputation, and I mean to put an end to it.” His sword, which had been down at his side, was now raised, and the baron stood in a fighting stance.
Gracie’s heart started beating doubly fast, as if it might jump out of her chest. Jamie drew his own sword as the baron’s minions approached with their weapons raised. “You’re on Grant land, so drop your sword unless you wish to start a clan war. We did not invite your suit, and now you may consider it rejected. Take yourself back to Duncrub, Baron. You’re no longer welcome.”
“I’ll stay as long as I wish.”
“Gracie, step back. I do not want you hurt.”
“Jamie,” she whispered, “three to one. Please do not…” She knew her words had not been heard and would not be heeded. The tension in the passageway was strong enough for all to feel. What if he was hurt? What if he was killed? She couldn’t bear it.
“Nay, three to three.” Her uncle Brodie and his son Braden appeared out of the tower room, swords drawn.
“Stand down, all of you.” Uncle Alex’s booming voice echoed down the passageway. Gracie leaned against the wall, trying to make herself as small as possible.
The baron was not about to give up so easily. “This fool is interfering, Grant. I am simply attempting to get to know your niece better. His actions are inappropriate.”
Alex Grant’s muscular body, still larger than any in the clan, blocked almost the entire passageway. His sword was drawn, and he still had a reputation as the best swordsman in all the land. No one made a move to anger him. “You are inappropriate, Baron Crichton, by drawing your sword in my hall in front of a woman of my clan. Drop your weapon and leave my land. Take your guards with you. You are no longer welcome here.”
The baron lowered his sword, but did not sheath it. “Laird Grant, I request the lady’s hand in marriage, respectfully. I ask that her sire accompany her to my keep so we may become better acquainted without the presence of so many interfering suitors, including her cousin here.”
Jamie barked, “I am not a suitor.”
“I will take my men and depart on friendly terms if you agree to bring her to my land, escorted by any men you choose except this one.” His sword made a quick lashing in Jamie’s direction.
“That one is my son, and I’ll do as I see fit. If you wish to do battle, it will be you and me in the lists, Baron.”
While Alex waited for the baron’s response, Gracie could hear the panting in the room, each of the men ready to fight atthe slightest provocation. She could see Kyla had arrived at the end of the passageway along with Gracie’s mother and father.
The baron paused, his gaze taking in all in the passageway, then nodded to his men. “We shall take our leave, but I have already petitioned the court for Lady Grace’s hand in marriage, and I expect you to bring her to my land within half a sennight. If not, I shall bring an army of men to retrieve her myself.” He sheathed his sword, then gave Gracie a short bow. “Until then, my lady.”
Gracie must have heard him wrong. Petitioned the court? Did that mean what she thought it did? Had the baron asked the king for her hand in marriage? Her heart pounded loud enough to be heard by others, she feared. She attempted to lock her legs so the trembling brought on by the argument would stop.
If the baron had in truth made such a petition, her destiny would be sealed once the king agreed.
