Chapter Seventeen
Ellie spent most of the day in her chambers. Her sleep had been fitful at best while caring for Aidam, and she found that she was beyond exhausted. With Jemina out meeting Colin, Ellie had hoped for some rest. Besides, it was not as if Sinclair would be looking for her. The Laird hardly paid her any mind. Thinking about Sinclair brought up her fears related to her current situation. He was unwilling to allow her out of the engagement. She had no choice but to run, as much as she did not want to bring that shame down upon her clan or family.
Evening was upon the keep, and no amount of nap or warm bath seemed to ease her mind.
“I cannae go on this way,” she told herself. Ellie’s rambling thoughts and desires were becoming more than tedious, and when coupled with her fears and worries regarding the Laird, it was taking a toll on her well-being. Going around and around with Sinclair and getting no result was wearing her nerves to shreds.
She would be expected in the great hall for dinner. Perhaps Sinclair would join her, and she could try to plead her case again.
Of course, the entire clan would be in attendance at some point during the meal, which would not give them any privacy to speak. Thinking of the crowded hall brought another thought to the foreground of her mind. Aidam would be there. After the way she had run out on him that morning, she was sure he would want an audience. What would she say? Feeling the warmth hit her cheeks, she fought the urge to throw herself under her blankets and hide for the rest of the evening.
That’s nay possible,she thought, forcing herself to continue to dress. She chose a gown of emerald green silk that she knew complemented her complexion. Her fair skin looked washed out in so many other colors, but not the green. And electing to do her own braids for the evening rather than trouble one of the maids, she opted for a simple style. Her chestnut curls tamed up top in an intricate coil, but she allowed the length of her hair to fall at her back in waves. Perhaps if she looked her best, played up her beauty, Sinclair would be more apt to give her audience. Mayhap even grant her wish to be released from their engagement.
Or are ye dressin’ for another?No, she shook her head violently. She dressed only for herself and to assist in accomplishing her goals.
* * *
The hall was busy with the noise of hungry clansmen and their families. Not even at the engagement party had Ellie seen so many of the clan. Ellie dismissed the guard that had replaced Aidam on her watch so that he may join his clansmen.
Alone and unsure what her next steps should be, she looked around the room. She half expected to see Aidam, and her heart gave a slight flutter of nerves at the thought. She was unsure if she hoped to see him or not. He threw her into turmoil, mind, and body. However, he was not to be seen, and her eyes moved to where Sinclair sat at the head table.
The Laird was alone and smiling the first genuine smile Ellie had seen in days as he looked down upon his people in their merriment. His cheeks were pink, and his nose was slightly flushed. Perhaps he already drank more than his share of clan ale, she thought as she approached the main table.
“Ahh, there she is,” Sinclair called out as he saw her enter the hall. “Me lovely bride tae be! Come, lass, before the meal is done!”
Ellie smiled, a small bit of her worry lifting. He seemed in such a pleasant mood. She would surely be able to make him see reason.
“My laird,” she greeted, sitting next to him. “Why, everyone seems overjoyed this evening. Did I miss a festival or celebration?”
“Aye, lass,” Sinclair responded. “I was able to secure a deal with Laird MacGuire for a share of his lands in order to plow and feed our herd. It was a deal, tae be sure. In fact,” he added, leaning close enough for Ellie to smell the sour ale on his breath. “I fleeced old MacGuire good. Got a hell of a deal and the fool didnae even realize!” He let out a huge laugh and raised his glass. Some of the men closest to them followed suit with a loud Hurrah, even though Ellie was quite sure they had no idea why. Rather they were pleased with their laird’s good mood, whatever the reason.
“Won’t Laird MacGuire be quite angry when he learns he will be losing coin?” Ellie asked, immediately thinking of Jemina. At that very moment, she was having what Ellie hoped was a marvelously romantic dinner with Colin MacGuire. If Sinclair made a bad deal with the other Laird, it could complicate things between Jemina and Colin. The last thing Ellie wanted to see was her friend hurt.
“He will be red-faced for sure,” Sinclair replied, still smiling, pleased with himself. “But what dae I care?”
“I thought ye and the MacGuire clan were friends? Will he not challenge ye to a battle when he learns of yer deception?”
“Aye,” Sinclair replied. “But do nay concern yerself with such things, lass. We would surely beat th’ MacGuire back easily enough. By th’ by where is me young lass? She should be here, with her Da, to celebrate!”
Jemina, now of all times he had to ask for his daughter. Most often, he ignored Jemina as much as he did Ellie. This night of all nights. Even were Jemina not with Colin MacGuire, Ellie thought sure the lass would not want to celebrate her Da making a fool of his. She had no choice but to be honest with Sinclair.
“She isn’t here, my laird,” Ellie dipped her head down.
Sinclair slammed his fist down on the table, causing ale to spill from his cup and Ellie to flinch. “What do you mean she isnae here?” His voice was low, but Ellie could hear the danger within his tone.
“My Laird, she asked me if she could share a meal with a friend in the village,” Ellie replied. She was not a very good liar, but considering the immediate change in Sinclair’s mood, she thought it best not to reveal that Jemina dined with a lad. Specifically, not a MacGuire lad.
“She is in th’ village?”
“Aye, my laird. Sharing a meal with a friend.”
“All of her friends are here!” Ellie took a step back as if pushed away by the heat of his breath as he bellowed.
“My laird, I thought it good for her to be seen outside of the keep. She is a young woman now.”
“And ye’d have her outside the protection of me keep?”
“She is not doing anything to put herself in harm’s way, my laird,” Ellie argued.
