‘A jest, that is all,’ said Jasper, but there was no more throat clearing after that, and he felt better, having vented his frustration.
Why must he be some hapless puppet of women – his mother, sisters, that verminous old crone, Creidne. He was Jasper Glendenning of Kransmuir. He could take what he wanted, and he wanted Rowenna.
A discreet cough announced the arrival of Randel, who had scraped his hair off his face and washed his hands in preparation for his role as a witness. Jasper was surprised the man had made such an effort.
‘Did my mother and sisters get there safely?’
‘Aye, no harm done, save for my ears, for there was a lot of shrieking and cursing, I can tell you.’
Jasper laughed, but it died in his throat when Rowenna walked in. She was so like Brenna in looks that he was almost transported back to his first ill-fated wedding day. But with this bride, there was no lavish gown, just the Glendenning blue plaid, a neck unadorned by jewels and honey-butter hair hanging loose about her shoulders. Though she still looked a little wild, everything about Rowenna MacCreadie was delicious, stirring a powerful appetite in him.
‘As bonnie a lass as ever I’ve seen,’ said Randel. ‘Let us hope you have more luck with this one.’
Rowenna glanced at the priest and Randel, and then she turned to him, looking him up and down. Jasper hoped she liked what she saw. He took her by the elbow and steered her away from the other two as one last scrap of conscience pricked him.
‘Last chance to run, Rowenna,’ he said with a wink and a smile.
She frowned. ‘Where would I run to?’
‘So, you are willing.’
‘As willing as I will ever be, Laird Glendenning,’ she said with an insincere smile.
‘Stout of heart and stubborn with it.’Creidne’s words came back to him.
‘My name is Jasper. Get used to saying it, for once we are wed, and you get to know me, you will cry it out into the night. I am determined on that score.’
‘You are arrogant beyond belief,’ she replied.
He sighed. ‘Do I wash up well, pass muster, lass?’
‘You know full well you look handsome, so do not fish for compliments.’
‘Handsome, is it? I thank you, but you do not look very happy for a lass on her wedding day. You might want to hide that scowl from the priest. He frightens easily.’
Rowenna glanced at the priest, who quivered and began to leaf through his bible.
‘Are you missing that big oaf of a suitor?’ said Jasper. ‘Do you wish you had made a different choice?’
‘I was never betrothed to Morgan. He is nought but another man wanting to own me. And since when did I ever have a choicein anything? It is simple. Take one man or another, and in the end, what does it matter which one?’
‘Why not go with him then?’ snapped Jasper. ‘I would have let you leave.’
Colour flooded her cheeks. ‘I did not go with Morgan because I could not bear the thought of lying with him.’
‘I don’t blame you for that, lass. As unappealing a fellow as ever I’ve seen. And me? Can you bear it with me?’
She pulled her hands free and looked down at her feet. ‘I will do what I must for my family, and a bargain is a bargain.’
Rowenna hadn’t said she couldn’t bear him. That was something, surely? So Jasper took her hand and led her to the priest. ‘Get on with it,’ he said.
Chapter Fourteen
Call that a handfasting ceremony! It was shifty and shameful, nought but that ruffian Randel in attendance and Jasper, with a face like thunder. When the priest had bound their hands, Rowenna’s pride had recoiled so much she had nearly torn off the rope, jerking her hands free of Jasper’s. But he held them fast.
So now, they were joined and alone in a chamber with night falling. Jasper had locked the door, so it was too late to run. And it seemed the servants had been busy. There was a roaring fire, a pile of furs slung before it, a bottle of whisky and a platter of food. It was everything a couple would need for a romantic night of seduction. But she was no joyous bride fizzing with anticipation, more like an animal in a trap. Dear God, she hoped he would not make her lie down with him in front of the fire with the flames to light her degradation. Better to be in the bed, in darkness, under the covers. Rowenna wanted to jam her eyes shut so that she would not have to look at Jasper.
Lie still and bear it. Get it over with. That was the plan.
