The meal went well. Declan ensured to maintain the conversation on neutral subjects, asking questions about the lands, the harvest and customs. Thankfully, Grisella McNeil enjoyed conversing and rambled non-stop about everything. Elsbeth, on the other hand, rarely spoke a word. Several times, he saw her turn to Ian to speak in soft tones.
His lips curved. Perhaps, he’d stumbled upon a way to save himself from marrying too soon. The McNeil leaned closer. “How many people do you house in this keep?”
“My five guards and Ian, although he owns a home and land of his own as my brother split part of these lands and gave him a smaller portion.”
Coughing sounded as Ian choked on his ale and the guards who overheard turned to the high board, their eyebrows raised.
The McNeil didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he looked to Ian with interest.
Admittedly, after the last conversation with Meredith, he was second-guessing his earlier judgment at not readily accepting a proposition of marriage to the McNeil lass.
He hoped to divert the McNeil’s attention to Ian in case Elsbeth was more interested in him. But he still felt bad at springing something on Ian without first speaking to him. His friend’s flat stare told him that Ian did not appreciate it either.
At the same time, he could be making a mess of things for naught. Meredith seemed genuinely against marrying “Laird Gordon.” Although it could all be part of a plan to confuse him.
What would her response be at finding out he was, in actuality, the man she considered to be of low honor? It was true, up until a few months ago, he cared not who he bedded, be it his father’s wife or not. Honor was not something he’d ever considered necessary unless it had to do with his men.
He never lied to his guardsmen. Once his word was given, they knew to trust it. Women, they were another story. Unfortunately, family had fallen into the same category and, for that, he was genuinely sorrowful. Although his reasons were strong, they did not excuse his actions.
“Ian, have you gone to inspect the cottage on the southern boundary next to the Stuart lands?” Declan hoped his apology was evident in his eyes. He then spoke to Elsbeth. “I think it’s quite comfortable, large enough for a family.”
She lifted a brow, but did not reply. Instead, she looked down at her plate. The lass didn’t seem enthusiastic about making his acquaintance.
“Aye, not too far from where you went earlier. Yer brother used it to retire when he went boar hunting with his men.” Ian’s flat stare did not seem to bode well as far as his acceptance.
“Good.”
“We must speak.” Ian’s warning tone did not dampen his spirit. “About my home.” His friend emphasized the word “my” and glared at him. “I am at a loss of what to do with this new acquisition.”
Several hours later, the great room remained full. Although several of the villagers had left, the guards from both clans remained. Declan had joined his men at their table. The McNeil neared. “May I speak to you in private?”
“Aye, of course.” He motioned the man to chairs in front of the fireplace away from being overheard. “Is everything to your liking, Laird?”
“I wish to know your response. You’ve had time to think on it and have now seen my daughter.” Although he seemed relaxed, Declan could see tightness around his mouth. The laird was not keen on marrying off the lass. No doubt his wife pressured him into it.
“What are your daughter’s feelings on the subject?” he asked. Astonishment crossed the McNeil’s face. “Is she willing to marry me?”
“She will do as told. Although she is headstrong, Elsbeth agrees her time for marriage and children is at hand.”
Declan glanced to see that Ian walked about the room, the fair Elsbeth on his arm. Her face was animated, as he seemed to regale her with one of his exaggerations no doubt. “She is fair, I am not against marrying, but ask that you give me time. Perhaps she can remain as my guest for a few days, with her maid, of course.”
“Of course.”
Chapter Seven
The Gordon property loomed ahead. The gray, stone structure was much bigger than her own home. Meredith took in the surrounding land. Quite familiar with the area and some of the villagers, she didn’t feel a stranger upon riding through. Now, however, about to enter the courtyard, she did. Never had she been there before, nor expected to come.
Aiden sat tall in his saddle, his eyes moving to her every once in a while. “It is not to your death that you’re headed. Try not to look as though.”
It was hard to bite back a retort, but she did. She could not accuse Aiden of mistreatment or of being a bad brother. He’d been more than patient with her and given her every freedom. Now at twenty, she was well past marrying age. Although she’d hoped for a love match when the second chance at marriage presented itself, it was understandable that he not give her more time.
With a resolved sigh, she squared her shoulders and held her head high. It was not the time to show any kind of weakness. She was a proud Stuart. Spine straight, she followed slightly behind her brother’s steed into the courtyard.
Young lads came forward to greet them and hold the horses whilst she and her brother dismounted. The guardsmen moved to stand behind them as they waited for the laird’s appearance.
A lone guard walked towards them. Of fine form with broad shoulders and dark eyes, he looked every bit a warrior.
His eyes focused on her for only a second before his attention went to her brother. “Welcome to Moriag. I am Dugan Gordon, cousin to the laird.” He gave a slight bow and waited for introductions.
Aiden returned the head bow. “Aiden Stuart, Laird of Torraibh. May I present my sister, Meredith.”
The man’s lips curved when he regarded her. “Follow me inside, please.” The warrior turned and walked, assuming they’d follow.
The interior of Moriag Keep shocked Meredith. The décor and beauty of the furnishings were all in good taste. Several bright tapestries hung on the walls, each depicting colorful themes of hunts and foliage.
She was not surprised to find they were amongst several families seeking audience with the new laird.
The golden-haired devil sat upon the high board presiding over the room like a royal. He seemed to grow more annoyed with each passing minute, his gaze constantly going to the doorway, as if expecting someone to enter and rescue him from the room. Because of Aiden’s social standing, they were escorted to the front of the room and were given two seats. The laird’s gaze went to them, but only for a moment, as he listened to a dispute between two farmers.
Finally it was Aiden’s turn. Meredith’s face burned with humiliation at her brother’s request being spoken out loud for all to hear. Village folks mingled in the room, curious glances moving from her to Aiden and then to the laird.
“My Laird,” Aiden began. “I am Aiden Stuart, Laird of Torraibh, and this my sister, Meredith. I come to pledge my family’s allegiance to yours.”
Meredith inhaled, not wanting to roll her eyes at the formalities of men. Both males knew neither would save the other from any type of danger. Unless, of course, it benefited them in some way.
The laird looked at her with open curiosity. “I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, lass.”
“Laird.” She curtsied and the laird bowed his head in acknowledgement.
His next words saved her the humiliation she’d been dreading. “Please join me for mead and the evening meal.” The laird motioned for several maids to come forth, as well as a guard who announced the hearings for the day were over. Several families were invited to remain for the meal along with two men who she recognized as village farmers.
Aiden gave her a puzzled look. “Interesting, he invites us to sup without first hearing what we come for?”
“You just pledged your loyalty, so perhaps he wishes to ask something of you in return.”
Just as she and Aiden settled at the high board, to the left of the laird, Elsbeth McNeil entered the room. She was escorted t
o sit on the right side of Laird Gordon and Meredith pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. So there was competition for the laird’s attentions. She’d make sure not to put much effort into getting to know the man. Aiden, as always, read her mind and leaned forward to glare at her.
“Lady Stuart, I take it you know our guest, Lady McNeil?” The laird motioned to the woman who nodded at Meredith in acknowledgement.
“Hello, Elsbeth.” They’d met before, but Elsbeth had always been a quiet girl, rarely leaving her keep.
Elsbeth smiled in return, then turned her attention to the laird beside her.
Unfortunately, Aiden would not be put off. “Are you forming a union with the McNeils?”
The man to her left looked at them with raised eyebrows. “Ah, yes, you arrived late. You missed my introduction. I am not Laird Gordon, but his second. I am Ian McRainey Gordon.”
“As far as our laird, Declan Gordon, he has not decided on what he will do.” Ian leaned closer in order to keep from being overheard. “You never did voice your request, Aiden.”
“I seek a husband for my sister.” To her mortification, Aiden did not whisper, but spoke evenly. Thankfully, only a couple heads turned their way.
Elsbeth cleared her throat.
Ian McRainey’s eyes met hers for a beat. “I will speak to the laird. I believe he is aware of your sister. Has made her acquaintance. He mentioned as much to me after seeing her at the town square.”
“I’ve met him?” Meredith searched her mind attempting to remember who could have been the laird. The only men she remembered were Ian and her lover, who told her he lived at the edge of the woods. There was a younger man she’d noticed near a vendor’s cart, but had discarded for his youth. She didn’t remember the young boy being overly handsome, nor would think he was even old enough to lay with his stepmother. “I apologize, but I do not remember.”
Ian frowned. “I cannot explain more to you. Declan should return shortly and, perhaps by then, things will clear up. Why don’t you remain here for another two days, as my guest? You can keep Elsbeth company.”
“I couldn’t possibly.”
Aiden, curse him, interceded. “Of course, my sister will remain. I will have her maid come and bring her changes of clothing.”
He moved his leg anticipating her kick and she missed.
Ian must have informed Elsbeth because she overheard her question him, her voice slightly higher than normal, the woman replied to him. “Aye, of course, that would be lovely.”
The McNeil lass leaned forward and looked to her. “Two women under the same roof. And we are both here for the same reason.” She lifted a brow and looked to Ian McRainey who shifted in his seat.
Meredith smiled back, liking Elsbeth’s spunk. “I am not sure what the men plan, but it could prove interesting, at least.”
When Aiden took her arm in an attempt to quiet her, she ignored him. “Now Mr. McRainey, is there an interesting story you can tell us about your laird?”
Upon learning the man present was not the laird, Meredith found herself enjoying his company. He called Dugan over who in turn regaled them with stories of growing up with his cousins, the Gordons, and learning to hunt and fish alongside Declan Gordon, who seemed to have a penchant for getting into trouble.
The opportunity did not come for Meredith to learn why he was not present, nor was she able to glean anything other than the fact that Ian McRainey and the other men present both respected and admired the laird.
Aiden made to leave too soon and she tried one last time to convince him to take her home. As she expected, he’d already sent a guard to retrieve her belongings because at the doorway stood Lily with a bundle and a huge smile.
“’Tis a grand place is it not, milady?” Lily trailed behind her as the housekeeper and cook, Pat, showed her to the chambers.
“Indeed. Yet, I hope to not remain longer than necessary.”
Chapter Eight
It had been a grand day. Declan arrived home late from hunting, dirty and happy. Both he and his guard had killed several pheasants and rabbits. They placed them in the kitchen and he ordered a bath.
Ian would be angry with him for not being present all day, but he needed the time away to think. Admittedly, he was not positive of his decision yet or how he felt regarding Meredith and Elsbeth.
Pat bustled forward and directed the lads to fill his tub behind a partition in the large kitchen. “I’ve brought clean clothes, Laird. Edan comes now to assist you.”
“Thank you, Pat. Is there anything of importance I should know before I seek my bed?”
“Only that the Stuart lass is here. Mister Ian invited her to remain for a visit as she and her brother came to seek audience with you.”
Declan almost jumped from the bath. “Is that so?”
“Aye, Laird. Her brother spoke loudly stating he sought a husband for her. The poor lass’ face was bright red with mortification.”
Moments later, he crept along the hall toward the room where Meredith slept. Upon opening it, the chamber door creaked loud enough to make him cringe. The interior was dark. She laid upon the center of the bed, sprawled out, fast asleep, the blankets kicked off. A quick search of the room told him her maid had either not come or was sleeping downstairs.
“Beauty?” He leaned over her and kissed her. “Awaken.”
“What?” Her eyes flew wide and she took him in. “How did you get in here?”
“Just returned from hunting and had to bring my kill to the kitchens. I was told you were here.” He was fully aware of omitting details that could prove to be his undoing once she found out who he was. “Allow me in your bed.”
She sat up and looked to the closed door. “Are you mad? What if they come in?”
“They won’t.” Without waiting for her response, Declan dropped his tartan and climbed onto the bed next to her. “Allow me to lay with you for a few moments. I will slip away before anyone can know I was here.”
He trailed his fingers from her neck to the top of her breasts. “Have you not wondered what it would be like? For us to join?” He pressed a kiss to her neck and she inhaled sharply. “To allow me to fill you? Say yes.” His hand moved to cup her breast.
Hesitant at first, she fully succumbed when he pulled her against him and trailed his tongue from her ear to her shoulder. “Allow me to love you, beauty.”
“Wait.” She pushed him back. “I don’t even know your name.”
How to tell her without ruining the moment. “My first name is Murrough.”
“Murrough,” she repeated looking into his eyes. “It suits you.”
Not giving her any other opportunity to speak he covered her mouth with his and thrust his tongue past her parted lips. Meredith clung to his shoulders, her body shivering. She wasn’t cold. It was want that made her quiver.
The thin nightshift was easy to slide upwards. His fingers trailing over the silky skin and she moaned when he continued the trek moving to between her legs. His hand fit between them and he cupped her warm and moist sex.
Meredith wanted to stop the madness. God, the repercussions that could come from this assignation with Murrough, friend to the laird who her brother wanted her to marry.
But by the same God, she would rather die than stop him. Her body demanded release, did not waiver in its relentless pursuit of whatever was to come.
His large hand pushed her legs apart and his fingers moved up and down the center of her very core. “Ah!” Meredith bit her lip to keep from making more noise, but the delicious sensations were too wonderful to keep within.
“Pull your nightshift off,” he demanded while his mouth traveled over her skin.
Once the clothing was removed, he took to her breasts. Suckling one, then the other. The soft sounds of his mouth along with their breathing flowed in the darkness. She raked her fingers through his thick, wet hair. He’d recently bathed. He smelled clean and fully male.
Murrough’s attention went to her other breast
, his pointed tongue circling the tip of it at the same time his fingers slipped into her.
“Oh.” Meredith bucked into this hand just as his thumb flicked the swollen center of her sex. Stars formed behind her eyelids and she grabbed his shoulders to regain control. It was to no avail. She floated, then flew higher, her body shattering.
His weight upon her brought Meredith closer to reality until his thick cock pushed in where his fingers had vacated. Bit by bit, he moved with a slowness so maddening she grabbed his hips and pulled. “I want you fully in me.” Meredith was crazy with want, not sure how to tell him to hurry, to move faster, to plunge.
“What do you want me to do, beauty?”
“Fast…faster…take me.” Her words were barely audible past her gasps. “Now.”
“As you wish.” He drove forward, not stopping until they were fully joined. Her breath of relief was followed by a loud inhalation when he pulled out and moved back in. On and on, he thrust, taking her to sensations beyond belief. Meredith no longer cared if she screamed or not, wasn’t sure what happened other than knowing if he ever stopped she would die.
“I am lost in you beauty.” Murrough pulled her arms over her head and pressed a kiss to her temple. “Lift your hips, wrap your legs about me.”
She quickly obeyed and was rewarded with him deeper yet. The sounds of their flesh meeting again and again was joined by both of them crying out as she, once again, tumbled into oblivion and he collapsed over her, his body quaking.
Moments later, they lay together limbs entwined. Meredith dared not speak. The night should never end. If only he could belong to her always. In her mind, she went over different ways to ask him to allow her to run away to his home. To stand up to her brother and to the laird. But every time she opened her mouth she could not say the words out loud. It was he who should be asking her to go away with him.
“Roll away, I want to take you from behind.” Murrough brought her hand down to encircle his hardened shaft. “I am wanting you again.”
Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series Page 12
