Page 29 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

CHAPTER TEN

Evelyn knew he was avoiding her. She also knew why. The kiss they had shared in the village should never have happened, and yet, it had felt blissfully delightful. The whole day had been wonderful, and Evelyn had recalled it several times since. The villagers had welcomed Benedict warmly, clearly believing him to be their laird, and Benedict had reciprocated, knowing them all by name, even though he wasn’t.

Watching him interact with them had warmed Evelyn’s heart, and had only made her desire him more, which was hardly ideal, given the fact that she was marrying his brother.

And then, there was the gift of the pendant.

Not surprisingly, her father hadn’t noticed, but Yvaine had spotted it the moment she lay eyes upon her sister. Evelyn had not been able to stop herself gushing at receiving such a beautiful gift, and had told her sister everything that had occurred, including the tender kiss. But while Yvaine had been delighted and excited, Evelyn had reminded her that nothing could come of it.

Since then, Benedict had tried to hide his lies as he made excuse after excuse to her father, why he would not be available to spend any time with her. It had been days now, and though she knew it was for the best, her heart had not stopped aching.

Her father was growing suspicious, and beginning to question Benedict’s avoidance. Not knowing, of course, that Benedict was not Audor, the laird had made mention of Benedict’s lack of attention on a couple of occasions.

“One has tae wonder if Laird Gunn is having second thoughts,” he had said the other day, once Benedict and Killian had left the Sinclair’s to finish their breakfast alone.

“I’m sure he’s just very busy, Faither,” Yvaine had said, casting a quick glance at her sister.

“Aye, Faither,” Evelyn had added. “Ye said so yersel’ only last week. A laird has much tae dae. I’m sure Audor isnae any different than yersel’ in that regard. He loves his people and has tae spend many hours making certain that all is well across his clan lands.”

But their father’s expression remained the same, even as the sisters tried their best to alleviate his fears. Clearly, their reasoning did little to help, and with a face like stone, he had only grunted at their words.

That morning at breakfast, the same had occurred, and once more, their father had made mention of the laird’s lack of attention. “Perhaps it is time I had a quiet word with yer future husband,” he had growled.

“Faither, please,” Evelyn had said, throwing her arm out and laying her hand on his. “From what I have noted, Laird Gunn is a decent and honest man. I dinnae think, if he had had a change o’ heart, that he would keep such a thing from ye.”

Laird Sinclair had given Evelyn an intense look. After a few seconds, he had nodded abruptly, removed his hand, and stood from the table. “I ken ye are yet young and still a little naïve, Evelyn. But a man who has lived as long as I, kens when something isnae right. And something isnae right. I can feel it in me bones.”

He had stormed from the room with a determined stride, leaving Evelyn and Yvaine to share a worried glance.

In the afternoon, after their father had retired to his bedchamber for a nap, Yvaine suggested they take a walk around the gardens. Evelyn gladly agreed. Perhaps some fresh air would take her mind off the gnawing feelings that had been eating away at her for the last few days.

A part of her was glad Audor had not yet returned from wherever he had gone. While she could not stop the wedding from occurring, these days of him being away gave her some reprieve. On the other hand, it also let her heart and mind wander, and the desire she felt for Benedict was only growing by the day. Perhaps this delay in the wedding was not a good thing. While she was still free, the temptation to stray was an enticement she struggled to fight against.

As they wandered across the lawns at the front of the castle. Evelyn lifted her hand. “Och, look,” she breathed excitedly, pointing to Killian and Benedict readying themselves to train.

“So much for a distraction,” Evelyn murmured.

“Pardon?” Yvaine said.

“It doesnae matter.” Evelyn shook her head.

“Come, we should watch them,” her sister exclaimed.

But Evelyn was uncertain. “Maybe this isnae such a good idea, Yvaine.”

“Och, dinnae talk such nonsense. In a few weeks, ye will be married. Ye are yet still yer own person until then. Surely, there isnae any harm in sitting here beneath this tree, watching two men spar.”

Evelyn gave her sister a knowing look, but Yvaine just beamed a mischievous smile back, and taking her sister’s hand, she pulled her to the ground to sit beside her.

“I honestly dinnae ken how ye are dealing with all o’ this, Evelyn,” Yvaine said a few minutes later, her tone now somber. “I ken yer heart is breaking, even if ye’re pretending it isnae.”

Evelyn took a deep breath in and then sighed. “Sometimes, life just isnae fair, Yvaine. Just like Mother being taken from us.”

“I miss her so much,” Yvaine replied sadly.

“As do I,” Evelyn replied. “I have wished so many times that she was here tae see me getting married. But, alas. It isnae tae be.”

The sisters sat and watched as the men fought. Both were huge men, and both fought with great strength, but Evelyn only had eyes for Benedict. She watched his muscles ripple with each strike, from the solid calves of his legs to what she could see through his shirt of the taut mass of his huge shoulders.