Page 57 of Taken By the Highland Villain
Valerie turned to look at him, puzzled. “Why would ye be needin’ yer horse, My Laird?”
“Because I’m of a mind to accompany ye, and make sure that nothing untoward happens.”
The glare he shot Laird MacOlley made his meaning clear.
Laird MacOlley’s response indicated that he was aware of Jude’s meaning as well. “And why would ye need to accompany us? Are ye implying that I cannae protect my betrothed? And do ye truly intend to leave my sister undefended, even though she is yer guest? Truly, I didnae think ye would be so careless of her safety. I wouldnae have agreed for her to remain here, had I kenned that.”
Valerie’s breath caught in her throat. She wondered if Jude heard the double threat in the seemingly casual words.
If Jude comes with us, he’ll use the perceived insult to his skill to challenge Jude, and he’ll nae care if he kills or completely cripples him. He’ll also use the supposed neglect to send Ailsa back to her husband. And if what I suspect is true, he’ll be sure to tell Laird MacAllister about Craig. Like as nae, Craig and Ailsa both will be dead afore Jude can return… assumin’ he ever does.
I cannae let that happen.
She stepped forward between the two men. “There’s nay need for ye to join us, Laird MacFinn. I appreciate yer effort at courtesy, but I am certain that Laird MacOlley, as my intended, is more than capable of ensuring my safety.”
Jude stiffened. “Valerie…”
“Miss Blackwood would be more appropriate, My Laird.” She shook her head, offering him a soft, fond, and slightly melancholy smile. “It has been an honor to serve ye, and I have enjoyed my time here. However, it is time for it to end.”
“Ye… ye dinnae…”
Valerie turned away from him to face Laird MacOlley with what she hoped was a happy and grateful smile. “I thank ye forindulging my desire for a last adventure, My Laird, but ye are right. It is time I return home to my kinfolk and my duties.”
She could feel Jude’s outrage, his hurt, and his confusion, but she dared not turn around and face him. She knew that if she did, her resolve might falter, and she might return to him for help. And that, she was certain, would be every bit the mistake that her mother had warned her it would be.
She had shown her preference, offered herself to him, and he had remained steadfast in his decision. That he wished to protect her now was too little, too late.
She turned back to him long enough to bob a curtsey, head down to hide the aching grief in her eyes, then swept inside. Packing her bags took very little time, and by the time she had finished, both Craig and Moira had come to see her and wish her a safe journey.
Craig also handed her a pouch full of coins—payment for her services. Valerie took it and tucked it into her skirt, resolved to give it to Lily or Megan. She wanted none of it for herself, and had Jude been the one to give it to her, she might well have thrown it back in his face and attempted to break his nose with the weight.
She returned to the courtyard to find her horse beside Laird MacOlley’s, and Jude nowhere in sight. Her heart sank like a stone, but she forced a faint smile on her face. “Are ye ready to return to MacKane Castle, My Laird?”
“Of course. I have been waiting for such a long time, after all.” Laird MacOlley offered her a smile she knew was as false as her own, though for different reasons. “It appears that Laird MacFinn has chosen nae to see us off.”
“That is his choice, My Laird. And perhaps it is his normal behavior, for he didnae greet me all that warmly either.” Valerie gave a stiff, nonchalant shrug and nudged her horse into a slow walk toward the gates. “In any case, I am anxious to see my sisters, My Laird.”
“And I am anxious to speak to yer braither-in-law.” The oily smile he gave her made her stomach lurch.
“As ye say.”
They left the castle with no fanfare and no sign of Jude, though Valerie spotted Craig and Lady Ailsa nearby, both watching her with worried expressions. She could not help but take one last look at the walls of the place that had been her sanctuary for the past seven days, but then she turned and squared her shoulders, ready to go home.
She couldn’t afford to dwell on the past or unfulfilled, hopeless desires and dreams. Her fate was what it was, and it was better to do what she could to survive it.
CHAPTER 25
Lily tookone look at Valerie’s face when she arrived and pulled her immediately into the small suite that had been given to the sisters while they were visiting Brigid. Ten minutes later, Brigid joined them, her expression slightly pinched with worry.
“Lily said ye werenae doin’ well.”
“I’m all right.” Valerie tried to force a smile on her face, but it faded the moment she saw her sisters’ expressions. “It is… It isnae because of Laird MacOlley.”
“Then what is it?” Lily sat beside her and took her hands. “I thought it was a good thing when ye went off to Laird MacFinn’s lands and left a message that ye’d be working as his seamstress. I thought ye’d found a way out of yer troubles.”
“I wasnae seekin’ a way out of my situation. I just wanted some space to think, breathe, and try to find a way to escape. But I kenned it was impossible when I saw him in the market on mysecond day at MacFinn Castle.” Valerie shivered. “I kenned then he’ll follow me wherever I go.”
“Then what happened? Ye look far too pale and upset, and if it wasnae Laird MacOlley… Was Laird MacFinn that much of a beast to ye?” Megan scowled. “If he was, then I’ll drive an arrow in his guts—ye just tell me what ye need.”