“Surely yer father knows the man’s history.”
“Aye. That dinna stop him from signing thetochar. Though in my sire’s defense, he made sure to include conditions for my protection—that Laird Munroe would never deprive me of food or beat me to death if I gave him daughters.”
Alex scratched his chin. “A generous concession on both men’s parts, I am sure. And a good enough reason to beat some sense into the earl for choosing such a man for his only daughter to marry.”
Helen laughed, something she hadna done in quite a while. “My father isna a bad man, Laird Alex. He’s simply unfit to bemysire. I am to blame, too. For I have been too quiet and far too obedient all these years, leading my sire to think that I would do anything he asked of me.”
Alex’s sly smile reached his green eyes. “Keely wouldna love a lass so much who dinna have spirit.”
The praise pleased Helen. “How is my friend?”
“Yer timing is of interest,” he admitted. “Keely has just given birth to twins, my son and daughter.”
Helen jumped up. “Is she…”
“Resting comfortably and happy, thank God.”
“S-she suffered?” It had been so long since she’d heard anything from Keely. Communication between them had been cut off after Struan failed to bring Keely home as his bride. “May I see her?”
“I doona know who suffered more. She screamed out in pain so many times. I wanted to go to her, but her stubborn sire kept me out of the birthing room. I wanted to kill him—and maybe I should have for keeping me from her.” His expression turned stone cold. “Ye may see her in the morn, after she has rested a spell.”
“I understand, milord.”
“Tis nothing against ye, Lady Helen.”
She smiled softly. Their reunion was long overdue.
“Do ye like children?”
“I adore bairns,” she said sincerely—hoping to have her own someday. “New life is the promise of a new tomorrow.”
“I couldna agree more. Are ye hungry?”
Just the mention of food made Helen’s stomach rumble. “Very.”
“If ye wait here, I will arrange for one of the maids to prepare a meal and yer bedchamber.”
“Thank ye.”
She watched Laird Alex leave the great hall. Her hope had not been wasted on the MacKays. Keely had chosen well, which made Helen exceedingly happy. Just then, something or someone moved. The hall was otherwise quiet, not another person within. Sure to make it look like she hadna noticed, she shifted in the chair, turning just enough to take a casual look to the left of where she sat.
A tall, muscular man with red hair caught her attention. Their gazes met, and Helen was sure she had never seen a more handsome man. He nodded at her, and she turned back to the fire. Maybe the shadows were playing games with her mind. After all, she was exhausted and hungry, cold and perhaps even a little drunk from the spirits she’d drunk with the guard outside. No man should look that dangerous—that tempting—that unreal.
Aye, she’d blame her interest in the stranger on anything but natural attraction. Helen closed her eyes and forced the man’s face from her mind. She hadna come here to find a husband; she’d come to the MacKays in search of sanctuary, in search of a new life away from her father. And if she intended to stay, she must guard herself against anyone who could take it away from her.
Which includedallmen, especially the redheaded one in the great hall.
Chapter Two
Jamie drained histankard and set the vessel aside, the need to get drunk suddenly replaced by curiosity for the well-dressed woman sitting in front of the main hearth in the great hall. He’d seen his share of regal beauties, especially during his travels to the east, having spent a year in Constantinople to settle his cousin, Laird MacKay’s affairs. And since his return, everyone of consequence had made it their personal goal to find him a wife.
Wife…The word dinna feel natural coming out of his mouth. As he further scrutinized the lady sitting alone, admiring the long golden braid hanging down her back, he imagined what it would feel like to slowly release her silky hair.
He intended to find out her name and perhaps what she was doing in the MacKay hall alone.
As he started to head in her direction, Alex appeared, blocking his path.
“And where are ye going, Cousin?”
