Page 4 of Stolen by the Rival Scot (Tartan Trails of Love #2)

CHAPTER FOUR

A s the evening of their second day of travel came upon them, Evelyn gazed out the window. She observed a row of small houses with thatched roofs They had arrived at the village where they would spend the night.

“I hope the beds are more comfortable in this one than the last one,” she sighed.

“I am sure they will be,” Caitlin offered with a wary smile. “And then tomorrow, we will be back at the castle, and ye will be safely back in yer own bed.”

Her maid had tried to lift Evelyn’s spirits on several occasions during the day but all her efforts had come to nought, for Evelyn could not be cheered up. Her uncle’s death still hung over her, not to mention the marriage she would be forced onto when they arrived back.

For most of the afternoon, those and many other thoughts had dragged her into some trance-like state of numbness. Well, when she had been given the chance to have her own thoughts. Once more, Edward had nearly driven her mad with his ridiculous inquisition.

When he had finally left her alone in her exasperation, Evelyn had vented. “The man is intolerable. He acts like a child.”

“I think he’s just trying tae get tae ken ye, Miss Evelyn,” Caitlin countered.

Evelyn stared at Caitlin in disbelief, but seeing her maid’s fearful expression, she had dropped her shoulders and shook her head.

“I’m sorry, Caitlin. I’m nae angry with ye.”

Her maid looked kindly at her. “I ken that, Miss Evelyn. Much is being asked o’ ye, and after ye only just lost yer uncle. I ken none o’ this is easy fer ye, but I dinnae think it is any easier fer Mr. MacGregor either.”

“Hmm,” Evelyn replied absently.

Maybe Caitlin was right, but Evelyn had enough to be dealing with, without having to nurse Edward’s feelings. He was a grown man, he could look after himself.

Once the carriage pulled to a stop outside the tavern, the carriage door opened. Edward stood there, holding out his hand with an amicable smile.

“Me lady.”

Even that inference annoyed her. “I’m nae a lady yet, much less yer lady,” she replied, taking his hand and stepping from the carriage.

Much to Evelyn’s surprise, he held his hand out for Caitlin too. The maid blushed as she allowed him to help her down the steps. That brought an ever so slight smile to Evelyn’s lips, which she immediately made an effort to hide.

“Our last night away from the castle,” Edward declared, throwing a hand toward the tavern. “Shall we?”

Edward and Craig dealt with the inn-keeper while Evelyn and Caitlin waited patiently to the side. This tavern looked just like the last they had stayed in, with white cob walls, and wooden beams above their heads.

A roaring fire blazed in the fireplace on the far wall, warming the patrons who sat drinking and eating. Intermittent bursts of laughter broke into the low hum of conversation. Evelyn could not recall the last time laughter had left her lips. It had been weeks now.

What did she have to be happy about?

Ye are alive. There is that.

Yes. There was that. And she ought to be grateful for it. But it still felt like a difficult task under the circumstances.

Edward approached, wielding a room key. “There ye are.” He placed it in her hand. “I have arranged an evening meal.”

“I dinnae think I can eat,” Evelyn replied.

She wasn’t trying to be awkward. She simply had no appetite.

“Ye should try tae eat something, Miss,” Caitlin offered.

Edward nodded. “I agree.”

“I’m nae hungry,” Evelyn countered.

Her future husband inclined his head. The soft gaze from his brown eyes conveyed concern, which was a first.

“We still have another day o’ travel tomorrow,” he said, his tone matching his expression. “Would ye nae try tae eat something, Evelyn?”

Beginning to feel uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Evelyn eventually nodded

“Good,” Edward smiled.

“But first,” Evelyn lifted the key, “I would like tae freshen up. Come, Caitlin.”

Stepping out of her way, Edward let her and Caitlin pass. Even with her back to him, Evelyn could feel Edward’s eyes boring into the back of her head as they left the dining room. When they reached the foot of the stairs, she turned to look back, and sure enough, the man was still gazing at her.

A little later on, Evelyn and Caitlin returned downstairs and joined the others. Edward was in full flow, speaking to one of the soldiers, but that did not stop him from standing as she reached the table. All the other men followed suit, and only after Evelyn and Caitlin had seated themselves, did the men return to their seats and continue their conversation.

Like she said she would, Evelyn managed a few bites and a glass of ale. Edward’s attention did not go unnoticed, yet she was grateful he didn’t make a big deal out of it in front of the others. In fact, apart from a few glances and a smile or two, he did not interact with her at all. He seemed far too busy discussing with Craig, the things he wanted to attend to when they returned to the castle.

When Evelyn had managed all she could, and Caitlin had finished her meal, Evelyn stood to excuse herself. Again, Edward immediately stood, and the rest of the table followed his lead.

“I bid ye goodnight, gentlemen,” Evelyn said, nodding to the men around her.

“Good night, Miss Campbell,” they replied, one after the other.

Edward inclined his head and smiled. “Good night, Evelyn.”

The final leg of the journey resumed the following morning. The bed had been more comfortable, and Evelyn felt a little more rested. But the nearer they ventured to her home, the tighter her stomach felt. This would likely be her last day of freedom, for tomorrow, she would be wed. To a man she hardly knew.

Of course, with marriage, came other expectations, like, children. Heirs who would take Edward’s place to continue the lairdship. The idea of sharing a bed with any man terrified her. But with a stranger? He would be her husband, but a stranger all the same.

“It will nae be long until we are home, Miss,” Caitlin said. “I am sure ye are eager tae return.”

With the conflict that battled within her, Evelyn hesitated with her reply. A part of her felt relieved that she would soon be back in the castle she had grown up in. But things were never going to be the same again.

Her carefree existence had died when her uncle had. Of course, she had had her fears when she had been betrothed to James. But this circumstance felt different. Perhaps it was the absence of her uncle. The fact that she would no longer have his warm presence to comfort her, or his fatherly arms to run into.

She was about to reply to Caitlin’s remark, when the sound of thudding hooves approaching caught her attention. A second later, Edward was beside the carriage.

“Ye will be delighted tae hear that we have nearly arrived, Evelyn,” he declared.

“Good,” she replied.

“Fer ye, maybe. But fer me ‘tis all new. I still hardly ken anything about ye.” A playful grin danced on his lips.

Evelyn sighed. “Och, nae again.”

“Why dae ye object tae such a thing?” He shrugged. “I find it strange that ye dinnae want us tae get tae ken each other. We are going tae be husband and wife.”

“Like I need tae be reminded,” Evelyn hissed.

“I dinnae ken yer favorite food, or what ye like tae dae tae entertain yersel’. I dinnae even ken yer age.”

Evelyn’s eyes flew wide at his impertinence. “And ye willnae discover it either,” she snapped, grabbing the curtains and yanking them closed.

Even her abrasive reaction did not dull his playful tone. “Och, I will, Evelyn. Just give me time. Ye ken, even when ye shut me out, I can still see ye in me mind’s eye. Ye may refuse tae let me see ye, but ye will soon realize, I’ll always be able tae find ye. Even in a crowded room.”

Evelyn took a sharp intake of breath at that remark. Thank goodness the curtains were closed, for she did not want him to see how his words had affected her. Across the carriage, Caitlin was smiling, her maid evidently impressed with Edward’s compliment.

“Dinnae let him fool ye, Caitlin. The man will say anything tae win me over and get inside me head.”

Caitlin shook her head. “Excuse me impertinence, Miss, but I dinnae think that’s true.”

Evelyn didn’t really believe the words she had spoken either, but she wasn’t willing to admit that. Not to Caitlin, not to anyone.

An hour later, the familiar sounds of the soldiers calling out from behind the castle gates danced into the carriage. Caitlin looked excited to be home, while Evelyn felt her stomach clenching in dread.

Once the gates were open, their entourage entered, the carriage coming to a stop outside the castle entrance. The door opened, and once more, Edward was there, his hand held out to assist her. Evelyn did not wait for Caitlin this time. She was eager to retreat to her bedchamber as soon as possible.

Hurrying through the large entrance doors, she hurried down the corridor, hearing the pattering of Caitlin’s feet running after her. Evelyn soon stopped in her tracks, however, for the Council stood waiting to greet her.

“Evelyn,” Michael, who had left MacGregor Castle after the negotiations, said with a warm but sad smile. “It is good tae have ye home.”

Michael Johnston was the oldest member of the Council. Warm and kind, he was always slow to react and eager to listen. He had been Alistair’s closest confidant and friend. No doubt, her uncle’s death had affected him more than most.

“Hello, Michael,” Evelyn said, taking hold of his two hands and squeezing them tightly. “It is good tae see ye again.”

“It is good tae have ye home, me dear. In these dire times, yer beautiful face is a welcome sight.”

“Thank ye, Michael.” Evelyn took a step back. “It has been a long journey. I am going tae retire tae me chamber fer a while.”

Michael shook his head at her words, and Evelyn found herself frowning at him.

“I’m afraid that isnae possible, me dear. By decree o’ Laird MacGregor, we must act quickly. It is with that in mind, that we have arranged the clergyman tae marry ye and Edward immediately.”

“I beg yer pardon?” Evelyn gasped.

She heard footsteps behind her, and turning, she watched Edward and Craig join the conversation. Michael repeated himself for Edward’s benefit, while Evelyn could only stand there dumbfounded.

“Surely, there ought tae be a celebration,” Evelyn countered. She could not put this off forever, but surely the wedding was not necessary immediately.

“And there will,” Michael replied. “Later.”

Edward stepped forward. “Very well then.”

After sending Caitlin to organize the luggage from the carriage, Evelyn joined Edward, Craig, Michael, and several other councilmen out of the castle. The chapel sat at the top of a small hill, a little distance away. While Michael and Edward conversed, Evelyn could only feel her stomach twisting into knots.

I am tae be a wife. I am tae be a wife tae a man I barely ken. I am then tae be the lady o’ the clan.

Had the circumstances been different, Evelyn might have experienced joy and excitement rather than fear and dread. But they were not. This was going to happen and she could do absolutely nothing to stop it.

It certainly wasn’t the way she had imagined her wedding. As a young lass, she, like any other young lass, had dreamed of a grand wedding with flowers and a great crowd. With happiness and family, and great celebration.

This somber walk to the chapel could not be more opposite. It felt as though she were walking towards her death rather than a new and exciting life. It was a death, of sorts. A death of her freedom, of the life she had lived before, of any dreams she had ever had.

Once inside the chapel, Evelyn stood with her hands clasped together. Perhaps she was trying to stop them from shaking. While she was clearly terrified, Edward seemed to show no emotion at all. Like it was completely normal for him to be marrying a woman he’d known for a handful of weeks.

The clergymen stood before them and, with a solemn gaze, he took them through the process. Evelyn heard the words, but none of what was happening seemed real. It felt as though she were watching it happen to her, rather than actually experiencing it. As though her soul had left her body and stood beside her as the ceremony proceeded. It all seemed to pass in a whirl, and no sooner had Evelyn said her vows, than the clergyman said, “Ye are now man and wife.”

Still, it did not feel real.

No one seemed to move, which confused Evelyn. They were married now. Should they not all be leaving. But then, Michael began speaking.

“And with that done,” he began, “there is yet another privilege tae bestow upon ye, Edward.”

Only then, did Evelyn realize what was going to happen next.

“We place in yer care, Lady Evelyn Campbell, the sole remaining heir o’ Clan Campbell. With that responsibility, comes another.” Taking Edward’s hand, Michael slipped the clan ring onto his finger. “This ring symbolizes the responsibility now bestowed upon ye. As Laird Campbell, we look tae ye tae lead and guide us. We trust ye will tak’ this mantle with humility, strength, and valor.”

“I tak’ this mantle with humility, strength, and valor,” Edward repeated solemnly. “It is me privilege tae serve Clan Campbell tae the best o’ me ability. A responsibility bestowed upon me that I will nae tak’ lightly.”

Evelyn watched on with sadness in her heart. The ring her uncle had worn for all the years she could remember, now sat on another man’s hand, a stranger’s.

Michael took Edward by the shoulders and smiled widely. “We welcome ye tae clan Campbell, Laird Campbell. We are honored tae have ye lead us.”

“The honor is mine,” Edward said, looking from one man to the other. “I swear tae honor me duties, and tae lead the Campbell clan with faith, truth, and loyalty.”

Michael smiled and nodded. “Let me be the first tae congratulate ye, me laird.”

Michael and Edward clasped their forearms together in a strong embrace. Afterward, the other councilmen did the same.

Michael then turned to Evelyn. “It brings us great joy tae welcome the two o’ ye. Laird and Lady Campbell.”

And then, it was over.

Evelyn was now married, and Clan Campbell now had a new laird. Just like that.

While the men continued congratulating each other, she could only stand watching on, as though none of it really affected her, as though she had played no part in it. She felt completely detached. Almost emotionless. It was a strange feeling she had never before experienced, a heavy numbness. And she knew that once it would pass, she would be forced to face everything she was currently repressing.

Once back at the castle, Edward took Evelyn aside. “I think we should talk, dinnae ye?”

But Evelyn shook her head. “I am exhausted after the long journey and will be retiring tae me bedchamber.”

By his expression, Edward seemed amused at her answer, like he didn’t believe her reasons for suddenly wanting to be anywhere else but beside him.

“I will join ye,” he replied.

Evelyn’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “Nay… ye cannae… I…”

“Actually, me laird,” Craig interjected. “A meeting has been arranged. The council members want tae speak tae ye as a matter o’ urgency.”

Edward turned to look at Craig as he spoke, giving Evelyn the ideal opportunity to hurry away. She had suffered his obnoxious attention for three days. Right now, she needed some time alone.