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

CHAPTER TWO

E velyn Campbell sat gazing out at the pouring rain as it lashed against the windows. It was like the weather mirrored her heart, for she felt nothing but heavy sorrow now the tears had passed. There would be more, she knew that. But for now, she had released all she could.

Five days before, her uncle, Laird Alistair Campbell had been slain by James MacGregor. The man she had been betrothed to marry. The man who had broken the arranged union. The man whose family had completely upended her life.

Being given to another as a way for the clans to be united was a common practice. Still, it did not make her anymore delighted about the notion. But she knew it was her duty and she took some pride in helping her clan. Over the previous weeks, she had spent many a day trying to uplift herself and then bemoaning her circumstances. On the one hand, wondering how she could ever live and be married to a man she hardly knew, never mind, loved. On the other, knowing that it was the only way to keep her clan secure and praying she would someday come to care for him. At times she had felt hopeful, at others, sad and selfish.

Now, sadness didn’t even begin to describe the heavy, lethargic weight that seemed to smother her at every waking moment. And the selfishness had been replaced by anger that raged in the pit of her stomach. James MacGregor had not just turned her life upside-down. He had ruined her clan’s future and murdered her only living relative.

Now, she was all alone.

Staring mindlessly out the window, watching the droplets trickle down in rivulets, Evelyn was hardly aware of what was going on around her. She physically jumped when Caitlin, her maid, a pretty young lass with auburn hair framing a round face, placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Craig Ainsley is here tae see ye, Miss.”

Evelyn hadn’t even heard the knock at the door. Slowly, she stood from her chair. After straightening her dress and clutching her handkerchief tightly in her hand, she turned to face the councilman.

As much as he smiled at her, she could see the concern in his eyes. He had been a fine strategist for her uncle, and Alistair had always spoken well of him. But Evelyn knew he was also a fine warrior, as his muscular athletic frame showed.

“There is news, Lady Campbell?—”

She lifted a swift hand. “I am nae Lady Campbell yet, Craig. Dinnae bestow that title upon me until it is fitting tae dae so.”

Craig inclined his head apologetically. “Very well. But that is the very reason I am here. The Council members o’ both clans have agreed tae a peace treaty. They desire the previous alliance we shared with the MacGregor’s.”

Craig paused a beat, causing Evelyn to lift an eyebrow.

“And?” she pressed, knowing that she had something to do with this treaty, for surely, that was the reason Craig was in her chamber.

“They have decided ye will marry Edward MacGregor,” Craig replied.

“What?” Evelyn cried, her eyes flying wide. For a second, she could hardly speak as the shock washed over her. If one brother didn’t want her, they would just marry her off to the other. “Are they going tae just pass me ontae any man that has a heartbeat?”

“Miss Campbell,” Craig said, taking a tentative step forward.

“I cannae believe me clan has come tae this,” she spat, now pacing back and forth. “James MacGregor goes intae battle with our clan and murders me uncle, and I am just expected tae marry the man’s braither. Are me feelings nae considered at all? How am I supposed tae even look at him, let alone marry him?”

Craig wisely remained silent for a long moment while Evelyn, having turned her back to him, now glared out the window, trying to let the news sink in. The battering rain hammered even harder against the window pain. A little like her heart.

This cannae be happening. It just cannae.

“Miss Campbell, it’s the only way,” Craig said quietly behind her.

Evelyn stiffened at his words and his approach.

“Without the union, Clan Campbell will be nae more. Ye are the sole member o’ the family.”

“And whose fault is that?” she spat, spinning to glare at him.

Craig looked saddened and nodded. With his hands raised in supplication, he said, “I ken. And I truly am sorry. But what is done is done and cannae be undone. We have tae look tae the future now.”

“That’s easy fer ye tae say, ye’re a man. Ye’re life isnae used as a pawn tae make and break treaties.”

“I’ll leave ye now, fer I’m sure ye need some time.”

Evelyn did not reply, and instead, watched as Craig hurriedly retreated from the room.

But time would not solve this problem, she knew that very well. She had little time left as a free woman. She had already come to terms with James wanting to marry his true love, Freya, and Evelyn had told her she had no intention of interfering and ruining their happiness. She has said that there would be other suitors, and she had told Freya that she would convince her uncle to leave the castle. Which they had, but Alistair Campbell had been furious and he had taken his revenge by attacking Clan MacGregor. James had killed him, and despite Evelyn knowing that her uncle had been impetuous, and had thus paid for his fury and actions, he had still been her only family and had cared for her her whole life.

She did not know how to deal with the anger growing within her. She did not want to ruin the friendship that had blossomed with James’ sister Morgana and Freya, so she decided to direct all her rage and fear and unhappiness at James, and even more so at his brother Edward, whom she would now be forced to marry.

Three weeks later

Evelyn had mourned her uncle for three weeks. She as a young woman without family, so it was decided she would spend the mourning period in the home of her future husband. She had tried to put on a good face through it all, but she knew that now she would be allowed no more time. Apparently, the clan was eager for Evelyn and Edward to wed, and to that end, she and her betrothed had to return to Castle Campbell, as planned. It would be there that they would marry.

Since Craig’s visit that day, Evelyn had spent a lot of time alone. Cailtin, Morgana and Freya had made attempts to get her out for walks, telling her it would do her good to get some fresh air, but Evelyn had often refused. She had of course taken part in the celebration of James and Freya’s marriage and, whenever asked about her own betrothal, she had smiled graciously and behaved as was expected of her. She was a lady and had accepted her fate, but anger raged inside of her at the injustice of it all.

The day of their departure had arrived, and the carriage was laden with their luggage. At the top of the wide, stone staircase, however, Evelyn was surprised to look down and see Laird MacGregor waiting for her at the bottom of it, while Lady MacGregor stood several feet behind him. Evidently, the laird wanted to speak to her alone. Taking a steep breath in, she gracefully made her way down each step until she reached him.

“Me dear Miss Campbell,” the older man said, taking hold of Evelyn’s hand, much to her chagrin. “I truly am sorry that ye have suffered so greatly over these last few weeks. If I could tak’ it all away, I would.”

“I appreciate yer kindness and hospitality, but surely, it is yer son that ought tae be here giving me this apology,” Evelyn said, careful to keep her tone even. He was a laird after all.

He smiled down at her and nodded. “Perhaps. But I hope ye can accept mine. Our clans will soon be united, which makes me heart happy. Yer uncle and I had many years o’ peace.”

“What a pity it ended the way it did,” she replied in a clipped tone.

Seeing her demeanor, Laird MacGregor wisely brought their discussion to a close. “I look forward tae seeing ye in the coming months. I ken Edward will tak’ good care o’ ye and yer clan.”

After a polite but short farewell, Evelyn made her way out of the castle. It wouldn’t be the last time she would see Laird MacGregor, but she did feel some relief that she was finally going home to her own people. A place she would not have to hide in her bedchamber.

Caitlin hurried beside her as they crossed the courtyard, but voices caught Evelyn’s attention.

“Dae ye anticipate any trouble upon our arrival at Castle Campbell,” Edward said.

With a glance, Evelyn noticed her soon-to-be husband was talking to Craig. It was evident that the two men appeared quite amicable and agreeable.

When did those two get so close?

“I think ye only need tae worry about Miss Campbell,” Craig replied. He was trying to keep his tone low, but his voice echoed off the stone walls that surrounded them. “The councilmen have already agreed tae the treaty. Besides, there’s nae room fer opposition if they want the clan tae survive.”

Evelyn eventually arrived at her carriage and was just about to climb inside, when someone came running toward her.

“Evelyn,” Morgana cried, coming to a breathless stop beside her.

Evelyn had barely seen her over the previous three weeks, for she had chosen to remain in her bedchamber. Like her brothers, she was tall, with thick black hair, but her eyes were a striking ocean green. She was almost always happy and smiling. Now, however, she looked rather sad.

“I’m so sorry that we didnae get tae spend more time together, Evelyn, but I understand that ye have been devastated by yer loss. Perhaps we can see each other again soon, given that we’re family now.”

Evelyn had immediately liked Morgana when she first arrived at the castle, as James’ betrothed.

Struggling to control her feelings, Evelyn took a breath and said, “It was lovely tae get tae ken ye, Morgana and I shall miss ye, but so much has changed…”

Morgana looked hurt and that made Evelyn feel guilty. The could hardly be blamed for her brother’s actions so Evelyn squeezed her hand, although she could not bring herself to say more. Steeling herself, Morgana managed a small smile.

“Edward is a good man. It might go better fer the both o’ ye if ye were willing tae be more open with him.”

Evelyn clenched her jaw and tried to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

“Farewell, Morgana.”

And with those parting words, she grabbed the carriage door and climbed inside. Caitlin swiftly followed, and once the two were seated, Evelyn sat staring dead ahead of her. She hoped that if she did so, no one else would try to converse with her. She did not need any more advice or to hear words of how wonderful Edward MacGregor was.

Not long after that, however, a movement caught her eye, and she glanced across the courtyard. Edward was now seated upon his horse with Craig riding beside him, and the rest of the party following behind. Edward must have asked where she was, for Craig pointed directly at her.

Edward looked in the direction Craig pointed, and a second later, Evelyn and Edwards' eyes locked. He was now only a few feet away, and for fear he might begin talking to her, Evelyn quickly shifted back in her seat to break eye contact.

“Driver, it is time we left,” Evelyn called out loud enough for Edward to hear.

But she couldn’t help herself and peeked forward to make sure Edward was indeed, not going to approach any further. Just as the coach jolted forward, she watched Craig pat Edward on the back with a laugh. It made her angry to see a person she trusted befriending the man she could not bear to talk to, yet in a strange way it intrigued her, making her feel slightly more at ease. The young councilman was speaking, but they were just far enough away for Evelyn not to be able to hear his words.

As the carriage continued on, Evelyn gazed out of the window, looking up at the large gates that now stood wide open as they travelled through them.

If I have me way, I will nae return here, at least nae fer a long time. This place has caused me naething but pain and despair.

The gates loomed past, and eventually, the carriage passed the boundary of the castle walls. They were now on their way. Evelyn felt relief that she was going home, to see people she knew and loved. However, she could not rid her mind of what her future held. She might well be returning to her homeland, but once she arrived, she would be forced to marry Edward. Craig had been right earlier. It had been decreed, and thus, there was now little she could do about it.

Not half an hour had passed, when she heard the sound of thundering hooves approaching the carriage. Worried that something was wrong, she leaned forward to gaze out of the window, only to be startled by the sudden arrival of Edward.

“Are ye well, Miss Campbell?” he said. “Is the carriage comfortable?”

She could hardly believe her ears, and her eyes widened at his question. Was that the best he could do? Was he really so desperate to talk to her that he would ask her something so very mundane?

Almost offended at his lack of effort, Evelyn ignored his question and sat back in her seat. Caitlin appeared mortified at her mistress, for her mouth dropped open as she gawked at her.

“I’ll tak’ that as an aye, then,” Edward replied jovially, his tone unchanged.

He was choosing not to be offended at her rudeness, and instead, continued in his pursuit.

“Ye must be looking forward tae returning home,” he offered again.

“Is that a question or an assumption?” Evelyn snarled.

“Och, a woman of wit,” he quipped. “How delightful. ‘Tis a question,” he said, his tone betraying part surprise, part delight that she had bothered to answer him this time.

Evelyn had to bite her lip to stop herself from smirking. He was persistent, she would give him that, and not so easily put off.

Edwards’ voice danced into the carriage once more. “What is it that ye are looking forward tae when ye return?”

“Och, fer the love o’ all the gods,” Evelyn hissed.

Turning to the curtains beside her, she yanked them together, forming the best barrier possible between herself and the man who could not take a hint.

“Och, Evelyn. Now I cannae see ye.” His tone was laced with sarcasm, but still lighthearted.

Clearly he was entertaining Caitlin, for the maid pressed a hand against her mouth to stifle a giggle. Even Evelyn could not hide her smirk this time. But the smile faded as quickly as it had arrived. She would not let this man manipulate her. She could not. The anger of what had happened to her only remaining family member remained, and it was not likely to leave her at any time soon.

“Please, Miss Campbell. I cannae have a conversation with ye when I cannae see ye.”

“Please leave me in peace,” Evelyn snarled.

“Ye willnae open the drapes?” he pressed.

“I willnae,” she snapped. “And all yer begging willnae mak’ a difference.”

“Perhaps I ought tae ride with ye in the carriage then,” he quipped, the light mockery evident in his tone.

“Indeed, ye willnae,” Evelyn snapped.

“Aye. Probably nae a good idea. I’m certain ye’d throw yersel’ from it if I did. Just tae mak’ a point.”

Evelyn now rolled her eyes.

“We have several days tae travel. Please tell me ye’re nae going tae be like this all the way?”

“I might,” he replied. “Who kens? Ye are going tae be me wife. I’d like tae ken ye a little ‘afore we mak’ our vows.”

Evelyn clenched her jaw at that remark. “Over me dead body,” she whispered, causing Caitlin’s eyes to widen and the maid to gasp in shock.