Page 6 of Stolen by the Rival Scot (Tartan Trails of Love #2)

CHAPTER SIX

E dward being called away was a blessing in disguise, and no sooner was his back turned, than Evelyn took her chance to escape. Caitlin was close on her heels, but Evelyn was moving so fast, her maid nearly had to run to keep up with her.

“The bags are on the way up tae yer new bedchamber, me lady,” she panted.

Evelyn felt strange hearing her maid use that title. She had balked against it so much over the last days, but she now realized she could do so no longer. She was, after all, Lady Campbell. Shaking her head, as though that might somehow clear it, she brought herself back to the matter at hand.

“Me new bedchamber?” Evelyn said.

Caitlin frowned. “Aye, me lady. Dae ye nae remember me telling ye on the journey?”

Evelyn shook her head. Clearly, her mind had been on other things, though she was still surprised that her having to move to an entirely different bedchamber had not stuck in her mind.

“Ye and the laird will now share a bedchamber,” Cailtin confirmed.

“I beg yer pardon?!”

That thought sent terror running through Evelyn’s veins. She would have to share a room with a man she did not even know. She had never been in a room with a man on her own in her life!

“What o’ me old chamber? What about all o’ me belongings?” Evelyn gasped.

“I have been assured that everything has been moved already, me lady,” Caitlin replied, her face betraying her own sorrow at the circumstances.

The two continued up the wide staircase, Evelyn’s mind now a muddle of despair.

What did I think was going tae happen? Why had I nae considered this earlier?

She had no answers to those questions, but she did wonder if it had something to do with the fact that she had been far too busy grieving her uncle’s death. That, and desperately trying to deny that she was being forced into a future not of her making.

They arrived at the bedchamber at the exact same time as the servants carrying her luggage. Once Evelyn was inside she fell against the closed door.

“How am I tae tolerate this?” she sighed.

Caitlin was already undoing the clasps that held the luggage closed, but at hearing her mistress’s words, she stopped and gazed across the room at her.

“Come now, me lady,” Caitlin said, moving toward her. Taking Evelyn by the arm, she guided her to the bed where the luggage had been placed. “Let me unpack. After that, I will organize a hot bath. A bath always makes everything better.”

Soon enough, there was only one bag remaining.

“I can finish this, Caitlin. I would be grateful if ye would organize the bath. I am weary, and feeling more than a little sorry fer meself. Ye are right, I think a bath would dae me the world o’ good.”

As Evelyn was still speaking, Caitlin made her way to the door.

“I will return shortly,” the maid said, before slipping through it.

Evelyn continued lifting things from the bag, one item at a time. Now Caitlin was gone, however, her mind began to whirl. The anger she had managed to suppress leaked out of her as she muttered to herself.

“And now, here I am, married tae a man I hardly ken. Married tae a man who thinks this whole situation is a joke. It’s all right fer him, he’s a man, and everything is always easier fer a man.

I am now expected tae be the doting wife. Me life will nay longer be me own. Every decision I mak’ will have tae go through him.” She shook her head. “Indeed, it willnae. I refuse. I am a person in me own right. I dinnae have tae ask his permission fer anything.”

She was about to open her mouth again, when the door behind her opened.

“Ye were quick. Is the water fer me bath hot already?” She continued folding the clothes. “I will be glad o’ it at any rate.”

“Is the bath fer the both o’ us?” Edward’s deep voice carried across the room.

Dropping the clothing she was holding, Evelyn gasped and spun around. Her mouth fell open in horror, for as much as she knew this was now their bedchamber, she had imagined she would not have to see him in it for a while yet.

“What are ye daeing in here?” she blurted.

He took a long breath in and closed the door behind him, mortifying Evelyn even more.

“I have had a long day, Evelyn. I need tae rest a while ‘afore dinner. Though I will admit,” he smirked, “a bath daes sound appealing.”

His audacity astounded her, and still reeling at his presence, Evelyn could feel herself becoming more and more flustered. Unable to control her emotions, she blurted, “If ye want tae rest, ye should dae it elsewhere.”

“This is our room, Evelyn. This is where I will be sleeping,” he replied firmly.

“Ye cannae possibly think that we’ll be sleeping in the same room,” Evelyn cried.

He gave her that same look. Perhaps he thought he looked calm. Instead, all she could see was condescension.

“It would be strange if we didnae, given that we’re married.”

But Evelyn was growing frustrated with his stance and snarling at him, she spat, “What is it that ye hope tae achieve with this behavior? Is ruining me life nae enough fer ye? Ye have tae rub me face in it as well?”

His brows furrowed then, as though confused by her questions. He raised his hands. “Evelyn,” he said, his tone now soft, “I am only here because I want tae rest. There isnae any hidden agenda. Surely, ye are tired too, after all our travelling.”

Of course, she was. She was just too stubborn to admit it. More than that, she was angry. Angry at the circumstances of her life. Angry at being forced to marry a man involved in her uncle’s murder. Angry that she had been used as a pawn to mend something that had been broken by decisions made by men. It was never the men that had to sacrifice, it was always the women. She was angry about everything in that moment, and Edward just happened to be the nearest person to vent on.

Slipping her hand into her pocket, she grabbed the small dagger she carried with her everywhere, and pulled it out for him to see.

“If ye’re going tae stay, ye should sleep with one eye open.”

He didn’t appear in the least bit fearful. In fact, he looked amused, which only fed her rage. With a smile dancing on his lips, he said, “And what exactly dae ye plan tae dae with it?”

“Ye shouldnae underestimate an angry woman.”

“Och, I dinnae,” he said genuinely. “But an angry woman shouldnae underestimate her new husband, either. That being said, ye now have me curious. Show me how ye would defend yersel’ if I were tae attack ye.”

Her eyes narrowed at his request, for a part of her assumed he was mocking her.

As though he could read her mind, he said, “I’m serious, Evelyn. I want tae see what skills ye have. If ye have any at all.”

The comment only angered her more, and immediately, she positioned herself into a fighting stance. With her elbow drawn back, she held the dagger at shoulder height and began circling him. Perhaps it was the angst of her face that seemed to rouse him, for Edward stood a little taller, readying himself.

She took a swift step forward, and, aiming for his chest, thrust her arm toward him. But a second later, Evelyn found herself completely disarmed and pulled in against his body.

“That was good,” he said, releasing her and nodding his encouragement. “Try again.”

Her mind flooded with several emotions. Surprise at the praise, anger at her failure to reach him, confusion at his calm tone, and determination to prove herself. Taking her stance again, she eyed another way through. This time, she side-stepped to try and take him off guard.

Once more, she found herself pressed against his taut body, his right arm wrapped high across her chest, while his left held onto the wrist that held the dagger. Evelyn felt both breathless and uncomfortable at their closeness, and pushed herself off him.

“Ye need tae aim a little lower,” Edward said. “Remember, ye’re a wee lass. Trying tae reach high is going tae tak’ yer power from ye. Look.”

Taking the dagger from her hand, he lowered himself by bending his knees. He was still nowhere near her height, but he made his point. “And then, ye thrust it intae the belly,” he said, propelling the dagger forward. Handing the dirk back to her, he nodded at it. “Try again.”

But the lesson was lost on her, for it felt more like a criticism than a teaching.

“Ye are making fun o’ me because I’m a lass,” she snarled.

His brows furrowed as he shook his head. “Nae at all, Evelyn. This is important. A woman ought tae be able tae defend hersel’. As yer husband, I will protect ye at all costs. Yet, there might be a time that I am nae there tae be able tae dae so. It will be left tae ye then. Come. Try again.”

His words left her a little speechless, and intrigued if truth be told, though she determined not to show him her surprise. It wasn’t just that his concern was genuine. But his words struck her.

As yer husband, I will protect ye at all costs.

So far, she had only considered all the negatives to her circumstances. She had been too consumed with them to think of anything else.

“Come on. I’m ready,” he pressed.

Once more, she launched at him, this time aiming a little lower as he had instructed. He still blocked her, grabbing both her hands and wrapping his arms around her. She felt the thud of his solid body against her back as he pulled her in tight. He held her there for a second too long.

Evelyn struggled against him, and only then, did he release her. Looking down at her with a sideways smile, he said, “Ye must try harder if ye truly plan tae kill me. At least I now ken that it’s safe fer me tae stay in our room.”

Evelyn’s rage returned, but in her anger, she found herself floundering to retort. Edward only smiled wider, and stepped past her towards the bed. He kicked off one boot and then the other. He was in the middle of removing his plaid when Evelyn found her voice.

“If ye must stay, I insist that ye remain fully clothed,” she demanded. As hard as she tried, she could not hide the fear from her voice.

Edward looked at her for a long moment, clearly considering her words. The tension built between them as she waited for him to argue, to tell her that he did not care a wit what she wanted, and that he would do as he damned well pleased.

After what seemed like forever, he eventually nodded. “Very well, Evelyn.”

While he removed the dagger from his sock, and the belt which held his sword, she could only look on in stunned astonishment at the ease with which he had agreed with her. Another dagger came from inside his clothing, but she dared not ask from whence it came. Finally, Edward settled himself on the bed.

Evelyn, already determined that she would not remain in the room with him under such circumstances, turned towards the door.

“Are ye nae going tae join me?” he mocked.

“Indeed, I am nae. Ye may enjoy yer rest while ye can get it. When I return, ye will be sleeping on the floor. I assure ye.”

With that, she hurried out of the bedchamber, slamming the door behind her. For a moment, she remained there, standing in the corridor, breathless and wondering how she was supposed to cope. Sooner or later, they would be forced to be together in every sense of the word. She was not ready for that, though.

That being said, she could not avoid being in his presence forever. Certainly, the castle was large enough to hide from him. But what would be the point? They were man and wife. Their union was the only thing keeping her clan from utter ruin. She had made this sacrifice for her people, no matter how awful it might be for her. Sooner or later, she would be expected to produce an heir.

The very thought of that sent a shudder through her entire body. She could hardly stand to be in the same room as the man. How could she possibly begin to imagine having his child?

Yer child.

Yes. Of course.

Our child.

“Me lady?” Caitlin’s questioning tone interrupted her wayward and terrifying thoughts.

Turning to look, Evelyn watched Caitlin approach. She was followed by two maids carrying pails of steaming water.

The maid looked more than confused. “Yer bath, me lady.”

Evelyn shook her head. “I have changed me mind.”

Watching the servant’s face fall, for the pails were heavy, Evelyn suddenly felt guilty. No doubt, the women did not relish having to carry them all the way back downstairs.

“But Laird Campbell will surely enjoy a bath.” And without thinking about it, she turned and opened the bedchamber door, bidding the servants entrance.

Evelyn did not wait to hear what Edward would say about it, and instead, beckoned Caitlin to follow her. “We have other things tae concern ourselves with.”

“Me lady?” Caitlin’s confused expression had not shifted.

Evelyn had to think on her feet, and then, an idea sprung to her mind. “The wedding feast,” she blurted. “Aye. We must prepare the wedding feast.”

“Are ye nae too tired, me lady? Would it nae be better fer ye tae rest a while first? The wedding feast isnae going tae be fer a month yet.”

Evelyn shook her head determinedly. “I am fine,” she lied. “Besides, there is lots tae plan. I might as well begin now.”

An hour or so later, Evelyn and Caitlin had penned a provisional guest list. Knowing who to add from her own clan had been simple enough. But no doubt, Edward would want friends and relatives invited. Without his input, the list remained unfinished.

“I will have tae ask him on the next occasion we speak.”

“Of course. Maybe this evening,” Caitlin replied.

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed, and Caitlin returned her gaze with hitched eyebrows.

“Will ye nae speak tae him even now?” she asked, clearly understanding Evelyn’s expression.

“I am just trying tae get used tae all of this, Caitlin,” Evelyn replied, throwing her hands about her. “That’s all.”

“Well, at least yer new husband is handsome.” Caitlin laughed. “Being married tae a man that turns heads wherever he goes cannae be that bad.”

“Handsome or nae, he is still a stranger tae me,” Evelyn said dismissively.

Duly reprimanded, Caitlin’s teasing smile fell from her face. Again, Evelyn felt guilty. Caitlin had been her maid for many years. They were, and always had been, close. It wasn’t fair that Evelyn was now treating her so poorly. Besides, she was right. Edward was indeed, handsome. Strikingly so. When he had pulled her into him earlier as she had attempted to stab him, her breathlessness had not just been from the efforts.

“Please, forgive me, Caitlin. I didnae mean tae snap.”

The maid smiled softly and shook her head. “Ye dinnae need tae apologize, me lady. A lot has been asked o’ ye. I ken it cannae be easy. One minute, ye’re marrying one braither, the next, ye’re marrying the other. And in-between times, ye’re suffering the grief o’ losing the laird, yer uncle. Ye have been dealt a heavy hand.”

“Still,” Evelyn replied, not allowing herself off the hook, “I should be more mindful o’ me words. We’ve been through far too much taegether. Besides,” Evelyn smiled at Caitlin kindly, “I feel like ye’re me only ally in all o’ this.”

It was sometime later, when Evelyn returned to the bedchamber. Caitlin had offered to return with her, but Evelyn had told her she would be fine, and thus ordered the lass to go and freshen herself up and get something to eat. Upon entering the room, Evelyn was a little surprised to discover that Edward was no longer there.

“Dinner is still some time away,” she said, talking aloud to herself. “Perhaps I ought tae tak’ this opportunity tae rest while I’m alone.”

And moving over to the bed, that’s exactly what Evelyn did. Laying her head on the pillow, she closed her eyes and fell asleep almost immediately.

It was an hour later, when Evelyn went looking for Edward. Clearly, he hadn’t returned to the bedchamber. Perhaps he had, noticed her sleeping, and had left her in peace.

That would be a first.

Still, dinner would soon be served. It would not do for her to arrive in the great hall alone. It was their first dinner as husband and wife. Even if the marriage was a forced affair, for no doubt word had spread throughout the castle by now, it would still be unseemly for them to arrive separately.

After searching the library, the great hall, the drawing room, all to no avail, Evelyn made her way to her uncle’s study. It was the only other place she imagined he might be. Upon entering the room, her suspicions were correct, for there sat Edward, behind her uncle’s desk, a pile of papers strewn before him.

“There ye are,” she said as she stepped further into the room.

“Here I am,” Edward replied. “Did ye enjoy yer sleep?”

His question took her off guard a little, but it confirmed what she imagined might have happened earlier. Clearly, he had gone into the room, saw her sleeping, and left her in peace.

“I did, thank ye.”

“I’m glad ye managed tae get some rest, Evelyn. It has been a long day fer ye.” His tone was even. In fact, he actually sounded concerned.

Ye shouldnae really be surprised. He’s been the same since we left the MacGregor’s lands. There hasnae been a time he hasnae had yer welfare in mind.

It was true. Admittedly, she hadn’t really given him the credit he deserved for that, but then, she was still struggling with her own feelings.

For a moment, a silence hung in the air, and she was unsure what to say. Edward watched her, waiting for her to speak.

“I have drafted a list o’ guests fer the wedding feast,” she began. “Only, the list is very one-sided. Perhaps ye could tak’ a look at it at some point.”

“O’ course. I assume, ye are talking about me family members.”

Evelyn shrugged. “Aye. And perhaps, friends, and extended family. Whomever ye desire tae celebrate with ye.”

“Ye mean us,” he said, hitching an eyebrow.

“Aye... us.”

Again, the conversation waned. And yet, she was completely stumped as to what she was to say next.

Her eye roved to the desk with the ledgers and piles of paper sitting upon it.

“Ye are eager tae start yer duties, I see.”

“Something like that,” Edward replied, though his tone had now shifted a little.

Taking a long look at her, he didn’t say anything for another minute. With a furrowed brow, he appeared to be making a decision.

“Something is bothering ye,” Evelyn concluded. But as those words left her mouth, something else seemed to fall into place, and she gasped. “Ye have found something in those papers that is bothering ye.”

Again, Edward gazed at her but did not speak.

“Tell me,” Evelyn pressed.

Her new husband took a long breath in, and then blew it out slowly.

“Ye’re nae going tae like what I have tae say,” he replied.

Evelyn stiffened then, as her defenses lifted. She knew he was going to tell her something about her uncle. Or maybe, about the clan. Something she was clearly not going to like. Folding her arms across her chest, she lifted her chin.

“Tell me,” She demanded.

Edward took another breath, and then nodded. “I’m discovering that yer uncle wasnae as honest as he portrayed himsel’ tae be.”

“I beg yer pardon?” she spat.

“Ye wanted the truth. I’m telling ye the truth,” Edward shrugged. “Yer uncle was dishonest.”

His reply angered her even further. “How dare ye speak o’ me uncle in such a way. Daes it mak’ ye feel better about yersel’? Talking wrongly about a man who is nae longer here tae defend himsel’?”

“I am nae speaking out o’ turn, Evelyn,” Edward said. “Yer uncle lied about the financial situation o’ this clan. Me faither would never have agreed tae a marriage union had he kent the truth.”

Evelyn’s brow furrowed as she stared at him, trying to decipher if he was indeed, telling her the truth, or trying to slander her uncle now in his grave.

“It’s this simple, Evelyn,” Edward said firmly “There’s nay dowry.”