Page 37 of Taken By the Highland Villain
Jude growled under his breath. He’d forgotten about the message that Craig had delivered to her over the morning meal two days ago.
A part of him was tempted to say he’d changed his mind or invent some excuse as to why she needed to stay. Another part whispered that a day apart would give them both a chance to cool their passion and think about their relationship—or whether therewasanything between them other than a moment of shared passion—more clearly.
Och, and here I am thinkin’ she’ll let me decide the matter for her. Did she nae make it clear yesterday how little she appreciates men doin’ such things? Besides, it is nae as if I have any real reason to keep her from visitin’ Clan MacAllister. We’re nae allies, but neither are we formal enemies or feudin’.
Jude took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “There’s nothing I need, save for ye to keep the lass safe and make sure she returns on time. She only has seven to ten days here, after all, and a fair amount of work remains to be done, from what I ken.”
Craig raised an eyebrow. “Och, I ken ye’d suggested a seven-day trial, but when did it change to a ten-day trial? And why do ye speak as if ye’re certain she’ll be leaving as soon as the trial period is over?”
Jude scowled. “Never ye mind about that. ‘Tis the decision I made. Can ye make sure that she’s back on time or nae?”
Craig nodded. “Aye, I can do that, My Laird. I’ll have her back afore the gates close tonight, or send a messenger ahead if there’s trouble.”
“Good.” Jude stretched a little, pacing his room as he thought.
On the one hand, he had no desire to watch Valerie leave his castle. On the other hand, having her leave without saying farewell seemed churlish. Then again, if he couldn’t even let her go visit a neighboring clan, how then would he manage to let her go when the trial period was over?
I could ask her to stay, to be my official seamstress. Mayhap even…
Jude bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood, determined to stop the wayward thought that tried to sneak into his mind.
Nay. It is nae fair to ask her to stay as a seamstress, with both of us kenning I’d want more than just clothing mended. Sooner or later, what happened in the gallery would happen again. And it is nae fair, nor honorable, to ask her to stay as my lover, when I ken I’ll never offer her more or do right by her.
The fact that I’m even thinkin’ such thoughts…
He turned back to Craig. “Afore ye go and break yer fast, please stop by the kitchens and tell Moira that I’ll be taking my mid-seven day ride early today, and ask her to pack me somethin’ to eat later.”
He was tempted to scold Moira for her machinations, but he knew from experience that it would do little good. The older woman had taken the role of a mother-figure after his mother perished, and they both knew he hadn’t the heart to dismiss her. Besides, he knew exactly what she would say if he confronted her.
“I only want what is best for ye, My Laird. Mayhap I ammeddlin, but can ye really say the results werenae worth the trouble?”
Then she’d give me a raised eyebrow—or that look, the one every maither seems to ken—and I’d feel like a lad caught stealin’ honey cakes again.
Jude banished the thought with a huff of annoyance and turned his attention back to Craig. “Tell Moira I’ll be leavin’ within half an hour.”
“Aye, as ye wish. But, are ye nae stayin’ to see Miss Blackwood off?” Craig raised an eyebrow.
Jude forced himself to turn away with a shrug. “Why should I? She’ll be back soon enough.” He waved a hand in dismissal. “I’ll be ready to ride within the hour or less, so ye’d better hurry and speak to Moira. Besides, we both ken that Miss Blackwood is an early riser, and she’ll likely be ready to go as well.”
He could feel Craig’s questioning gaze on his back, but he forced himself to ignore it.
Finally, Craig spoke. “As ye will, My Laird.”
Seconds later, the door clicked shut, and Jude was free to lean against the fireplace and close his eyes.
I ken I’m doin’ the right thing—I’m certain of it. But by God, I wish it werenae so difficult!
Jude hadn’t come down for the morning meal. Valerie noted his empty chair with a pang of regretandrelief. After their encounter yesterday, she wasn’t sure she could face him again—not without some time to think about the emotions that simmered between them like one of Lily’s cauldrons.
Craig met her at the front doors with two saddled horses as soon as she finished eating—porridge with cream and honey, as well as a fruit tart and strong tea. “The Laird asked me to accompany ye.”
Hope leapt in Valerie’s heart, and despite her best efforts, she couldn’t help scanning the courtyard for a sign of Jude. Although there were plenty of dark-haired, broad-shouldered warriors, the Laird of Clan MacFinn was nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank in disappointment.
Dinnae be foolish. He’s nae obligated to see me off—and why should he, in any case? Despite what happened in the gallery, I’m only his seamstress… and that’s temporary, as he’s reminded me afore.
“If ye’re lookin’ for the Laird, he goes out riding along the borders once every seven days. He usually leaves early in the day.” Craig’s soft voice startled her out of her thoughts.
She flushed and moved to mount her horse, embarrassed at having been caught. “Why would I be lookin’ for the Laird? It isnae as if there’s aught between us.”