AllFreeNovel
Share Us
McKenna was studying him, obviously watching for a reaction. Gavin deliberately gave him none, though tossed the man a bone. “Grace is lovely.”
McKenna turned to him sharply. “But?”
“Pardon?”
McKenna made a low growl of displeasure. “There’s clearly more ye want to say. So say it. I’m a man who appreciates a direct and honest approach. I haven’t got the time or patience fer diplomacy.”
“Neither do I.” Gavin drew in a stiff breath, his face giving nothing away of his inner turmoil. McKenna was a man filled with Highland pride that could turn into rage at even the hint of an insult. “Grace is very young.”
“She’ll turn fifteen this winter.”
Gavin barely held back an exclamation of surprise. “She’s young enough to be my daughter.” He tried, yet failed to completely contain a shudder. “While I’ll make no judgments upon a man who chooses a child bride, I personally have no stomach for such a union.”
“Aye, I see yer point.” McKenna leaned close, his expression hardening, his eyes narrowing. “However, let me remind ye, they are far more pliable at this age. It takes less effort to mold them into what ye want, to teach them to serve and please ye exactly as ye desire.”
This time Gavin did shudder. If McKenna thought to entice him with this revelation, he was sorely mistaken. Nay, a child bride was the very last thing Gavin wanted. Give him a woman with intelligence and opinions and the courage to express them. Anything else was unacceptable.
“By chance, have ye any unwed sisters older than the fair Grace?” Gavin asked.
’Twas a calculated risk, for if there was another sister of marriageable age, Gavin knew he’d have to quickly find a reason that woman was unacceptable as a bride.
McKenna gave him a tight grin. “There’s one more McKenna female, but she is my youngest sister. I’ve promised Beatrice to the church, since Grace has left the nunnery. The abbey was counting on a dowry as well as the protection of the McKennas, should the need arise. They were so reasonable in releasing Grace, I cannae go back on my word to them.”
Gavin forced his expression into something he hoped was disappointment. Silently he wondered precisely how reasonable the young laird had been, but it didn’t matter. Both Grace and her young sister, Beatrice, were too young to become his bride. And the fiery Caitlyn, bless her heart, was off on an adventure with her French knight.
Relieved the visit was going to end without insult, Gavin sat back in his chair. He was trying to think of an easy way to reopen the discussion about supporting the king, when McKenna pushed back his chair and abruptly stood.
“We thank ye for yer hospitality, but ’tis best that we depart while there’s still daylight.”
McKenna glanced at the laird’s men. They hastily shoved the rest of their food into their mouths, and then quickly drained their tankards. Grace stared at her brother with watery eyes, but she rose to her feet, the determination in her spine strong. Gavin watched her closely, wondering if he had mistaken her character. She appeared to have more of the McKenna spirit inside her than first impressions revealed.
It was chaotic in the bailey as the large group made ready to leave. Grace gave Gavin a regal nod before mounting her horse, then waited as a group of soldiers protectively surrounded her.
Feeling the need to establish some camaraderie, Gavin clapped McKenna on the shoulder as he bid the man farewell. “The time for choosing a side in this conflict is fast approaching. I implore ye to search yer heart and support Robert’s just and righteous cause.”
“I promise ye that I shall think more seriously upon it.”
“Good.” Not precisely the answer Gavin hoped to receive, but it was better than an outright rejection.
“I confess it bodes well for the Bruce if he has men of yer ilk supporting him.” McKenna swung up on his horse. “Be sure to tell him I said that the next time ye see him.”
Gavin planned to return to his chamber the moment the McKenna clan departed, but castle business kept him busy until late in the evening. Taking the task of calling Fiona to the evening meal upon himself, Gavin took the stairs two at a time, only slowing his pace when he reached the chamber door.
He entered, surprised to discover the room was cloaked in darkness. He almost turned to leave, but the sound of a soft sigh from his bed let him know exactly where to find Fiona. Gavin went to her, feeling a quiver of anticipation roll through his entire body. After a tense afternoon with Laird McKenna and several hours of coping with various clan matters, time alone with her was all that he craved.
He sat gingerly on the side of the mattress and Fiona immediately stirred. She turned her head and opened her eyes, blinking several times before a smile lit her face.
“Have your unexpected guests gone?” Fiona asked, her voice groggy with sleep.
“Aye. They left a few hours ago.” Gavin leaned over and wrapped his arms around her waist, marveling at how natural and right it always felt to hold her in his arms.
“I heard no sounds of swords clashing below stairs. Does that mean all went well between you and the Highland laird?”
“Mostly.”
She reached up, gliding her fingers through his hair, a gesture he found equally comforting and arousing. What was it about her that drew him so strongly? That made him want to forsake his duty and instead fulfill his passion.
“You seem troubled, Gavin. Was there a problem?”
