‘No. I could see you didn’t like him.’
‘Peyton, I want no more secrets between us. Tell me what troubles you.’
He pulled up his horse, and his face was bleak. He said, ‘Danger stalks me, Cecily, and if you are with me, you have a target on your back.’
‘What danger. Tell me?’
‘I do not know if it is real or just a phantom from my past, but I have felt its breath on my neck these last weeks, and Jasper just confirmed that I am right to be worried. Do you remember me telling you about Elene Strachan, the old laird’s daughter?’
‘Aye.’
‘Well, I thought she was in England, married off to a lord. But she is not, and her husband is dead. I think she has returned to the West March. Jasper thinks he might have seen her in Threave marketplace a while back. I was hoping I was wrong, but now that I have spoken with him, I am sure she is back.’
‘Peyton, why would she be a danger? She is but one woman.’
He rounded on her. ‘Elene Strachan is a viper. She is the worst person I have ever known – vicious, murderous, vengeful. And she can twist men to serve her desires.’
‘How can she do that?’
‘She is incredibly beautiful. Elene has looks that can take your breath away. Her sweet smile, sparkling eyes, charm and elegance are all a mask so that you do not see the evil beneath until it is too late. I think she has come back seeking vengeance.’
There was a haunted look in Peyton’s eyes, a desperate hurt that Cecily could not bear any more than the jealousy rising in her chest.
‘How can I help, Peyton?’ she said.
‘You need not worry about it. I will deal with Elene.’
‘Let me fight this danger with you.’
‘It is a fight, you will lose. Elene has been the master of us all in the past. You will stay clear of it. I must have you safe, Cecily.’
‘You insult me when you keep things from me and hide me away as though I were a bairn.’
‘You are my wife, Cecily, and I must protect you,’ he said.
‘Whatever worries you have, they are mine, too. I have broad shoulders. I worry more when you do not tell me what is happening.’
‘Enough!’ he bellowed. ‘We will speak of her no more.’
Cecily was cowed. It was as if a stranger rode beside her. What evil could Elene possess that would make Peyton so angry? Had she once stolen his heart for him to hate her so much? Whatever the truth was, her husband had unfinished business with beautiful, vengeful Elene Strachan.
Chapter Thirty
Spring peeked its head out. The hills around Fellscarp lost their mantle of snow and frost, turning green and lush. The wind was still brutal, but it no longer cut through Cecily’s fur cloak like shards of ice. She blew on her hands as she headed across the yard.
Life had become just a little easier. The Warden was gone for the time being. There were fewer reports of thievery and attacks on Peyton’s tenants. He was solidifying his position as Laird Strachan, and his men seemed to have his back. Peyton was kind and affectionate, and Cecily loved him fiercely, though she had not said the words aloud. Her fear that he might not feel the same held her back. Peyton Strachan held her heart in his hand and had the power to crush it.
One thorn in her side pricked her endlessly, and it was currently lounging against the door of the wood store. Cecily’s face heated as she remembered consummating her marriage against its walls. Peyton had been magnificent, so powerful and forceful, but she had to banish her lewd thoughts as she swerved to avoid his sister.
But she was too late. Lowri shouted out, ‘Where is my brother?’
‘He rode out early to patrol his land. There have been sightings of strangers these last few days near Laggan Woods. Where have you been?’
‘Around, not that you’d have missed me,’ said Lowri, pushing off the door and walking over to her.
‘Times are uncertain,’ said Cecily. ‘You cannot just come and go as you please, Lowri.’
‘Why, because you don’t like it?’
