His words had cut her to her core. How could he think she was not safe in her own home? How could he think her father and their clan were not capable of seeing to her safety?
Agnes smoothed her gown out on the bed. Her mother had it stitched especially for her for the celebration of her eighteenth year. It was finely woven wool of the softest she’d ever worn in a dark green to represent the primary color in their clan flag. With a square neckline and floor-length sleeves, she loved the way it hugged her body. The gown was trimmed with gold embroidery in the shape of rolling waves and even now she wondered how the needlepoint could be so flawless.
She put herself into her gown and waited for one of the maids to come help her with her hair. She would wear none of those hoods like the ladies of court. Nay, she would have hers pinned up with large loose curls, as was expected of a married lady with a head roll matching her gown. She would hold her head high and show him what it is to be a Sinclair, even if she was now a Graham. She would never compromise who she was.
Once she was fully ready, she waited for William to return to escort her to the hall. As the minutes droned on, her belly tightened. Was she overreacting? She didn’t think so. He’d all but insulted her father and their clan, insinuating they were not competent. Agnes paced until a knock finally sounded at the door.
William entered and her breath caught. He was dressed head to toe in black leather. He’d said he wanted to give her time to ready herself and that he would dress in one of the other chambers as he had something he wanted to prepare for the evening’s fest.
All the black on his body made his honey eyes all the brighter. His gaze took in the length of her and for long moments they merely stared at one another.
“You are radiant, wife,” he said coming toward her.
The sound of his voice drew her back to the present. She lifted her chin, “Aye, husband. I am feeling rather proud at the moment.”
He gave her a sideways smile. “You did not like the truths I shared with you earlier.”
“I did not. To suggest my father and our clan are incapable of keeping me safe is insulting.”
He stopped his advance then and his smile faded. “It was not my intention to offend you, Agnes. I have developed a great deal of respect for your father, your family, and you.”
“Yet you feel they are incompetent.”
“Nay, I do not. But up here you are cornered with nowhere to go. I do not know your neighbors, but I know of them. I know of the feuds that had claimed many lives. I know of abductions of ladies, and I know of vile plots to slay innocents. But in all of those tales I do not hear the Sinclair name. Why is that?”
“Because we are peaceful,” she said. What was he implying?
“Aye, you are peaceful, yet you still hold your own lands. I was pondering on all of this earlier when you asked me to trust you. I have done so and shared my deepest worry with you, and for that you are vexed with me.”
“Are you saying my father has an agreement of some sort with both the MacKay and Sutherland?”
“I am saying your circumstance is peculiar. And I am saying I do not feel this is the safest place for you right now considering the very real threat of your uncle’s ilk. Agnes,” he said and cupped her face, “if anything were to happen to you…” He brushed his lips across hers.
Agnes tried to take in his words. He was worried, anyone could see that. And aye, she’d heard of the extent of the feuds. Some of the stories were downright terrifying.
“Have you spoken of any of this to my father?”
“I have not.”
“Then do not. I will show you that you can trust me with your worries. And I will show you that my father is an honorable man.”
“I do not doubt that for a moment, Agnes. I truly believe your father to be one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. I would not have you believe otherwise. It is my intention to speak to the king on his behalf to secure more permanent protection for him.”
“To what end?” she asked. “The castle is secure.”
“Aye, a true stronghold. But the townships are exposed and could easily harbor foes.”
Agnes had not thought about it like that. She knew most of the villagers, but not all. And it was true, they did not keep a full regiment of guards.
“Will you continue to trust me?” he asked.
“Aye, if you will do the same,” she said.
“Excellent,” he said. “Now come, we have a wonderful evening to spend together free from worry and clan feuds and plots against the king.”
She would do her best to put her concerns aside and enjoy the evening with her clan. She was left in no doubt they would leave here soon. He didn’t need to speak the words. It was evident in all the other words he’d said. Was there truth in them? Was she that naive and blind to the ways of the world? She would be more observant, that much she promised herself.
When they entered the hall, it had been transformed again. This time the main table had been pushed to the side. Guests filled small trenchers with food and either stood to mingle with their food or sat at the long table long enough to eat their meal. She liked the informality of the set up.
