Page 160 of Wicked Highland Heroes

She cast a helpless appeal to the priest.

“I am sorry, Lady Rhoslyn. It is true, you are legally married. King Edward has decreed it.”

She cut her eyes to Talbot. Anger had darkened them. “Then I imagine we have no need of a priest.”

“But ye do,” Father Crey interjected. “For when the bairns come.”

Her cheeks reddened, but it was the anguish in her eyes that caught Talbot’s attention. He recalled the newest headstone in the family cemetery. Dougal Harper. The child had been two months old when he died.

“There is always the chance your husband will not survive the battle tonight,” Father Crey said. “If you have my blessing, should he die, then no one can dispute that his lands are yours.”

Lady Rhoslyn glanced at Talbot.

“Beware what you wish for,” he said. “The next man Edward marries you to might not be as generous as I.”

“Generous?” she retorted. “Ye have taken over my home, your men eat my food, burn my wood.”

“I have paid for my men out of the money I brought with me. I will spend none of Castle Glenbarr’s money until I have studied the household rolls.”

“Ye will deal with me and my grandfather if you take anything that doesna’ belong to you. And lest you wonder, he will deal with you concerning the slaughter of his men.”

“That he will, for he is responsible for the death of one of my men.”

“One of your men? By God, you have bollocks. Ye slaughter his men, yet have the audacity to be affronted when one of your men dies in the battle?”

“There was no slaughter,” St. Claire said. “Only three of Seward’s men were lost. The rest are on their way here.”

“What? I do not believe ye. I heard the fighting.”

“When they arrive, Lady Rhoslyn, you may see for yourself.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Three were killed?”

“Aye.”

She pursed her lips. “You feel no’ one wit of regret for killing those men.”

“You may speak with your grandfather concerning their deaths. It is he who chose to defy law and secret you away in order to perform an illegal marriage. I merely protected what is mine.”

Surprise flitted across her face, quickly replaced by ire.

“Do no’ delay,” the priest urged. “If Sir Talbot dies and your union hasna’ been sanctioned by the church, Edward can seize Sir Talbot’s land, as well as yours.”

The truth of what he said flared in the lady’s eyes. She looked at Talbot. “I will no’ marry ye unless you bring my grandfather back safe.”

Talbot canted his head. “I vow to deliver him tonight. Until then, you will await me in your chambers.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I will wait where I please.”

“Nay, lady. My men are well trained, but I will no’ risk your safety while I am gone.” Talbot shifted his attention to Father Crey. “We will need your services tomorrow.”

“The wedding is a month hence,” Lady Rhoslyn said.

He shrugged. “As you wish. We can repeat the vows now or a month from now, but when I return, we will live as man and wife.”