The woman wasimpossible to figure out. Why in Christ’s name did she invite him to join her, and why was she now not saying anything?Did she think he was a mind reader? She was a confounding woman, and he was more and more confused as each moment passed.
When she’d tapped on the roof, he assumed she needed to relieve herself, but when she invited him to join her, he was certain she’d come to some grand decision.
Nay.
This was wholly unexpected, and he had to admit he didn’t quite know what to make of it. But by God he would not open his mouth to speak first, and aye, he realized now that made him the stubborn one, but he would not contribute to whatever game this was that she played. He would just as soon now drop her off to her parents and be done with her.
Except that was contrary to how he felt about her. He still wanted to court and marry her and everything that went along with it. The previous day’s events were unfortunate, and they just needed to get past it.
This new silence of hers was mind boggling to say the least.
Alexander followed her lead and turned to watch the countryside slip by. He’d much prefer to ride his horse than drive the carriage or ride inside. Thick woods eventually gave way to fields where crops flourished, or sheep grazed. There was a vast difference in the west highlands versus the east in terms of the landscape. Both were equally appealing to him, but nothing could stir his heart like the sharp peaks surrounding Glenshiel or the sight of the ancient Pictish brochs near Glenelg.
Or even his home. He loved every square inch of Inverary Castle, and its grounds and he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. And he had thought she would have been happy there. How wrong he’d been. In so many ways.
The truth was he had no idea how to fix it. Though he still wanted to, he was at a loss.
“You must be working your way through a very difficult puzzle,my lord,” she said after what seemed like hours, but likely was only a few minutes.
“So, you do intend to speak to me,” he said and instantly regretted it.
“I do not have to if you do not wish me to,” she said and turned her head toward the window again.
Alexander shook his head and couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of their situation.
“Was the food to your satisfaction?”
She turned her head to look at the basket. A little redness appeared on her cheeks. Truly, it looked like a wild animal had rummaged through it.
“I did enjoy it,” she said. “There is no shame in that,” she said as she made to tidy it up.
“I did not mean anything by that or any other statement, Marion,” he said.
“I never know what you mean, my lord. You say much and I am certain mean other things.”
“That does not even make sense.”
“I asked you to join me here so that we may both pass the time in a more pleasant manner,” she said. “Not to quarrel with you.”
“And I thank you for that kindness.”
“Now, if you mentioned the basket because you are hungry and would like something, despite its appearance, there remains an abundance of selection. You are welcome to help yourself.”
He’d only been looking for something to distract himself with, anything besides the thought of “a more pleasant manner” since those words had turned his thoughts to a very different path than what he was sure she had intended.
But now, he would take advantage of the opportunity to share in the small feast the cook had provided. There remained plenty of bread, sliced meat, cheese, and fresh apples. He’d filled his own wineskin withale and so withdrew it from beneath his tunic and drank deeply.
“How much farther do you think before we reach Linlithgow?” she asked after he’d finished eating.
“A few hours yet, I suspect. ’Twill be nightfall likely before we arrive.”
“And where are you to stay?”
He paused for a few moments. He’d not really thought of that, but was certain he would not be turned away at the palace even if the king and queen were not in residence. Other than that, he had some friends close by who he could call upon for their hospitality.
“I am sure we will have little trouble finding lodgings for the night.”
“I will ask my father to put you up. We have plenty of room.”
