He stopped and looked at her, a grin breaking through his grim expression.
“Ye didnae listen tae a word I said.”
She shook her head. “I must apologize. I was diverted by my racing thoughts. Please tell me again what I dinnae wish to hear.”
He held her close, and she felt his fast-beating heart against her breast.
Could it be that this news was as bad for him as it was for her?
“Once Halvard’s lad has broken his fast, Callum will escort him tae me study tae discuss the business he has been tasked with. It would please me if ye were there also, tae hear what he says and tae meet the lad under friendly circumstances.”
He held her at arm’s length, raking her with his eyes as if to emblazon her image on his mind for all time.
“I must go. I will send one of the servants tae let ye ken when we are in the study. If ye will come tae me there…?”
She nodded without further thought. “Of course.”
After he’d gone, she could not contemplate returning to her breakfast. Cold porridge, cold eggs, stale bannocks were met by a stomach that was churning and roiling as waves of emotion washed over her.
She had dreamed for so long of being reunited with her dear sister, and her travels had been long and difficult. But now that she was faced with the reality of leaving Duntulm and travelling to Raasay, she was torn.
She paced across the room and back. She was still pacing when a timid knock at her door heralded the little maid.
“The laird is waiting fer ye in the study, milady.” She bobbed a quick curtsy and skittered down the passageway, leaving Selene in a sudden panic.
What should I say?
Should I simply accept that I must accompany Halvard’s men tae the island? Or should I reveal me heart?
She hastily shrugged on her blue wool jacket, buttoned it to her neck, and smoothed her skirt. Taking a long deep breath, she lifted the latch on her door and made her exit, aware that her hands were shaking. She felt like an autumn leaf clinging to its branch, being tossed in the wind.
Baird MacLeod was formal, polite, and respectful, exactly what she would hope for in an escort. He was dark haired, even featured and almost as tall as Kenneth.
Yet, for all his good manners and his soft voice, she had become used to the rugged, spirited, and noisy men of Duntulm. Beside the vigor of Kenneth and Callum, young Baird MacLeod was altogether lackluster.
She glanced at Kenneth. In his kilt and jacket, with his broadsword sheathed at his belt, he was magnificent. While his hair was certainly not smooth and elegant like the MacLeod lad’s, his hands were rough and calloused, and his tone was more inclined to gruff than smooth, she found the sparkle in his eyes and the smile that softened his grim expression to be utterly irresistible.
She made up her mind as to what she must do.
“So, if it is acceptable tae ye, Lady Selene,” Baird said, finally, after he’d enquired after her health and exchanged remarks about the weather with Kenneth. “I shall be ready with me men tae escort ye on board Laird Halvard’s birlinn, tae commence our journey tae Brochel Castle on the island of Raasay.”
Selene looked to Kenneth, who stood by without comment. She tried to fathom his expression but his features were bland, unreadable.
Baird dipped his head. “’Tis best if we sail at first light, milady.”
She nodded without speaking as Blair turned on his heel and marched out of the study.
Quivering, quite out of sorts, and desperately unsure of herself she turned to Kenneth who stood, as implacable as ever, before the fireplace.
“Have you naught to say?” Her voice shook.
“I have much Icouldsay, lass. But ‘tis nae me place tae interfere wi’ yer plans. I have nay right tae speak me thoughts and feelings when yer braither-in-law has responded tae what was asked of him. Tae send a party tae take ye safely tae Raasay.”
“Oh.” She gave an impatient huff. “Your forbearance tests my patience, Kenneth. Can you not at least give voice to your opinion? Making no attempt to interfere, of course.”
“Och. I’ve an opinion and, if ye wish, I’ll nae hold back. But first I’d like tae hear yers.” He looked her up and down with a most annoying grin spreading across his face.”
She sucked in a deep breath and slowly released it before she dared to speak. “If you insist.” She gritted her teeth. “I don’t wishto leave Castle Duntulm.” She turned her face to the fireplace. “There, I’ve said it now.”
