Page 37 of A Highlander's Vow

To remove the attention from herself, she said, “I ken we are lateto break our fast, but is it possible to get some food for us?”

“Of course. I ken Gregory will be training in the lists all day so he needs food. I will send in some porridge, oatcakes and ale for the two of ye to the great hall.”

“Thank ye,” Megan said and returned to the great hall where Gregory was waiting for her.

He was sitting at one of the tables with Daniel, the Mackenzie laird. From the short time she’d been at Castle Leod, she’d heard the story of how Beth Mackenzie had been thrown into the dungeon by a woman who’d wanted Daniel to marry her daughter instead.

Meanwhile Daniel had been frantically looking for Beth and had the entire castle searching as well.

It sounded like a very scary experience, but Beth was a sweet woman who welcomed her. Megan was very grateful for the lovely wedding Beth put together for her and Gregory.

“Good morning, Megan,” Daniel said. “I was just discussing yer husband’s role now that he’s a married man.”

She was quite surprised by the laird’s statement since Anthony would never speak with a woman about what he was planning.

Did the laird know it had been an understanding between her and Gregory that he was marrying her out of duty and once the deed was done, he would go his way and she would go hers? Had Gregory not told him?

She had definitely changed her mind since then, and the thought of Gregory riding off and being gone for weeks, or even months, brought a heavy feeling to her stomach.

Before Daniel spoke again, a lass from the kitchen walked up to them and placed food on the table for her and Gregory. As they ate, Daniel spoke.

“We have problems with our borders, which all clans have. Reivers are expected, but when it gets too out of hand, we have to send men there.”

Megan nodded as she ate, struggling to keep her food down as she waited for Daniel to tell her Gregory would be leaving soon to take care of this border problem. She braced herself for the news.

“Gregory will remain here. At least for a while, so he can see ye settled in. I hate to separate newly married couples, so for now my other second-in-command, Evan Mackenzie, will lead the men to the border.”

Tears immediately flooded her eyes. She blinked quickly so no one at the table would believe she was such a weak lass. She was shocked at the laird’s words. He would allow changes in his assignments to give them time together?

Anthony would never allow such a thing.

*

Even though Meganseemed quite surprised by Daniel’s words, he wasn’t. His cousin was a kind, caring man, but would deny such a title even if held to sword at his neck.

Despite their initial agreement to marry and go their own way, he was reluctant to leave Megan. He glanced over at his wife when Daniel spoke and saw the tension on her face until the laird told her of his plans.

Then she seemed quite relieved and even grinned after blinking away her tears.

He wasn’t sure what that meant, but since this was a new home for her, she was probably glad to have at least one person in the keep that she knew.

She knows Beth and Daniel.

He blew out a breath of annoyance. So then now she knew three people.

Beth turned to Megan. “I could use help here at the keep. ’Tis a big place and at the end of the day I never feel that I finished all my tasks.”

Megan nodded and swallowed her food. “Aye, my lady, I would love to help ye.”

Beth smiled and placed her hand over Megan’s. “Nay, lass, no ‘my lady,’ please call me Beth.”

“Aye. Thank ye, my lad…” Megan grinned.

Daniel turned to Gregory and stood. “When ye’re finished with yer meal, join me in my solar. Evan is at the list already, but I will summon him to join us.”

Beth nodded at them and hurried off in the direction of the kitchen after being summoned by a lass. As the laird strode off, Gregory pushed his plate away and looked at Megan. “Are ye happy to work with Beth? She is a verra nice lass.”

His wife smiled. “Aye. She is a wonderful woman. I am only too happy to help her.”

Gregory cupped her chin in his hand. “Are ye happy I’m staying, even though that goes against what we agreed on at the beginning?”

Megan nodded. “Aye. ’Twill be more comfortable until I can settle in.”

The redness that crawled up her face told him that might not be the only reason, but he wouldn’t embarrass her by suggesting that.

He stood and kissed her on the top of her head. “I am off to meet with the laird.”