Page 35 of Married to her Kilted Enemy

For several seconds, Odhrán could only stare mutely at his wife as she rushed up to him, smiling, and embraced him, planting a kiss on his lips. When she was late, and he could not find her anywhere, his heart had sunk like a stone. She had promised to join them for luncheon and faced with the prospect of having to sit through the meal with Ursula and Rollo alone, his anxiety levels had hit the roof, for he had been convinced she had deserted him. Most likely in revenge for what had happened the night before, he had figured miserably. But now, here she was. And he was not going to question it.

Adapting quickly to her about-face in temperament, he swiftly reciprocated the kiss and pulled out her chair for her.

“I was startin’ tae wonder where ye’d got tae, bonny lass,” he said, putting on a jovial front, as much to annoy Rollo as anything. He sat down beside Maddison, wishing there was some way he could express his gratitude without alerting his ever-watchful cousin. But none presented itself, and he was content as long as she was there beside him, willing to lie for him.

“I got carried away admirin’ the roses,” she said, smiling at him in the way he dreamed she would smile at him when they were alone. “Would ye kindly pass the bacon, me darlin’? I’m starvin’.”

“Certainly, sweetheart.” He helped her to some bacon and bread and filled her cup with tea, the doting husband, before serving himself some ham and eggs.

Ursula leaned towards her and said, “Good mornin’ tae ye, Maddison. I must say, ye have some roses in yer cheeks from bein’ out in the fresh air. Ye look right bonny.”

“Bless ye fer yer kindness, Ursula. Mayhap ye’ll have time before ye go tae take a wee walk with me, put a bit of color in yer own cheeks, eh? We could take the bairns with us,” Maddison suggested, and Odhrán was touched because he could see she really meant it.

Ursula was about to reply when Rollo broke in. “We’ll nae have time, I’m afraid, me lady,” he said with obviously feigned regret, lacing the title with sarcasm. “Perhaps next time, eh?”

“Oh, that is a shame. I’m sure Ursula and I would get on like a house on fire, left to our own devices,” she said brightly. “Ye ken what we women are like, always talkin’ about our men, comparin’ notes and such.” She ate a little of her bacon, then she piped up. “Oh, but the way, Rollo, I hope me and Odhrán didnae keep ye awake last night with our carrying on. I’m sorry if we made a bit of noise, but bein’ newlyweds, ye can understand it, I’m sure. We’ll have tae make sure ye have a different chamber next time ye come tae stay.” Odhrán chewed his ham, inwardly smiling to himself to hear her goading his cousin. Rollo’s face darkened with anger.

“I didnae hear a thing,” he claimed, stuffing a forkful of eggs into his mouth, but Odhrán could tell from the way his fat cheeks were reddening that he was just keeping his fury in check.

“We’re keen tae start a family as soon as possible,” Maddison further explained. “So we dinnae like to let any opportunity slip by.” She looked adoringly at Odhrán then and added, “Mayhap there’s a wee bairn in me belly as we speak.”

“Mayhap,” Rollo said snidely, “that is, if me cousin has it in him tae make one.”

“Rollo!” Ursula looked at her husband, clearly appalled by his behavior.

“Oh, hold yer wheesht woman. Ye ken as well as I dae what Laird Murphy thought of Odhrán. I strongly doubt he can produce a son strong enough tae rule after him, however long he spends in the bedchamber with her.” He threw a pointed glance at Maddison.

Odhrán, seeing red, threw down his napkin and stood up, fixing his cousin with a stony stare. Rollo was on his feet too, his face a sneer.

“What is it, Coz, cannae face the truth, eh?” he taunted with a malicious grin.

“Ye dare tae come intae me home and insult me, the laird, in front of me wife, ye dog?” Odhrán ground out through clenched teeth.

“Aye, I dare, ye weak excuse for a man.”

“Odhrán, take nae notice of him. He’s only tryin’ tae rile ye,” Maddison cried out, putting a restraining hand on his arm.

“Nay, lass. He’s gone too far this time. He’ll pay fer it,” he told her, the wish to grind Rollo into the dust filling him with cold, purposeful energy. He gently removed his arm from her grasp and felt for the pommel of his sword.

“We’ll see who’ll pays fer it, ye coward,” Rollo threatened, throwing his coat aside to reveal the hilt of his own blade.

Determined to have his way, Odhrán stepped around the table and stood toe to toe with Rollo. They were about equally matched in height and weight, and he knew the outcome of the duel was not a certainty. He was prepared for a hard fight. They glared at each other. Odhrán could feel the hate coming off Rollo in waves. It matched that boiling in his gut. His fingers itched to unsheathe his claymore. He had no intention of backing down, and it was clear Rollo felt the same.

Ursula was up by this time as well, alarm etched on her face. “Rollo, nae now. Apologize, please, and let’s take our leave,” she begged him, hanging onto his arm in desperation. He shoved her aside roughly with his elbow, and Odhrán despised him even more for his brutality towards his wife.

“Liam, Tadgh, get them tae stop, please!” Odhrán heard Maddison beg, her voice full of fear.

Then came Liam’s voice, calmly saying, “Nay, me lady. This is between the two of them. Leave them be.”

“I’ll have satisfaction from ye, Cousin, if ye’ll step outside,” Odhrán told Rollo calmly, with a sense that his true destiny was fast approaching. “I’d nae wish tae get yer blood on the ladies’ dresses.”

“It’ll nae be me blood, ye fool. Aye, I’ll be glad tae come outside and show ye who’s the better man. Lead the way,” Rollo drawled, grinning.

Odhrán headed to the door leading out into the courtyard, shouldering through it, with Rollo behind him, and Liam and Tadgh following. Maddison and Ursula, making sounds of despair, rushed along behind them, and everybody in the hall went after them to watch the spectacle.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Ach, this is all me fault. I went too far in goading Rollo,” Maddison cried to Liam next to her. “Can ye nae stop them, Liam, please?”