CHAPTERFIVE
Bryce couldn’t get the look on Lorna’s face out of his mind when she’d seen him in the training ground. The whole time he bathed after a quick drink with Athol, he thought about her. He smiled too, thinking about it, because he was certain it was the first time she’d seen him fighting in a long while; and it was likely the first time she’d seen him only partially clothed. The look on her face was surprise, most certainly, but he felt a little tingle of pleasure at the thought that it was perhaps also a look of attraction and enjoyment.
It made him think of the times growing up when he’d caught her looking at him as if confused and surprised by him. She didn’t look at him the way she looked at Watt, but he remembered her watching eyes. Could it be that little Lorna thought him an attractive lad? He was surprised at just how much he liked the idea, especially now that he’d seen her after all these years, having blossomed into a bonny,verydesirable, lass.
When he was dressed again, he met the family downstairs, and he entered the main hall for the evening meal. Fergus and Arrin’s moods seemed to have improved since the night before, and Athol was full of laughter and cheer as always. But when they walked in, he spotted Kyla and Lorna sitting in a far corner in muted conversation. Lorna looked up at his arrival, and they caught eyes, and she reddened again, with that same look of surprise. She turned away soon after.
This time, he frowned. Perhaps he had completely misread her expression the first time. Had he done something wrong? He put a hand to the back of his neck, feeling that nervous, awkward tingle again. It was true, he had to stay another night, and he didn’t like the thought of overstaying his welcome. But it couldn’t be helped. The sky was growing darker by the minute, and thunder had already made a low, menacing sound.
“Och, it will be a bloody big storm, I reckon,” Fergus said before he took his seat at the table.
“Certainly. Ye were right tae stay with us, lad,” Arrin said to him, nodding her kind face in his direction.
“I thank ye very much for the hospitality. As ye can also reckon, I wasnae eager tae return tae me brother so soon after his marriage. It would feel like an intrusion,” Bryce said with a grin.
There were chuckles all around the table, but Lorna’s face turned a little stony at his comment when she came to the table, and she sat down without looking at him.
“Tell me, did ye plan tae stay in France for a very long while?” Fergus asked, devoting his attention entirely to Bryce. Bryce was glad at least Lorna’s flaws and disappointments were not the focus that evening.
Servants came to fill the table with hot bread, jams, meats, and potatoes. Wine was poured, and Bryce took a sip as soon as his cup was ready. People always wanted to speak to him about war, and he wondered why. It never felt as noble as it seemed.
“I had thought about it. It was my place for a time, and I loved the countryside. But so much has changed. War has changed a lot of things. After Joan of Arc’s death, it didnae feel right any longer. Besides, I hadnae seen me brother in too long. It was right tae return.” He cut into his meat, and he hoped that would be the last of the questions of war.
“Ye have kenned much freedom, lad,” Lorna said suddenly, and he turned to look at her. She was watching him now with suspicion, and he could hear the ice in her tone.
“Aye, so I have. Although service tae a king is nae like freedom,” he replied calmly.
“Here, here, lad,” Fergus said with a low chuckle, Athol joining him.
Bryce kept her gaze after he answered, and he remembered their talk from the night before when he’d stepped close to her, and she’d let out a surprised breath, watching him with warmth. But now her eyes were like daggers ready to be thrown into his chest.
“Ye should appreciate what ye have been given,” she said sharply. “It is nae many who could have such.” After that, she turned back to her food. Kyla whispered in her ear, and she nodded.
Bryce fumbled to think of a reply, wondering why he had been so scolded, when Arrin cleared her throat, attempting to change the subject.
“Well, we are very honored by yer presence, lad. A famed warrior returned home. Ye have served yer country well.”
“Aye, well, ye are kind tae say so. But in my absence, the war still rages on.”
“It is nae our fight, nae truly,” Athol added before taking a long slug of his wine. Bryce nodded because he didn’t want to say any more about it. He was more focused on the young lass stealing glances that looked like she was angry with him again. But for what? For staying another night?
The rest of the dinner passed well enough, and they spoke of many other subjects that didn’t touch on war. Athol told his father about a few plans down in the village, and Arrin asked Kyla about visiting the market the next day. After the main meal was finished, Lorna stood up to leave.
She said her goodbyes and took her leave, with Kyla following her. Bryce was desperate to chase after her, but he stayed a little while longer. A servant filled his wine cup again, and he was grateful. His worries about Lorna and about the future were smoothed over as the wine began to take over his mind and muscles. Outside, the storm raged, and a few times, the bellow of thunder filled the room, and lightning flashed against the stone walls and portraits of former Lairds.
“Imagine yerself out in a storm like this,” Athol said. “It would have been like a battlefield.”
“Aye, true enough.” Bryce took another sip. He knew he would likely get another headache tomorrow, but he didn’t care. He was frustrated about the way things were going. He wanted to speak to Lorna and clear the air once and for all. She was acting like a spoiled child, even if he didn’t approve of the way her parents had spoken to her about her failings.
“Where did Lorna go? It is early tae retire,” he said casually, as if had no interest in the matter.
“She often retires tae our library. She has always enjoyed reading,” Arrin said with a smile.
Athol snorted. “Foolish pastime for a lass, I say.”
Bryce ignored him as did Fergus. Bryce was impressed by Lorna, because in all the years he’d known her, he hadn’t known her to be a reader. She had never said, nor had he taken the time to notice. It was a little unusual for a woman to be so interested in the activity.
“Well, I thank ye greatly for the meal. I believe I will retire meself, after a long day.”
