by B. J. Scott
Duncan frowned and drew his arm away. “That may be, but why are you here, Lady Roslyn? He dinna say you were allowed in either.”
“Och, I wasna planning to go in.” She held out the length of plaid she had slung over her arm. “I was on my way to break my fast in the great hall when I decided to bring this up for the lad first. The room can be a bit drafty and thought he might need some extra blankets. Will you give it to him for me?”
Duncan took the plaid. “I suppose I could do that. But I was told na to go in there either,” he admitted. “Na unless there is something amiss.”
“Well, I am sure my brother doesna intend for the lad to go hungry or to catch a chill,” Roslyn said. “Perhaps the servant can take it in when he delivers the tray.”
Duncan glared at Ian. “I have never seen this servant before. How do I know he has permission to enter?”
“I can vouch for Ian Forbes,” she replied. “He has been bringing the trays up for the lad since he arrived. It is fine to let him in, but no others.”
Duncan studied Ian for a moment, then stepped aside. “Fine. You may deliver the tray, but make it quick.”
“Thank you.” Roslyn nodded at Ian. “Best you take that to the lad before it gets cold,” she said and turned to leave, but hesitated when she reached the top of the stairs. “Now we have this straightened out, I see no need to bother my brother with such minor things. I’ll mention the mix up to Roderick when I join him in the great hall. And of course inform him that it was no fault of yours, Duncan.” She smiled at him. “If anything changes, I will be sure to tell you. Otherwise, only Ian is allowed in to see the lad.”
“Aye. Thank you for not telling the laird that I gave him a hard time, Lady Roslyn.” Duncan bowed, then unlocked the door so Ian could enter.
“No need to fash. All is as it should be.” Roslyn headed down the stairs and out of sight.
Ian watched her retreating form, in awe of her strength, courage, and ability to think under pressure. He was more determined than ever to get to know this woman.
“The lady is right,” Ian said as he passed the guard and entered the chamber. “Best I deliver this before it gets cold.”
Once inside the room and behind the closed door, he heaved a sigh of relief. “That was a close call,” he mumbled.
“Ian!” Quinn squealed as he raced toward him. “I’m so happy to see you. Can we leave now?”
Ian set the tray on the table and squatted down beside Quinn. “You must keep your voice low or someone might hear you. I spoke with Lazarus and Connor last night. They—”
“Are they going to storm the gates and rescue me?” Brimming with excitement, Quinn cut Ian off before he could finish. “I told Lady Roslyn that her brother was going to be sorry he took me. When are they coming?”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to be patient a little longer,” Ian replied. “We decided it was too risky to attack the castle and it might be better if I try to sneak you out instead.”
Quinn pouted. “But I want to go home now. What if Sheena has her babe and I’m na there to help her? She needs me.”
“Fallon will take good care of Sheena.” Ian stroked the lad’s shoulder. “Your sister wouldna want you to put yourself in danger on her account. And if I allowed you to do so, she’d have me flayed.”
A loud pounding interrupted their discussion. “Make haste. You’ve been in there long enough to deliver a dozen trays,” Duncan shouted from behind the closed door.
“Who’s that?” Quinn grabbed on to Ian’s pant leg, sheer panic crossing the lad’s face.
“Roderick has posted a guard to keep people away.”
Quinn looked puzzled. “If no one is allowed to see me, why did he let you in?”
“Because Lady Roslyn intervened and told the guard I was here on the Laird’s orders. She informed him that I would be bringing trays up to you throughout the day and instructed him to allow me, and only me, to see you.”
“Lady Roslyn was here? Why did she na come to see me?” Quinn lowered his gaze, his bottom lip quivering. “I thought she was my friend. She promised to come back.”
“She wanted to. She even brought you this.” Ian handed Quinn the plaid. “Lady Roslyn was worried you might get chilly during the night. But the guard would not let her in.”
“She’s very comely, is she na?” Quinn asked out of the blue.
“Aye, I suppose she is quite attractive.” The image of Roslyn’s lovely face, delicate features, shapely body, and emerald eyes, flooded Ian’s mind. His pulse quickened just thinking about her golden locks flowing freely about her shoulders and her fiery spirit. Roslyn was like no woman he’d ever known.
“Lady Roslyn is almost as pretty as my sister, Sheena,” Quinn said. “And she’s been very nice to me. I’ll miss her when I leave. Do you think we could take her with us?”
Ian gave his head a shake. Getting Quinn out was going to be difficult enough, but to take Roslyn too, would be nearly impossible. “Why would you ask this? She is a Morgan and belongs here, with her clan.”
Quinn lowered his gaze. “I dinna think she’s happy here. And her brother has promised her in marriage to a stranger she has never met before and doesna like.”
“What happens between Roslyn and her brother is none of our affair,” Ian lied. He cared a great deal about what happened to her.
“But she doesna want to marry Laird Sinclair,” Quinn said.
“Sadly, the daughters of a laird are often asked to marry men they dinna know. Such a union can gain a clan powerful alliances, land, and coin.” While he made light of her plight, the news that Roslyn was about to marry hit him like a horse kick to the chest.
“But Laird Morgan is her brother, na her da. He dinna ask her to do this, he ordered her to marry a man she doesna love. And it made Lady Roslyn very sad. Please, can we take her with us?” Quinn badgered.
“I’m sorry to hear that she’s unhappy, Quinn, but here is naught—”
“I said it was time to go!” Duncan thumped his fist on the door again.
Ian pulled Quinn into an embrace. “I have to leave, but I’ll be back. Dinna fash, I’ll get you home before your sister has her babe.”
“I hope so.” Quinn sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve. “When will you come again?”
Ian rose. “As soon as I can.” He strode to the door, then left the room. He considered himself fortunate that Roslyn came by when she did. But he couldn’t help wondering if he would be as successful getting by the next guard.
Chapter 7
Rather than go to the great hall after her attempt to visit Quinn, Roslyn returned to her chamber. She raced across the room, then threw herself on the bed, sobbing. “Why Lord? Why did you send temptation in the form of Ian Forbes?” She buried her face in the pelts, her mind racing. Not only could she not explain the flood of emotions she felt whenever she laid eyes upon Ian, but were she to marry Sinclair as her brother dictated, who would look after Quinn, and see that no harm came to him?
She thought she was ready to do her duty to her clan, to honor her brother’s demands and break her fast with Gordon Sinclair, or in the least give the man a chance to redeem himself in her eyes. But after seeing Ian again, she’d changed her mind.
She certainly couldn’t count on Jean to do right by the lad. Her sister-by-marriage hated the bairn with every fiber of her being, and Roslyn shuddered to think what she might do to him should Roderick openly claim Quinn as his son and heir.
A rap on the door caught her attention. “Aye. Who is it?”
“Fiona. May I come in?”
Roslyn expelled a soft sigh of relief as she slid to the edge of the bed and sat up. “Aye, you may.” She dragged her fist across her damp cheeks and ran her fingers through her hair.
Fiona entered the chamber, then closed the door behind her. “I went to the great hall this morn, but was surprised to see you werena there. I can say without a doubt, your brother was na pleased. He demanded someone go and see
what was keeping you.”
“Roderick sent you to fetch me?” Roslyn found it difficult to believe, given her brother tried his utmost to end all ties between her and Fiona.
“Of course na. Why, I believe himself would see me banished if he could find a reason to do so. We both know he doesna approve of our friendship.” Fiona sat on the bed beside Roslyn. “But I willna let that stop me.”
“I admire that about you, Fiona. And envy your strength of conviction.”
“I dinna know what you’re talking about.” Fiona grasped Roslyn’s hand. “You’re the most courageous woman I know, and it’s from you I’ve learned to stand up for what you believe in,” she said. “Most women of your status wouldna give me the time of day, let alone be my friend. And even though your father and brother both forbid it, you stood fast and dinna shun me.”
“I have no reason to treat you with anything but respect, Fiona. However, I’m na so sure I deserve your admiration.” Roslyn fisted her skirt, twisting her fingers in the fabric.
“What’s troubling you, Lady Roslyn? You’ve na been yourself in days. I’m here to listen if you wish to tell me what has you fretting.”
Roslyn stood and began to pace. “I’m fine. I appreciate your concern, but I’m afraid that talking isna going to fix things.” The words left her lips before she could stop them.
“You willna know until you try,” Fiona replied. “Is Gordon Sinclair, and the fact your brother has ordered you to marry him, what’s upsetting you?”
Roslyn wrung her hands in despair and peered up at her friend. “That is but a small part of it. There is so much more. If only I could tell you.”
“But you can tell me. And I’m sure you’ll feel so much better if you do.” Fiona clasped both of Roslyn’s hands between her own. “Is it about Ian Forbes?” she asked bluntly. “I know you fancy him, and it must be difficult knowing you are betrothed to another.”
Fiona cocked her head to one side when Roslyn didn’t answer. “Or perhaps it has to do with the lad being kept in the tower.”
“How did you know about Quinn, Fiona? Roderick has done all he can to hide the lad’s presence. At least for the time being. And those who do know, are aware if they breathe a word to anyone, they’ll face my brother’s wrath.”
“There are very few things that go unnoticed around this castle. And the rumors about his lordship’s bastard son have been bandied about for a very long time.” Fiona clucked her tongue. “In fact, I knew the lass he violated. She was the daughter of a local merchant and still a bairn. She’d only seen seventeen summers. If that.”
“Why did you na mention this to me before?” Roslyn asked. “Did I na have a right to know the sort of man my brother truly was?”
“I thought you knew, but chose to dismiss it as hearsay.” Fiona hung her head. “Laird Roderick is your brother, so I canna blame you for wanting to believe the best in him. Sadly, Sheena was not the first, or the only lass your brother defiled.”
“I’m ashamed to say my brother has no redeeming qualities.” Roslyn wrapped her arms around her middle. “I only wish my father had done something to stop him before it was too late. But he refused to see the truth. Now Da is dead, there’s no way to halt Roderick’s selfish, tyrannical ways,” she said. “He snatched Quinn from the arms of his mother and intends to claim him as his son and heir.”
“Och, the poor wee lad. But if your brother has made up his mind to name him as his heir, there isna much anyone can do about it.”
“More than anything, I want to spare him the grief of being raised by a monster like my brother, but have no idea what I can do to help.”
Fiona patted Roslyn’s forearm. “If you set your mind to it, I know you’ll find a way. I believe that wholeheartedly.”
“But how?” Roslyn threw her hands up in frustration. “If I canna stop my brother from marrying me off to a man I dinna know or like, how can I convince him to release his only son and allow the lad to go home to his family, where he belongs?”
“You mustna give up hope. Perhaps together we can find a way to do both.” Fiona retrieved the jeweled hair combs from the table beside Roslyn’s bed. “But first we must get you ready to break your fast with Lord Sinclair. There is no point in feeding your brother’s ire or insulting your future husband until we have a sound plan.” She quickly swept Roslyn’s hair atop her head and secured it in place.
Roslyn offered a hesitant nod. “Very well. If I must. I’ll join my brother and his guest, but I willna enjoy it.” She moved to the door and opened it. “Will you walk with me, Fiona? I need all the courage I can muster.”
“Of course,” Fiona said, smiling. “Best we make haste. Your brother will be furious if you keep him waiting any longer.” She clutched Roslyn’s elbow then wriggled a brow. “Perhaps if you imagine you are enjoying a meal with Ian Forbes, it will help.”
Roslyn dug in her heels, refusing to move. “You’re wrong about Ian. And I would appreciate it if you dinna mention his name or this foolish notion of yours again.” If only she could bring herself to tell Fiona what she truly felt whenever he was near. But she’d already disclosed enough to her friend, more than she should. And if her brother ever got wind of it, he’d banish Ian or have him killed.
“If you say so,” Fiona said, grinning. “Your brother is waiting.”
As they neared the great hall, Roslyn hesitated. “Best you leave me here. I must go the rest of the way myself.”
Fiona nodded. “I’ll pray things go well and the Lord sees fit to give you the answers you seek.”
Roslyn hugged her friend, then faced the door. She sucked in a deep breath and asked the Almighty for the strength to get through this meal.
Roderick glared at her as she entered the room. But to her relief, her brother refrained from commenting on her tardiness, and she had no intention of bringing it up.
“Good morning, brother. Good day, Lord Sinclair. I trust you slept well.” Roslyn bobbed a curtsy, but avoided eye contact with either of the men as she rounded the dais.
No sooner had she taken seat when her brother stood, her betrothed doing the same. Roslyn focused her gaze on the bowl of food in front of her, hoping they’d decide to leave. But her wish was not granted.
Instead, Sinclair hovered over her, coughed to clear his throat, then spoke. “Roderick and I have been talking about our union,” he informed her. “We agreed that if we are to be wed in a fortnight, it’s time we got to know each other better. Perhaps we could go for a walk, and you can show me around the bailey.”
She choked down a mouthful of porridge, the food hitting her stomach like a stone. It was bad enough she had to eat with the man. But the idea of being alone in the company of Gordon Sinclair made her skin crawl.
“I’m honored you’ve asked, Lord Sinclair.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth. “But—”
Roderick slammed a balled fist on the table, knocking over a tankard of ale in the process. He then glared at Roslyn. “Your betrothed has asked you to take a stroll with him,” he said through clenched teeth and, then leaned in closer so only she could hear his threat. “Refuse and you know the consequences.”
Quinn immediately entered her thoughts. If she refused to follow Roderick’s orders, her brother might make good on his threat to harm the lad. She couldn’t take that chance.
She stiffened and smiled up at Sinclair. “I’d be pleased to show you around, m’lord. If you’d like, we can go now.” She glanced down at her food, then pushed it away and rose. “I wasna hungry this morn.”
“Good,” Sinclair said. “I can think of no finer way to spend a morning than with a lovely woman. I’m looking forward to learning more about you. A lot more.”
His words cut through her like a blade. And given his snide grin, she’d swear he was up to something devious. The more time she spent with her future husband, the more she was convinced he was a no good swine like her brother. She faced Roderick. “Perhaps it would be possible for Fiona to join us
. It isna proper for a lady to be seen in the company of a gentlemen without an escort.”
“That willna be necessary.” Sinclair rounded the table and offered his hand. “We’re to marry soon, so it’s acceptable for us to be alone together.”
“Gordon is right. You dinna need an escort. If anyone has issue with it, they’ll answer to me.” Roderick waited until Gordon wasn’t looking, then he grabbed Roslyn’s arm. “Dinna do anything to insult Sinclair. Do I make myself clear?”
Roslyn yanked free of his grasp and rubbed her wrist. “I understand fully,” she hissed, then followed her betrothed out of the great hall, dreading every minute of their time alone together.
As they exited the castle, Sinclair placed his hand on the small of her back and ushered her down the stairs. His touch made her blood run cold and she wondered how on earth she’d ever wed the man, let alone bed him.
“You’re lovelier than your father described when he came to our castle two summers ago to make the arrangement for our union.” Sinclair slid his hand over her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “I may be a second son, but promise you’ll have many fine things.”
Roslyn brought a hand to her throat and stepped away when he nipped at her neck, widening the gap between them. “You flatter me, m’lord. But I’m sure a man like you could have any woman he wanted. Ladies who are much prettier and worldlier than I am.”
“Aye. I suppose that’s true.” He arrogantly brushed his knuckles across his chest. “But you were the lass chosen for me by my father, and I’m sure you will warm my bed nicely.”
Heat rose in her cheeks and she glanced away. But it was not the sort of flush a woman feels when she is near a man she loves. Instead it was an unsavory mix of embarrassment and repulsion.
“Is there somewhere in particular you would like to see in the village, m’lord?” Roslyn asked, hoping to change the subject.
