Page 63 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The tunnel was far too narrow for Benedict’s huge frame, and maneuvering himself through it was challenging enough as his broad shoulders knocked off the rough walls. At one point, he was forced to turn sideways and crouch to get through. It had been ages since he had used this particular tunnel, and now, he remembered why.

While he had not wanted to leave Evelyn, especially given how aroused he was after their steamy moment, Benedict had also not wanted the maids to see him. Frankly, any other time, he would not have cared. He was the laird’s brother, and thus, ordinarily did whatever he wanted. But maids talked, and gossip spread through the castle like wildfire.

His concern was not for himself, but for Evelyn and Donald. The last thing he would want, was Donald discovering the fact that he’d been in Evelyn’s room on the morning of their wedding.

Evelyn had not disclosed their intimate times with him, and he had made certain not to do so either when he had spoken to Donald in the library the day before. Clearly, the laird assumed that Evelyn was still innocent, and for both Evelyn and her father’s sake, Benedict wanted to ensure it remained that way.

The tunnel came out in a corner of the kitchen, and squeezing through the small door, while at the same time, trying to ensure he was not seen, Benedict made a quick exit into the main part of the castle. Time was running on, and he was yet to ready himself. Before he had left to see Evelyn, he had ordered a tin bath to be brought to his bedchamber. By the time he returned to it, the water would be freezing.

He was striding through the corridor, heading toward the main staircase when he met Killian. His cousin greeted him with a beaming smile.

“Ye’re up bright and early this morning,” Killian said.

Wary in case his cousin was fishing, Benedict replied. “I’m up bright and early every morning, cousin.”

“Aye,” Killian grinned, “but it’s nae every day ye get married., is it?”

“And yer point?” Benedict asked, feeling slightly amused at his cousin’s nonsensical statement.

“I’m just saying. Yer getting married.”

“I ken. I was the one that asked, remember?” The man was acting strangely, and Benedict couldn’t understand why. “What has gotten intae ye, Killian?”

His cousin shrugged then. “I dinnae ken. I suppose, given it has been mysel’ ye have come tae fer advice over the last while, I feel even more connected tae this whole situation. As if I helped in some way.”

His words hit Benedict so suddenly, that he halted right there in the corridor, and turning to him, he looked his cousin in the eye. “Ye are absolutely right. And I dinnae think I have truly thanked ye fer all ye’ve done fer me,” he said. “So, from the bottom o’ me heart, Killian, I thank ye. I’m nae sure I could have got through this mess without ye.”

“Ye’re welcome, cousin.” Killian slapped his shoulder. “I’m only glad it worked out for the best. The other option doesnae bear thinking about.”

“Which is why I’m nae thinking about it.” Benedict smirked. “Right. I’m away. I need tae ready mysel’. I dinnae want tae keep the woman waiting.”

“I’ll come and help ye with yer outfit in an hour.”

“Thank ye. That will dae well.”

Benedict continued on to his bedchamber with Killian’s words in his head. He had been so consumed with his own heart and mind, he had hardly considered anyone else’s feelings.

That’s what desperation does tae ye.

It gave him a warm feeling inside to imagine that Killian felt so connected to his union. His cousin had been a bulwark from the storm of his emotions. Fear, doubt, guilt; all of them had weighed heavily upon him, but Killian had been there, standing by his side, offering the best words of advice he had been able to come up with. He had been essential given the circumstances, as Benedict could never have turned to his brother for advice this time.

As promised, Killian arrived an hour later to help Benedict straighten his plaid and don his dirk and sporran, the brass clasps of which were intricate at best. Killian himself was dressed in his best garb, and looked far more handsome than usual.

When the two were ready, Killian turned to leave. “I’ll meet ye at the chapel. I am away tae check all is well with everything else.”

“Thank ye. I’ll see ye shortly.”

With Killian gone, Benedict gave himself one more glance in the mirror.

“Probably the first and last time ye’ll look this smart,” he said to his reflection. “Right. Let’s dae this.”

He left his bedchamber and strode down the corridor. Upon reaching the large stone staircase, he noticed Audor waiting at the bottom. At the sound of Benedict’s footsteps, his brother turned toward him.

“My God,” Audor said, looking up at him admiringly as Benedict descended.

“Och, be quiet, will ye. Ye’re embarrassing me.” Benedict grinned.