She nodded. Her fingers plucking at the necklace at her throat told him more than any words could, that she found the news troubling.
And, it seemed neither of them knew what to do with the truth of that.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The next morning, Kenneth and Callum rode out early to scour the grounds again. Aidan must be close, yet they saw no trace of him or his men among the crags and woodlands surrounding Duntulm.
After several hours’ riding, they paused at a cottage that was a tavern of sorts, offering a meal and ale in what was once the crofter’s tiny front parlor.
“D’ye lads wish tae partake of me good-wife’s potage?” The tavern keeper asked, pouring them each a tankard of ale.
After a thirsty swig of the ale, Kenneth reached into his sporran, extracted Halvard’s letter and passed it to Callum.
He read it, folded it and passed it back to Kenneth.
“So, the lady is who she claimed tae be all along.”
Kenneth nodded glumly.
Callum huffed. “And ye’re none too happy about this new turn of events.”
Kenneth shook his head. “The lass has done well since she’s been at the castle. The villagers took a right shine tae her after she helped out.”
“Aye. Fer a Sassenach she’s nae bad at all. She fitted in wi’ us surprisingly. I thought she was an English rose who’d nae get her fingers dirty.”
Kenneth gave a short laugh. “Och. I thought so too. But she’s nae as soft as I thought.” He tapped the table for a few seconds. “That’s nae tae say she’s nae soft, of course, as she is that, but she’s gothardymentand courage too.” He smiled to himself. “She gave itlaldywhen she worked wi’ auld Fergus.”
They both chuckled, recalling the way Selene had handled the old bull.
“She’s getting under yer skin,” Callum said eventually, after a long stretch of quiet.
Kenneth didn’t answer.
Callum snorted. “Dae ye want me tae pretend I’m blind?”
Kenneth exhaled a long, ragged breath. “Nay. I admit I have feelings fer the lady.”
His heart beat faster as his mind slipped unbidden over the softness of Selene’s curves and the scent of her hair as he held her, swaying close in his arms on Arvak’s broad back. And there was the unhesitating way she’d seen to the cut on his hand, warming his heart with her tenderness. Then, in a rush of blood, he recalled the feel of her lips against his.
He swallowed, unable to meet Callum’s gaze. “I’m a damned fool fer falling so hard.” The words felt dangerous in his mouth.
“A fool in love?” Callum shook his head decisively. “I’ve seen the lass casting sly glances at ye when ye’re nae aware, so me guess is that she’s every bit as enamored as ye.”
At Callum’s words Kenneth felt a lift to his spirits, and a fleeting hope raised its head.
“I’ve been a fool tae be so taken with the lass.” He grunted. “How would she ever care fer the Brute of Sleat?” He gave a dismissive laugh.
“Och, lad. Ye sell yerself short. Any lady worthy of yer affection will see beyond the name they’ve given ye and ken ye’re worthy.”
Despite the fragment of comfort in Callum’s words, Kenneth was still shaking his head. “Nay matter what Selene may think of me – and I believe ye’re mistaken – Halvard is nae an ally. I’ll wagerhe will ne’er allow anything between us. It would mean a forced alliance between our clans.” His mouth formed a tight line as he imagined the cutting rejection his suit would receive from the haughty Halvard MacLeod.
“I cannae imagine he’d agree tae his wife’s sister wedded tae the man said tae have murdered the lass he was meant tae marry.”
Callum reined in his horse and stared at him. “Kenneth, I was there. I ken what truly happened. All of us who ken the man ye are ken yer reputation is undeserved. I’ll stand beside ye and attest tae the truth before Halvard MacLeod and any other man who disbelieves ye.”
Kenneth could not help but smile at his friend’s loyalty. “I thank ye fer those kind words.” He sighed. “Yet, I believe me suit would be rejected despite any protestations tae the contrary.”
Callum pshawed loudly. “Nonsense, lad. Ye deserve happiness more than any man I ken.” He tilted his head and cast Kenneth a challenging look. “Mayhap ‘tis time fer ye tae put all these fears of yers tae rest. Ask the lady how she feels.”
