Page 108 of Edge of Yesterday

“But ye didnae mean the words?” Lennox’s soft tone matched Cailean’s.

Cailean frowned, then his expression cleared. “I meant the words.”

Lennox regarded him for a long moment, then turned to Father Gabriel. “I assume my sister and her husband can stay here together tonight?”

“They are wed.” Father Gabriel nodded, looking pleased. “Of course, they are welcome to this room.”

“Good, for I know Crowe. This matter is no’ yet settled.” Lennox looked at Cailean. “I assume ye can protect your wife if necessary.”

Cailean’s eyes hardened. “Crowe will no’ come anywhere near her.”

“I am glad to hear that.” Lennox said, and left.

Father Gabriel turned to follow and Julianna opened her mouth to beg him to stay, then jerked her gaze onto Cailean, who stared at her. Father Gabriel closed the door behind him and Julianna tensed in readiness for Cailean’s fury.

He crossed to the bed, sheathed his sword, then went to the wall opposite the bed and sat on the floor. He leaned against the wall, stretched out his legs, then folded his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.

Julianna stood motionless, confused.

Finally, she said, “Do ye plan to sleep on the floor?”

“Aye,” he said without opening his eyes.

“Ye dinnae have to do that.”

He opened his eyes, looked at her, and said, “Aye, I do,” then closed his eyes again.

~*~

Julianna awoke the following morning to find her body achy and her cell empty. Waking alone was no more than she deserved, she supposed, but Cailean had sworn to protect her. Peevishness surfaced. She smoothed her hair and straightened her clothes, then opened her door, determined to find Cailean. Instead, she discovered David guarding her door. He insisted on accompanying her, and by the time they reached the dining hall, her resolve faltered. She ate her meal of slaked oats and watered ale in silence, then returned to her cell until a message reached her that Lennox was ready for them to leave.

When they rode through Raghnall’s gates in the early afternoon, she wanted to run in the opposite direction. Lennox and Cailean had ignored her on the ride home, which gave her too much time to worry. She’d thought—even hoped—that over time Cailean might fall in love with her and marriage would follow. But no man liked being trapped, even by accident. She wanted very badly to assure herself that he did know it had been an accident. It had never occurred to her that anyone—especially Crowe—would catch them alone. To her shame, she hadn’t given the matter any thought. Now, she would have to face the humiliation of an annulment. She couldn’t bear knowing Cailean was hers only because circumstances forced him to wed her.

She couldn’t change what happened. But she could influence the outcome.

Her mother would never forgive her. So be it. She had no intention of going along with her mother’s plans for her future, but she had intended on winning her over.

They halted and Julianna swung her leg over her horse’s rump, but before her feet touched the ground, Cailean stood beside her and grasped her waist. She searched his face as he settled her on the ground, but couldn’t read his thoughts. He stood aside and she started toward the keep. He fell in alongside. Lennox joined them and she felt as if she were marching to the gallows.

The sun hung in the west, which meant her mother would be in the kitchens, overseeing the evening meal.

They entered the large arched entry. At this early hour, only a few torches burned. They paused to allow their eyes to adjust.

“I will fetch our mother, lass,” Lennox said.

The gentleness in his voice made her want to cry, but she forced back the sting of tears and nodded. He led the way into the hall. Julianna stopped at the first table and sat. Cailean remained standing.

She stared at the floor. “My father will have the marriage annulled.”

“What?”

She lifted her gaze to his face. “I said—”

“I heard ye. Still, I dinnae think it’s that easy, my lady.”

My lady. He couldn’t even address her by her Christian name.

“I didnae say it was. He will have to pay handsomely. But it can be done.”