Page 19 of Deception

Lyel met her gaze squarely. “Are ye in love with someone else, lass?”

She shook her head. “Nae, but love has nothing to do at this.”

“Have ye something better to do than to marry the MacKinnon laird?”

She stilled, and Jacob laughed.

She shot him a narrowed-eyed glare, then said to Lyel, “I will tell ye the same I told him.” She jabbed a finger in Jacob’s direction. “Because I am a servant girl doesnae mean you can use me for your own ends. I will no’ take part in a pretend marriage just to be thrown aside. I am only a servant, but I have pride—and honor.”

Lyel gave a tiny nod. “All the qualities a laird needs in a wife.”

She threw up her hands. “I have entered a madhouse. I am not your granddaughter. I cannae marry Jacob. Lady Alison’s marriage would have bound your two clans together. That will not be accomplished with me—especially since I am a Donald.”

Amusement returned to Lyle’s eyes. “We shall not be making peace with the Donalds. But your marriage to Jacob will bind the MacKinnons and MacKenzies.”

“How?”

Lyel nodded at the priest, who pulled a document from within his robes.

“Can you read, child?” the priest asked.

She nodded. “Aye.”

He handed her the document. She unfolded it and gasped in unison with Jacob upon catching sight of the word ‘adopt’ and her name.

She looked at Jacob in shock. She turned to Lyel. “Why?”

He released a slow breath. “I willnae give our enemies the opportunity to divide our clans. I have adopted the lass as my granddaughter. Both clans must accept the union.” Lyel paused. “If you will have him.”

In a daze, Jacob faced Linnae. “I promised you, lass, that if we married, ours would be a true marriage. You have the laird’s sanction, a priest who knows you by your real name, and witnesses. Will ye marry me?”