Page 49 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

“I apologize fer bringing ye back here again in such a short period o’ time, but I have had a little time tae think, “Audor began, once everyone was settled, “The threat is imminent, and with that in mind, I think it prudent that we hurry things along.”

“What dae ye mean by hurry things along, me laird?” James asked.

“The wedding, James. I think it’s in ours and Lady Sinclair’s best interests, that we dinnae wait for another week. Laird Keith is evidently putting us under pressure, and without the alliance, he kens he still has a chance.”

Benedict had not been ready for his brother’s words, and swallowing a gasp, he cast a glance in Killian’s direction. Killian replied with raised eyebrows and a concerned gaze. As Benedict’s mind whirled with the fact that he may very well lose the only woman he had ever loved, the conversation continued on around him.

“That will take some preparing,” Angus said. “Any guests that were arriving will need tae be informed.”

“I cannae imagine it will be any great hardship,” Audor replied. “Those that cannae make it on such short notice, can arrive later. I’m certain the celebration can continue over several days. They may miss the ceremony, but there will still be an opportunity for them to celebrate the union.”

“Has Lady Sinclair been made aware o’ this?” William asked.

“Nae. It is the reason I have called this council meeting. I want tae hear yer thoughts on the matter.”

“I cannae disagree with ye, me laird,” James said. “Bringing the wedding forward will solidify the alliance, and thus, will likely deter Laird Keith from making any more attempts on Lady Sinclair’s life.”

“We hope,” Angus murmured.

“Ye dinnae think this will work?” Audor said, addressing him.

“I dinnae ken, me laird. He is here in our lands at this very minute.”

“We cannae ken that,” William countered. “We ken his men are here. The laird may well be sitting in his castle on his own lands.”

“Ye are right, we cannae ken. But then, by that reasoning, we cannae ken if he is or isnae here, can we?” Angus argued. “I only wonder if the wedding will make any difference. Would it nae be more prudent tae gather Keith’s men up and imprison them?”

“The scouts are already out looking for them,” Killian interjected. “There isnae any more we can dae until we hear back from them.”

“I understand yer reasoning, Angus. However, I think we can dae both,” Audor said. “We will continue tae hunt Keith’s men, and at the same time, still bring the wedding forward.”

The older men around the table nodded, all seemingly in agreement.

“We are agreed then?” Audor said.

“Aye,” the men murmured together.

“Very well, then I will send orders out tae make the arrangements.”

After the meeting, a couple of the council members lingered. Seeing his brother occupied with their concerns, Benedict saw an opportunity to slip away, and catching Killian’s eye, he jerked his head, requesting that his cousin follow him out of the study.

They moved down the corridor in silence, and rounding a corner, found a small alcove, where Benedict finally came to a halt.

“What am I tae dae?” Benedict hissed, when Killian stopped beside him. “Am I tae stand back and let this wedding go ahead? Me heart and mind are torn. If I interject now, the alliance will be broken.”

Killian frowned, and pacing back and forth with his hand on his chin, he appeared to be in deep thought. Eventually, he came to a halt again. “I think ye need tae discuss this with Lady Sinclair. Tell her what Audor plans tae dae, and see what she says. After that, ye need tae speak with Audor.”

“And if she sides with her faither, and wants the wedding tae go ahead because o’ the alliance?” Benedict pressed.

“Whatever happens, Benedict, I think Audor needs tae ken what has happened. Nae fer Audor’s sake, but fer yer own. This guilt has been eating away at ye fer days. I just dinnae think ye can carry this burden any longer.”

Benedict heaved a sigh and dropped his head. Killian was not wrong. Even talking to Audor earlier had been the most uncomfortable conversation he had ever shared with his brother. How could he continue by his brother’s side while holding on to such deceit?

“Ye are right,” Benedict admitted. “But first, I need tae speak tae Evelyn.”