“First…” Halvard glanced at Kenneth. “The Laird MacDonald must give his permission. Ye’ve nae yet been invited, ye minx.”
He glanced at Kenneth who had not spoken. Selene nudged him with her elbow. “Agree, please,” she muttered under her breath.
“Of course.” Kenneth rustled up a smile. “I would be happy tae have yer wife as me guest at Duntulm.”
Halvard nodded in acknowledgment. “But,” he continued, “Only if I, too, am welcome at Castle Duntulm.”
Elsie gasped and Kenneth nodded again.
“I am only too happy tae extend an invitation tae ye Laird Halvard,” he said smoothly. “I should be honored if ye could be my guest at Duntulm.”
“Good. I thank ye.” Halvard turned to Kenneth. “I have duties that require me fer at least the next three days. I can make arrangements so that after that I shall be free tae sail. In the meantime, if ye permit, I shall send a small contingent of me men tae add tae yers.”
“Of course, I understand ye wish tae guard yer lady’s safety.”
Puffed up with victory, Elsie beamed, leaning in to lay a soft kiss on Halvard’s lean cheek. “I will look forward tae yer arrival at Duntulm, me dearest.”
Halvard frowned. “And if ye so much as hear Aidan’s name?—”
“I will hide behind Kenneth,” she said solemnly.
Kenneth groaned. Selene’s relief spilled out in a peal of laughter.
Halvard shook his head, resignation and affection warring openly on his face. “Go then. All of you. Before I come tae me senses.”
Elsie threw her arms around him again in a fierce and joyful hug. “Thank ye, me love.”
He hugged her tightly. “I’ll come as soon as I am able,” he murmured.
She pulled away, her eyes shining and headed for the door.
“I must go and finish me packing.”
As Elsie rushed headlong from the room, Selene turned to Halvard, a smile on her lips, her voice filled with gratitude. “You have shown us great kindness.”
He waved it away gruffly. “I have lost a battle. Dinnae pretend it is otherwise.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “Ye willnae regret this.”
Halvard met his gaze with a grim smile. “I trust ye Laird Kenneth, tae see tae it that I dinnae.”
By the time they reached the landing, the birlinn was ready, the sailmaster waiting to unfurl the sails, the ropes creaking as though impatient to cast off
Kenneth checked the horizon twice in as many minutes.
“The tide will be turning any time now, it willnae wait,” he muttered.
Selene smiled softly. “Nor will ye.”
“Nay.” He returned her smile. “’Tis true, I willnae.”
She turned and bade a quick farewell to Halvard.
He stood apart, his hands clasped behind his back, watching them with an intensity that bordered on pain. Elsie approached him more slowly this time, her bravado slipping.
For a moment neither spoke.
Then Halvard said, very quietly, “Ye have always run toward love and life.”
