Page 48 of Bride Takes a Laird
He wasn’t about to listen now. Kendra disliked that he was angry with her but there was probably nothing she could do to make it right or make the hurt recede. The damage was done.
Linet entered the chamber and held a basket of laundry in her hands. She set down the basket and crossed the chamber. “Good morn, Kendra. It’s a beautiful day outside. I was thinking of going… Oh, no, what is wrong?” She pulled her into an embrace. “Your face tells me that something troubles you. You look brokenhearted.”
Kendra couldn’t hold back the sob that escaped her. “Iambrokenhearted.” She quickly explained what happened between her and Magnus. “He is rather angry.”
“Fret not. Men often make such a fuss about things they should be doing, and yet, it sometimes takes them forever to handle the tasks.Mama always nags my da to do things but he usually drags his feet. Once Laird Cameron realizes how fortunate he is that you aided him, he shall forgive you.”
She snorted a laugh. “I doubt very much that will happen.”
“You need to get out of the keep this day. I was going to suggest that we visit your da and John. We could go to the loch and perhaps take a swim for it is going to be a warm day.”
Kendra decided she needed to get out of the keep and away from Magnus, at least until his temper cooled. She helped Linet tidy the chamber and they left the fief. On the way to her father’s cottage, she tried not to think of Magnus and his abruptness. When he calmed, she would explain and hoped he’d understand that she hadn’t meant to overstep but only to relieve him of the plight. Somehow she would gain his forgiveness.
“I wanted to speak to you about something…” Linet slowed her pace, linked her arm to hers, and kept her gaze ahead. “I know not how to brooch this with you so I shall just say it… I married John.”
Kendra gasped and tightened the hold of her arm to stop her from walking ahead. “You what!? When did this happen?”
Linet lowered her chin. “At the Roodmas celebration. We did so in secret and professed our vows to each other since there is no clergyman here. I am sorry that I kept it from you. It’s just we wanted a private ceremony…”
She understood. “You have cared for John for such a long time, since you were a young lass. I wondered when you would admit it to him. I am happy for you, Linet, and for John. This is wonderful news.” Kendra pulled her into a congratulatory embrace and hugged her tightly.
Linet pulled back. “You might not think so when I tell you that we intend to return to your father’s lands when he goes home. John has family close by and he only came because Lord Graham needed him. But he wants us to live there and I must go with him.”
“You shall leave me. That’s what you’re saying. As much as that saddens me, your life is with your husband. I understand. Oh, this is especially pleasing news. I am gladdened to know that you married for love. How I wish I had.” Kendra reasoned that her marriage was more contractual given the king gave her hand to Magnus. Still, she’d hoped marriage to Magnus would bring them close and perhaps even to love one another eventually.
How wrong she had been because Magnus loved his clan and had no room for her in his heart. Such a feat seemed impossible now. The woebegone nature sat afoul in her stomach and she didn’t want to appear forlorn in front of her dear friend. Despair threatened to make her weep or bend over sobbing at the hopelessness of it. She shook it away and tried to appear happy for Linet.
With a renewed spirit, she smiled. “Now, come along, and tell me what plans you have made. You must be excited to begin your life together.” She linked arms with Linet again and they ambled forward.
Linet rambled on about her future, but Kendra’s mind retreated and she barely heard a word she said. On the approach to her father’s cottage, she spotted him outside. He stood next to Laird Hugh and they seemed to be readying to go fishing. Kendra placed a smile on her face and hoped her father recognized her. With all the sadness of the day, she didn’t want to be overlooked by the one man who truly cared for her.
“Ah, lass, you are here. We’re off to do a spot of fishing,” he said, greeting her with a welcoming grin, and her heart soared.
“Good morn, Papa. Do you mind if Linet and I join you?”
“Of course not. ’Tis a fine day for fishing and mayhap a dip in the water for it will soon be warm enough.”
She nodded. “I thought the same. Let us go onward then.” Kendra unlinked her arm from Linet’s and stepped next to her father.
Linet sidled next to John and smiled at him. John’s face neared her friend’s and he almost pressed his lips to her cheek. Instead, he spokelow in Linet’s ear. Kendra couldn’t hear what he’d said and whatever it was, made her friend blush sweetly and nod. They made off toward the trees that surrounded the loch.
“John, I must offer my good tidings on your marriage. I am very pleased for both of you.”
The soldier’s face brightened and he dipped his chin. “My thanks, Milady.”
They trudged through the trees and made their way toward the water. Kendra loved the scents of nature as they neared the loch. There was the freshness of the water, the pine odor of the tall trees, and the balance of soil that seemed to penetrate her senses. Being there relaxed her and she let herself forget her troubles of the morning.
Laird Hugh set a blanket on the ground. She and Linet sat upon it while the men tossed their lines into the water. John held a sharpened spear and stepped into the water until it reached his knees. He stood still and waited for the fish to come to him.
While they sat there waiting for the fish to bite, Kendra wished she’d grabbed something to eat before she left the fief. Her stomach rumbled and caught Laird Hugh’s notice.
“Ochye be hungry, lass? Is that your hunger growling?” He chortled.
Kendra’s face pitched from embarrassment. “I was in a rush this morn and didn’t eat anything.” Her stomach grumbled again. “That must be why my stomach is upset.”
“Oh, I have some sweetened bread Mistress Ellen gave me this morn. Ye are welcome to it.” He pulled out a cloth-wrapped loaf and handed it to her.
“You are a saving grace, Laird Hugh. My thanks.” Kendra pulled a piece of the bread from the loaf and ate it. Her father yanked at his line and was quiet. “Papa, how are you this day? Feeling well?” She wondered if he was clear-headed or if he was inside himself. He seemed to be well and at least had recognized her when sheapproached him earlier.