Page 70 of Seduction in a Kilt

“Ach, a wee bit sore. But Effie’s just changed the dressin’ fer me, and she says ’tis healin’ up nice and clean.”

“Excellent. ’Tis good tae see ye feelin’ strong enough take a wee walk.”

“There’s naethin’ wrong with me,” she told him. “I dunno what Liam’s told ye, but I’m nae an invalid, if that’s what ye mean.”

“Nay, I can see that,” he hastily agreed. Silence fell between them as they continued walking. After a time, Ivy sensed tension in him, as though he wanted to say something yet was hesitating.

“Is there somethin’ ye wanted, Knox?” she asked eventually.

“Aye, I wanted tae speak tae ye about somethin’, and I’m nae quite sure how

tae go about it.”

She gave a small laugh. “That daesnae sound much like ye. I’ve seldom seen ye lost fer words.”

“Hmm, well, ’tis a delicate matter.”

Fear gripped Ivy. Is this it, she wondered, panic rising inside her. He’s gonnae tell me he’s decided tae hand me over tae Gael tae stop the attacks?

“What is it?” she forced herself to ask calmly.

“Ivy, the council have come tae the conclusion that there is one sure way of protectin’ ye from yer braither and Hamilton and, hopefully, helpin’ the clan avoid an all-out war. This way, Carson willnae have Gael’s army or his resources at his disposal, and he needs them tae be able tae attack us,” he explained.

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Och, I thought ye were just gonnae tell me ye were sendin’ me back tae marry Gael.”

“Nay, I was gonnae ask ye what ye think of marryin’ me instead,” he answered bluntly. She stopped in her tracks, and so did he. She stared at him in shock. “Let me explain,” he went on. “I can tell the proposal comes as a shock tae ye, but in the circumstances, I hope ye can see it makes sound, practical sense.

“As Lady Stewart, I could offer ye the protection and power of me clan against yer braither and Hamilton. Of course, I ken ’tis nae the romantic proposal ye’d probably like. It would be a strategic alliance. But it would keep ye safe, and it could save a lot of lives.”

Thoughts of Liam raced through her head as she stood staring mutely up at Knox. She thought she could see sympathy in his eyes and had the strange feeling he could read her mind. Somehow, he knew that if there was anyone she wanted to marry at all, it was Liam. But it came to her with cold painful clarity that Liam did not love her, and he was not going to ask her to be his wife. He had shown that quite clearly by his actions.

“I can see I’ve taken ye by surprise, but ye need nae answer me now. Think on it. I plan tae make a formal proposal tae ye tonight at dinner, but as I say, I dinnae expect an answer yet. But ’tis important tae let everyone ken I’ve asked ye. Is that all right?” he asked solicitously.

“That’s a very generous offer, Knox. Are ye sure about it?” she asked eventually. “Would ye nae rather marry someone ye love?”

He shrugged and gave a small smile. “That’s nae happened yet. This way makes good sense fer all of us, but I’ll nae force ye intae it if ye’re nae willin’. I’m content tae wait fer yer decision.”

She thought for a few moments. However painful it was that Liam did not want her, she knew she had to accept it. Knox was offering her a home, safety, and protection. She would be Lady Stewart. In truth, it was more than she could ever have hoped for.

She looked into his bright blue eyes and said, “I’ll think about it, as ye say.”

“Grand. Ye’d best keep it tae yersel’ fer the moment, but be prepared fer me proposal at dinner, all right?”

“All right. I’ll be ready. Thank ye, Knox,” she told him stoically, trying to sound grateful, though she could feel tears welling up inside her.

“I’ll see ye at dinner then,” he said, his eyes full of kindness.

She nodded. “Aye, at dinner.”

With that, he departed. She held her emotions in check as she walked on until she came to a secluded arbor. There, she sat on a stone bench, put her head in her hands, and let the tears of heartbreak flow.