The Age of Knights and Highlanders: A Series Starter Collection
Page 165
“I understand, milord.”
“Tis nothing against ye, Lady Helen.”
She smiled softly.
“Do ye like children?” Keely would need help with the bairns. And who better than her closest friend?
“I adore bairns,” she said sincerely. “New life is the promise of a new tomorrow.”
He liked her words very much. “Are ye hungry?”
She nodded.
“Wait here.” Alex walked down the short passageway that led to the kitchens.
The cook and maids were still working, but stopped as soon as they saw him.
“Laird Alex,” the cook asked. “Did ye bring news for us about Lady Keely?”
Jesus, he’d nearly forgotten to share the joyous news. They’d all stayed up late because they loved their mistress so much. How things had changed since she returned on that fateful day two and a half years ago. It had taken hard work to win the hearts of his people again, to earn their trust back. Alex had given her permission to reside over the women’s disputes every month, and she’d proven to be a fair judge. His household had never been more peaceful or efficiently run.
“Twins,” he said. “John Matthew, and Rebecca. Perfect in every way. Lady Keely is recovering—she’s a strong, lass.”
The cheers were endless, and one of the maids handed him a cup of ale.
“Thank ye,” he said, taking a much-needed drink. “There is a lady waiting in the great hall. She needs food and drink. Once she’s finished eating, take her to my ma’s chamber and give her whatever she needs.”
The maid curtsied. “Aye, milord.”
Alex offered his servants a last smile, then returned to the great hall and found Jamie waiting in the shadows. He was obviously transfixed by the golden beauty of Helen Sutherland and her black eyes.
“Jamie.” He tapped his cousin on the shoulder.
“W-who is she?”
“No one ye need to concern yerself with. She is but a ghost.”
“That woman is no spirit—she’s flesh and blood, the bonniest I’ve ever seen.”
Alex sighed. Damn his bad luck. “Helen Sutherland.”
Jamie’s eyes grew wide. “The Helen Sutherland?”
“The earl’s daughter, aye.”
“What is she doing here?”
“She asked for sanctuary, and I have granted it.’
“On what terms?”
“Her father made a betrothal she refuses to honor.”
Jamie shook his head. “Tis always the beauties that get sold off to the ugliest bastards in the Highlands.”
“She is welcome here for as long as she wishes to stay. Because she treated Keely with kindness and grace, I willna put her out. But ye…” Alex’s expression grew serious. “Are to stay away from her. She is under my protection now.”
Jamie cast a fleeting glance at Helen, then eyed Alex again. “Whatever ye say, Cousin.”
Instead of leaving through the front doors, he stalked down the corridor into the kitchens.
Alex knew Jamie wouldna stay away from Helen. For the last two years he’d tried to find a suitable wife for his cousin, but no one had captured his interest, until tonight. And that interest could cost his clan dearly. For once the Earl of Sutherland found out where his daughter was, the tentative peace they’d reached–after Alex returned his thief-of-a-bastard-son to him and explained how Struan had been robbing his noble guests on the road to Dunrobin–the treaty would be irrevocably broken.
So anything Alex could do to safeguard Helen should be done immediately.
He joined Helen by the hearth again. “I’ve arranged for food and yer room.”
“Thank ye for yer generosity,” she said.
“I will post guards outside the door to keep ye safe, Lady Helen. In case someone followed ye and wishes ye harm.”
Alex knew the lady could see through his lie. He had every intention of keeping her in that bedchamber to protect himself and his clan. “Good night,” Alex said, leaving her to return to his beloved wife.
Clan MacKay had enjoyed peace for two years, and he supposed it was time to shake things up again. He was always itching for a good fight. And just like Helen of Troy, Helen Sutherland had the face of an angel, the kind of beauty that could inspire men to kill each other.
That made him think of Jamie, again.
Aye, he must do whatever it took to keep him away from Helen Sutherland, so help him God.
The End
Highlands Forever Series
Unbreakable
Undeniable
Unyielding
About Violetta Rand
Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
Website:
www.violettarandromance.com