Page 11 of Stolen by the Rival Scot (Tartan Trails of Love #2)

CHAPTER ELEVEN

U nbeknownst to Edward, Evelyn had made a firm decision about their sleeping arrangements the night before. He had taken her unawares when he had climbed into the bed beside her. Clearly, he saw nothing wrong with his actions. Nor was he willing to budge. That certainly was not the way she felt about it. What was she going to do? Attempt to lift the huge man onto the floor?

But as he had slept soundly, and she had remained awake, annoyed that he was beside her, Evelyn had come up with her own plan. It had been too late for her to do anything then, but that night she was going to be prepared. Edward had disappeared after supper, giving her ample opportunity to return to their bedchamber and arrange things. She refused to lie beside a stranger for a second night. Like she had already told him, they were married in name only.

Caitlin had brought more blankets at Evelyn’s request, but when her maid watched Evelyn positioning them on the floor, the young lass had looked confused.

“Me lady, what are ye doing? I thought the blankets were fer ye.”

“Indeed, they are nae.”

“Ye are going tae mak’ the laird sleep on the floor?” she gasped.

Evelyn had hitched an eyebrow. “Dinnae ye understand, Caitlin? I am being forced tae lie all night beside a man I dinnae ken.”

“But, he’s yer husband.”

“I dinnae care. It’s bad enough that I have tae share a room with him.”

Caitlin had looked at her for a long moment, clearly wondering whether she should speak her next words. Eventually, she came to a decision.

“Forgive me fer saying so, me lady, but surely, ye cannae expect the man tae sleep on the floor fer the rest o’ yer lives together.”

In truth, Evelyn hadn’t thought that far ahead. Of course, she couldn’t. And maybe, in a few weeks, when she had grown used to him, things would be different. But right now, she needed some distance between them.

Edward’s face was a picture of anger when he stepped into the room. Evelyn remained in the bed, where she had settled herself. At his protest, she gave him a determined stare. She could not back down. She would not.

“Och, come on, Evelyn. I have been riding all day. I am tired. Will ye nae tak’ pity on yer husband?”

Keeping her mouth clamped closed for fear she would elicit any sound of doubt, Evelyn shook her head.

“Even after I defended ye in the Council meeting?” he balked.

She frowned then. “What dae ye mean, defended me?”

Edward then went on to relay what had happened. And how he had challenged them on using her as pawn.

“It is clear tae me that there must have been a further deal, given there isnae any dowry. But I stood there and told them how sickened I was that there was even a possibility of such a plan. In fact,” his top lip curled upwards, “it disgusts me.”

She couldn’t help it. A warm feeling ruminated around her at the idea that he had defended her so valiantly. One had to be blind not to know that deep down, he was a good man. And yet, the conflict remained. A good man he might be, but he was only there because his brother had killed her uncle.

“Ye can beg all ye want,” Evelyn returned, “but ye willnae be sharing this bed.”

He gave her another long look, his eyes almost pleading. But his manipulation wasn’t going to work on her. She was determined this was the way it was going to be. At least for now.

Eventually, he heaved a sigh and turned away from her. “Fine.”

Relief washed through her. Admittedly, she had expected him to fight a little harder, but then, he also looked exhausted. Perhaps he just didn’t have it in him. Fearing he might recant and try again, Evelyn lay down against her pillow, pulled the blankets up around her, and tried to ignore the sounds of his movements around the room.

His boots clomped against the floor. Then she heard a heavy thud. That had to be him removing his sword. There was more scuffling for several moments, and then, things seemed to quieten.

Hardly able to help herself, she lifted her head and peered over the board at the foot of it. No longer could she see Edward, and thus, assumed that he was now lying down on the bedding she had organized.

Good. Perhaps tonight, I will get a better sleep.

“I enjoyed today,” Edward said, cutting into the silence. “Meeting those who mak’ this clan what is it was illuminating.”

She supposed she ought to reply. Maybe if she did so, he would settle and leave her in peace.

“Aye. They’re good people.”

“They are. And hard workers,” Edward added.

Evelyn remained silent for a moment. If she did not engage, there would be no conversation to be had.

“I could hardly believe the strength o’ Mr. Allan fer his age.”

She was beginning to lose her patience, but clenching her jaw, she squeezed her eyes shut in hope that those would be his last words.

“He’s a good man. I like him.”

“Och, fer the love o’ God,” Evelyn finally hissed. “Are ye planning on talking all night?”

He actually had the audacity to chuckle.

“Well, this floor isnae the most comfortable o’ places. I cannae fall asleep so easily. I might as well tak’ the opportunity tae talk tae me wife.”

“Well, I would like tae sleep.”

“O’ course, ye would,” he quipped back. “Ye’re lying on a soft mattress. Maybe we should change places, then ye’ll get yer peace and quiet.”

She could hear the smile in his voice. She also knew he was far too much of a gentleman to let her sleep on the floor. And thus, as frustrated as she was with him, she couldn’t help but smile at his wit.

“I think I’ll stay where I am, thank ye very much,” she replied, trying to hide her amusement.

“Aye,” he returned, “I thought ye might say that.”

Over the next couple of weeks, the castle bustled with preparations for the upcoming feast. Boar, pig, pheasant, and fowl were caught, butchered and prepared from the many who would arrive. Rooms were made ready, the castle was cleaned from top to bottom, and the gardens were tended to more than they had been in a long while. Evelyn had been involved in much of the decorations, with ivy and wreaths being hung, while Edward continued with his duties as laird.

It had taken Edward a week to finally convince Evelyn to let him sleep in their bed. She had conditions, of course. He had to remain clothed, as well as remain on his side of the mattress at all times.

“I’ll wear a suit o’ bloody armor if I have tae,” Edward had exclaimed, “but I need a decent night’s sleep.”

Of course, he did. Besides, like Caitlin had pointed out, she could hardly expect her husband to sleep on the floor forever. It was selfish and, if Evelyn was honest with herself, the ongoing arrangement had made her feel mean and cruel. She still refused to get dressed or undressed in front of him. It was for that reason she and Caitlin were currently alone in the bedchamber getting ready for the day ahead.

Caitlin was just finishing Evelyn’s hair when the door opened.

“Are ye nearly ready?” Edward asked after stepping into the room.

That was another thing that annoyed her about him. While he had agreed to give her privacy, he still refused to knock before entering.

He had told her plainly. “I am nae knocking on me own bedchamber door, Evelyn. I am laird o’ this clan. I refuse tae beg fer entry intae me own room.”

He had a point, and one she could hardly argue with. Still, she wasn’t happy about it.

Caitlin stepped aside while Evelyn stood from the dressing table. She was adorned in a light blue frock, the sleeves of which clung to her arms, and fell at the wrist.

“Aye. I am.”

Edward grazed his eyes over her. Something she had caught him doing on several occasions over the last few weeks.

“Good. Then we should mak’ our way downstairs. They’ll be here soon enough.”

Side by side, they made their way down the corridor and headed for the wide staircase. Evelyn was quieter than usual, something that Edward picked up on immediately.

“Are ye nervous?”

Evelyn shook her head. “Nay. Nae nervous.”

“Then what is it that troubles ye?” he asked.

She shook her head. “It doesnae matter. Ye wouldnae understand.”

“Try me,” he pressed.

They had now reached the top of the stairs. Grabbing the handrail, Evelyn made her way down, Edward still at her side. But she did not want to try him . He couldn’t possibly begin to understand how she felt. Instead, she remained silent as they continued.

It was only as they reached the bottom, that Edward said. “Evelyn, me family are going tae be here any minute. Will ye nae talk tae me?”

“Dae ye think I dinnae ken that? Why today, o’ all days, might I feel more reserved than usual?”

“I’m nae a fool. I kent me family arriving has ye worried.”

“I’m nae worried, Edward,” Evelyn retorted. “Nae three months ago, the last member o’ me family was slaughtered by yer braither. Am I just supposed tae forget?”

They were now nearing the entrance of the castle, and by the activity outside, a carriage had not long arrived. Edward stopped short of the doors and turned to her.

“I dinnae expect ye tae forget. But holding ontae a grudge isnae going tae be good either. This is us.” He gestured to the two of them. “Married. Man and wife. Taegether, whether ye like it or nae. We have tae mak’ the best o’ it. It would be easier fer everyone if ye tried tae mak’ them feel welcome.”

Angered at his insensitive remark, Evelyn bit back. “And why should I? Why should I mak’ the people who ruined me life feel welcome?”

“I thought it was me who ruined yer life. At least, that’s what ye’re always telling me.”

Glaring at him now, she nodded. “Aye. Ye’re right. It is ye that I hate the most.”

Surprisingly, Edward smirked back at her. “And the feelings are mutual, me love,” he mocked.

Evelyn was about to turn and walk toward the entrance of the castle to greet his family when Edward lifted a hand. She flinched in fear. Immediately, he stilled, his eyes wide open in surprise. For a second, they remained there, as though frozen in time.

Eventually, Edward continued, reaching his fingers toward her hair. Gently, he took hold of a strand that had escaped the clasps Caitlin had painstakingly arranged. No doubt, due to her aggressive head shaking as they had argued. And then he looked at her with such intensity, her stomach clenched.

“Ye have naething tae fear, little bird. I will never, ever lay a hand on ye tae hurt ye.”

Heat rushed to her face, though she was unsure why. Perhaps it had been the sensation of his fingers tenderly brushing against her skin. Or maybe it was the absoluteness of his promise that he would never hurt her. And that was the second time he had called her little bird . It was a strange expression, and one she had wondered about.

“We should go,” he said, cutting across her thoughts.

They walked outside, side by side, just as Freya, Morgana, and James stepped out of their carriage.

While Evelyn stood there feeling stiff and uncomfortable, Edward embraced his brother and his sister, and then bending, he kissed the back of Freya’s hand.

For a moment, there was an uncomfortable silence. Surprisingly, it was James who made the first move, and took several steps toward her. Taking her hands in his, he gazed down at her.

While he and Edward had inherited their father’s height, James did not share his brother’s broad physique. He had more tattoos though, and soft green eyes.

“I am truly sorry how things turned out, Lady Evelyn. None o’ us wanted it tae end the way it did. I ken ye blame me fer the death o’ yer uncle, and ye have every right. But under the circumstances, it was me life or his. That is the way it is in battle.”

He did sound remorseful. In fact, Evelyn was certain it was guilt she saw upon his face. Whether that had to do with killing her uncle, or something else, she could not know. In any case, after such a greeting and apology, it would be dreadfully bad-mannered if she did not, at least, acknowledge it.

“Thank ye. I ken I am a woman, and dinnae understand the battlefield like ye men. But nor am I so na?ve nae tae understand how quickly things happen, and the swift decisions that are forced upon ye.”

James nodded and stood to the side, allowing his sister to come forward.

Morgana smiled widely, her eyes dancing with delight.

“It is so good tae see ye again, Evelyn.”

“And it is good tae see ye,” Evelyn replied, embracing her.

Freya then approached. Her soft red hair framed her face, and as always, a calmness emanated from her. She took hold of Evelyn’s hands and smiled warmly.

“I too, am glad tae get tae see ye again, Evelyn.”

“Thank ye fer coming as well, it makes me happy tae see ye again,” Evelyn smiled, embracing her too.

“Well, let us nae stay out here. Come.” Edward waved them all inside.

Once inside the castle, several servants arrived. Edward took no time instructing them where to lead his newly-arrived relatives.

“They will tak’ ye tae ye rooms,” Edward declared to the three. “I’m sure ye’d like tae get settled in. I’ll also have yer bags sent up.”

As the women followed the servants who had begun leading them towards the staircase, James clapped Edward on the shoulder.

“This laird malarkey suits ye, braither. Look at ye.”

Edward gave his brother a lob-sided grin and joked, “Aye, it’s a piece o’ cake.”

Once more, Evelyn felt the conflict rise within her. Part of her could see the closeness of the brothers. It was, she supposed, endearing. Still, James had murdered her uncle. No matter how many times he apologized, nothing was going to change that.

Are ye really going tae hold ontae this fer the rest o’ yer life?

Maybe she was. Maybe she just didn’t know how to let it go.

Some hours later, Evelyn found herself in the library, trying to read a book. She was certain she had read the same page three times, but with everything that was about to occur, she simply could not concentrate. Besides, the real reason she was in the library had little to do with reading. She was keeping to herself so she didn’t have to interact with the others, mainly the brothers.

Making yet another attempt to read the page that lay open before her, Evelyn lifted her head when the library door opened.

“Och, there ye are,” Freya said, smiling as she walked into the large room.

Alistair Campbell had prided himself on garnering knowledge, and thus, the library had always been his pride and joy. The shelves stood from floor to ceiling, packed with books on every subject from geography to philosophy and everything in between.

Apart from several plush chairs positioned around the room for the readers comfort, there were also two high backed chairs beside the fire. One of which, Evelyn currently occupied.

Freya moved across the room toward Evelyn. “I hope I’m nae disturbing ye.”

“Nay,” Evelyn, shaking her head. “Will ye nae join me?” she said, nodding to the chair Freya stood beside.

Freya’s smile still remained, and nodding, she sat herself down. For a long moment, she looked at Evelyn, as though trying to figure something out. Then she said, “I’ll share a little secret with ye. Sometimes I hide out in the library too.”

Evelyn’s eyebrows hitched at Freya’s perceptiveness, which only made Freya grin wider.

“Sometimes we women need some time alone,” the lass continued,

“Aye. I agree,” Evelyn replied.

“So, tell me. How are things? How are ye settling in tae all o’ this?” She gestured widely.

There were many things Evelyn could say to that. I hate me life. I hate being here. I hate this entire circumstance. But something held her back from being so honest. Freya was married to her husband’s brother, and she did not want to say anything hurtful. Instead, she took a minute to decide how much she wanted to disclose.

“I have struggled since we returned,” she began. “There are days I dinnae ken how I’m supposed tae feel.” Which was true. “And it feels strange talking tae ye about it, considering ye are living what was supposed tae be me life.”

The lass gave one of her calming smiles and nodded. “I can understand that.”

It’s like she’s inside me head.

“But then, I am o’ the mind that things happen fer a reason. Reasons that neither o’ us understand.”

“Humph,” Evelyn snorted. “Fer a certainty, fer I still dinnae understand the reason I am here.”

Freya smiled knowingly. “Ye are here because James and I fell in love. Had we never met, ye would have married James, nae Edward, as was the arrangement between the clans. When he returned tae the castle, his heart simply wouldnae allow him tae be wed tae one when his heart belonged tae another.”

Evelyn nodded, and sighed.

“Dae ye ken how I met James?” Freya asked.

“The shipwreck. Did ye nae save his life?”

Freya nodded. “I did. He was washed up on shore. Had I nae found him, he would have died. I believe the gods sent me tae him, tae help him. But even after I found him, things were difficult between us. We faced many obstacles. But look at us now. A troublesome start daesnae mean that ye cannae have a good ending.”

“That’s easy fer ye tae say,” Evelyn countered. “Ye love James and he loves ye. Our circumstances are nae the same.”

“Granted, I ken that. But holding ontae resentment isnae going tae mak’ yer circumstances any easier. Perhaps ye could try and look at yer life from a different perspective.”

Evelyn sighed then. “I dinnae ken how.”

“Think o’ it like this. Yer life is like a book.” Freya nodded to the book still sitting on Evelyn’s lap. “Each day is a new page. Each change is a new chapter. This is now yer new chapter. The chapter can be filled with sadness and mourning, or it can be filled with hope fer what the future holds.”

The analogy was a good one, and Evelyn understood exactly what Freya was trying to convey.

“I have never had a sister, Evelyn,” Freya said with a soft smile. Reaching forward, she rested a hand on Evelyn’s knee. “Yer new chapter could be filled with new people. I would be delighted, as yer sister-in-law, tae be one o’ those people.”

Maybe Freya held magic within her, for something seemed to shift in Evelyn’s perspective. Since her uncle’s funeral, her disdain had taken everything over. It was hardly fair to the people that had not been involved in the battle.

“Ye’re right,” Evelyn replied with a nod. “There is naething tae divide us. And, in this new chapter, I think I could dae with some new people. People I am close tae. Like ye, I dinnae have any sisters either. It would be nice tae have another woman in me life tae rely on.”

Freya beamed with delight. “I am delighted tae hear ye say that. I ken Morgana feels exactly the same way.”

“Then perhaps the three o’ us could head out tomorrow and have a picnic near the loch. Leave the men tae their lording.”

“What a wonderful idea. We ought tae go and find Morgana and ask her.”

“That’s a good idea.”

And placing her book on the table beside her, Evelyn stood at the same time as Freya and the two left the library in search of Edward and James’ sister.