Page 72 of Fearless Heart
Chapter Twenty-Two
Heath drew Lillia into the entrance hallway and kissed her. There were several reasons for his abrupt passion. One, to assure her that he desired her; two, to allay any fears she had about their present company; and three, because he damned well wanted to.
Their kiss turned more torrid than he expected. God how he missed her touch, her body, her seductive lure. If he had any sense, he’d carry her off to their bed and spend the night in pleasure. It was a far better state than spending the night speaking politics.
Heath pulled back and gazed at her closed eyes. “You’re tired. Our chamber is the third door on the right. I will send food. You haven’t eaten all day and must be famished.” He kissed her cheek and gently shoved her toward the steps.
“I shall get rest, but you will come to bed this night? We need to talk about—”
“I am unsure, Sweetness, how long my discussion with MacKintosh will take. Rest assured we will talk, but it may need to await the morrow. Might you be patient until then?”
“I shall expect you no later than the early morning hours.”
He waited at the bottom of the stairs until she made her ascent and directed a servant to take food to her. Heath entered the great hall and signaled to his clansmen: John and Lagan.
“Begin the clearance. Only Laird MacKintosh, my Da, and Laird Hunter should remain. And of course you should join the meeting.” His clansmen set out to shuffle the unwanted from the hall. He approached Osgar MacKintosh. “We will begin our meeting shortly. My mother has prepared a chamber for you and your wife, should you wish to spend the night in our keep.”
“Aye, your kindness is appreciated. I shall see my wife settled and return.”
Heath inclined his head at Angus as he stomped forward. “I am pleased we settled the betrothal situation to our accord. Be well, Angus.”
The burly man clapped his shoulder and almost sent him back a step with his strength. “Och, and the best to you and the wee bride. May she give ye many a fine son.”
He should’ve let well enough alone, but Heath called him back. “Angus, I wanted to say something to you out of friendship. I ken you want a wife, but you’ll get none if you persist in not washing. Good God, my man, you stink to high heaven. Why do you not bathe?” For a brief moment, Heath was certain the unruly man would pound him into the floorboards, but then a gleam came to his comrade’s eye.
“Och I never learned how to swim.”
Confused by his retort, Heath understood after rationalizing it for a moment. “You do know that you don’t need to swim to bathe?”
“What say you? I don’t? My comrades tell me I must and they’re always out in the deep water, which is why I never enter the loch.”
Heath grinned. “All ye need to do is sit your arse in the water by the bank and use your hand to rinse yourself. Oh, and ye might want to use a wee bit of soap to wash away the grime.”
Angus scowled, but nodded. “Mayhap a lot of bit of soap. I shall try this on the journey home.”
“Good fortune to you, Angus.” He grinned, knowing he did the right thing. His smile waned when he got a whiff of the man’s stench which remained for a bit after his departure.
The Sinclairs left and the hall quieted. Heath nodded to Laird Hunter as he stepped forward. “You are welcome to join us for the meeting with Laird MacKintosh. Your clan sits between us and I’m sure our negotiation for peace is of interest.”
“That it is. I will sit with your father so I might tell him the goings on.”
His da slapped his knee and hooted in laughter. “Oh but Aylmer professes to be my eyes. Go, son, and see to the truce.”
Hunter stopped him from leaving when he said, “Your brother comes.”
He turned and expected to find Roderick, but saw his Uncle Andrew approach with heavy steps. Hunter must’ve meant that remark towards his da. If his uncle wanted to attend the meeting, he wouldn’t gainsay him, but if he interfered …
Heath sat at the table and poured himself a half of cup of ale. He only wanted to wet his throat, not to imbibe. With the coming speeches, he needed his wit about him. MacKintosh joined him with two of his comrades.
John and Lagan entered the hall and all parties to the treaty were finally present.
“Laird, all is secure. The sentry was doubled for the night and the walls well protected,” Lagan said.
He nodded. “I thank you Laird MacKintosh for considering the truce. There’s been too much warring betwixt our clans and it needs to cease if we’re to prosper.”
MacKintosh leaned forward. “I have considered your proposal and we will accept a union. One from each clan to wed and join us in an alliance. ‘Tis justified since your father stole one of our women.”
He shot a quick glance at his father. “Da, do you have something to say?”