Page 70 of Fire in his Highland Heart

“Malcolm, no. I’ve told ye ‘afore... Ye cannae say such things tae me.”

“Why not? Cataline has shown herself tae be a fraud. That’s grounds enough for annulment. I thought...perhaps ye an’ I could…” his voice trailed off.

Arguen hated to break his heart like this. Malcolm was a wonderful person, so kind and so sweet, but he needed someone that would love him and only him without reservation. “Malcolm. I cannae be with ye. Ye see, I’ve quite fallen for Blake. I love him an’ he loves me. I’m so sorry, Malcolm, but he’s the only man for me.”

Malcolm took a deep, defeated sigh. “Does he treat ye well? Is he kind tae ye?”

Arguen nodded. “Aye, he is very kind tae me. An’ I want tae spend the rest of my life wi’ him, after everythin’ settles. I have a feelin’ that’s why James came all the way over here some weeks ago—tae ask Douglas if he’d send a blessing.”

“Well, I wouldnae ken. He was busy hidin’ in a closet.”

The two of them shared a laugh at the thought of James realizing he was in trouble and scrambling to hide so he wouldn’t be seen, but the seriousness returned as quick as it had started.

“I should never have let her treat ye the way she did. Tae throw ye in the dungeons like that...I cannae imagine how ye must’ve felt. I’m sorry I didnae do more tae help ye,” he said, the sorrow in his eyes sincere.

“I understand. Really, I do. Cataline...Marianne...however she calls herself now, she was cruel tae ye. Ye were simply tryin’ tae survive. Listen tae me, Malcolm. Ye must never settle. The next person for whom ye fall should love ye unconditionally, and treat ye as well as ye would treat them,” Arguen said earnestly.

“I ken that now. But...Arguen, will ye permit me one last confession?” he asked, his hazel eyes wide and a bit melancholic. She knew she could not say no to such a sweet face. Neither of them noticed the slight movement of the door or the footfalls in the hallway at that moment.

“Aye, Malcolm,” she granted.

“I love ye,” he blurted out. “I always have an’ I’m sure I always will. Ye’ve been naethin’ but good an’ kind, an’ ye deserve all the best things in life.”

She did not hold back her affection at that moment, and reached in, wrapping him in a tight hug. “Och, Malcolm,” was all she could manage. His confession touched her heart, but she knew she could never love someone as much as she loved Blake.

When they released each other, neither of them noticed the footsteps on the stone floor in the corridor outside. “Just remember my words. Dinnae settle for someone because ye feel ‘tis yer duty.”

He nodded vigorously. “Aye. Ye’ve taught me all about kindness,” he said.

“‘Tis what ye deserve,” she said warmly. With those words, she left, feeling a little sorrowful but free. Malcolm deserved someone who loved him fully, without any reservation, who would treat him with the sweetness he deserved. She’d meant every word she’d said—she was nothing if not honest.

Chapter Twenty-Five

So Cataline had been right. How stupid could he have been, bringing Arguen back here? Of course she was in love with Malcolm. Why else would she have been so worried for him? It made sense. They’d grown up together, and no doubt shared many memories and stories.

Blake stalked angrily through the corridors, back to the chamber in which he was staying. Arguen had said she loved him; that he was the only man for her. How could she betray him like this? Why would she lead him on? After all the good things he’d said about her to Mr. Murray to clear her name, coming all the way over here to confront Cataline, and giving her shelter at Ernmore...How could she do this to him?

When he returned from his unpleasant chat with Cataline, his first thought had been to find Arguen, kiss her silly, and forget the bitter taste that the simple conversation with Cataline had left in his mouth. Instead, outside the study, he found Malcolm confessing his love to her—and her accepting! He’d heard his passionate confession, then heard her say “Och, Malcolm,” and watched the two of them embrace. Her voice even sounded sweet, like when she talked with him.

He opened the door and slammed it shut, much to James’s surprise.

His friend took one look at the scowl on his face and immediately knew something was very wrong. “Christ, Blake, who wronged ye now?” he asked, a playful edge to his tone, hoping to lighten the mood. Unfortunately, that was like poking an angry bear.

“Arguen,” he said flatly. Blake took the leather bag in which he’d stored a change of clothes and began packing.

“Whoa…What’s the meanin’ behind this?” James asked, keeping a safe distance. He wasn’t sure he wanted to be on the receiving end of Blake’s anger.

“No meanin’. Arguen doesnae love me, an’ now I wonder if she ever did,” he said, his voice curt.

“What happened?”

“I went back tae Malcolm’s study after my chat with Cataline. I was goin’ tae see how her testimony with Mr. Murray went. Instead, I found Malcolm confessin’ his love tae her, an’ her acceptin’. We need tae leave. We’re no longer welcome here,” he explained.

“Just...just a moment, Blake. Are ye quite sure that’s what ye saw?”

“Ye doubt my sight an’ hearin’ all of a sudden?” Blake asked, glaring daggers at James.

James recoiled as if there were actual daggers coming out of his eyes. “No, no, of course not. I just wonder if mayhap talkin’ tae her would help. I mean, ye want tae marry her, aye?”