Page 54 of Never Fall for a Highlander

Helena stomped into the kitchen with the intention of helping get the evening meal served, but instead she passed through the busy room and left the keep through the back door to the garden.

She had no idea what Robin’s thoughts were in coming here.He was due at the Clyth Castle in about two days to marry the woman he agreed to wed.Betrothal agreements were not easily broken and, in some cases, led to war.

As she strolled the garden, brushing her fingertips over the vegetable leaves and inhaling the last of the summer flowers, she tried to gain control of her emotions.She feared she was still numb from Robin’s appearance and announcement.Her well-protected heart refused to believe that he intended to marry her.

Then why travel all this way?

Even if he was serious, how could he dismiss the betrothal?Shouldn’t he be back at Dun Ugadale preparing for battle?

Her wanderings brought her to the back of the garden.She rested her forearms at the top of the brick wall surrounding the area and looked out over the mountains and the deep blue waters of the loch in the distance.This had been her home since the age of eight years.But it no longer felt like home.

Jena wasn’t here, Aunt Dorathia no longer needed her, and Ainslee, the laird’s wife did such an excellent job of running the keep there really was no place for her here.She sighed just as she heard footsteps.

Ainslee walked up to the wall, balancing one of her bairns on her hip.She and the laird had so many, Helena was not sure who this one was.Fresh tears on his little face and the sweet treat in his hand told a story.

“The Laird of Mackay just arrived.”

Helena shrugged.

“He asked to speak to my husband.”

When Helena didn’t respond, Ainslee said.“Do ye have any idea why he is here and asking to speak to the laird?”

Apparently, her lack of response was not going to dissuade Ainslee from asking questions.“He said he wants to marry me.”

Ainslee shifted the bairn to the other hip and looked at Helena.After a few moments, she said, “Why didn’t he ask ye to marry him while ye were at Dun Ugadale?”

She might as well speak to Ainslee about the matter.She hadn’t told anyone since she’d arrived back.Jena had been her confidante, and Aunt Dorathia had as well.However she was so busy supervising the new healers that Helena didn’t find a moment that her aunt wasn’t either trailing behind the lasses or resting from the trying days.

“Because he was betrothed.”

“Ah.”No shocked expression came from the lady of the manor, but considering Ainslee had the nerve to switch places with her twin sister at their wedding, marrying the laird in Elsbeth’s stead, this minor matter probably didn’t mean that much to her.

“Did ye accept?Is that why he’s visiting Haydon now?”

Helena shook her head but continued to stare out at the beautiful scene.At one time just the scenery around Dornoch Castle pleased her and raised her spirits.

Not today.

“Do ye love him?”

Well, then.Ainslee didn’t believe in subtlety.How to answer that question?Her body ached for him.She felt lost without him nearby.Enjoyed the comfort of his strong arms.

She dreamed about joining him in bed as husband and wife.She longed to raise a family with him, watch for his smile, and comfort him when he felt overcome with duties.

Was that love?

“Aye.I love him.”

“Then can ye tell me why ye are standing here staring out at the mountains while the mon ye love is inside speaking with my husband if he doesna have yer acceptance of his offer?”

Helena turned, leaned against the wall and crossed her arms under her breasts.“I doona ken.”

“Well, at least ye have a good reason.”

The bairn stuffed the last of his treat into his mouth and smiled at his mam, crumbs lining his chin and dropping onto the ground.

She brushed the crumbs off her dress as the wee lad laid his head on his mam’s shoulder and closed his eyes, his chubby little fist in his mouth.In less than a minute, he was fast asleep.