The Bard (Highland Heroes #5) - Maeve Greyson Page 0,21
of his gaze. “Faithfulness is not my concern. When I make an oath, I keep it. Especially an oath from my heart.” The hint of a smile lifted one side of his mouth. “My fear is my ability to keep yer interest until we’re old and gray. I usually dinna have to worry about keeping a lady enchanted with me any longer than a night or so.”
He was worried about keeping her interest? This warrior who feared nothing? The idea of him harboring such an insecurity calmed the fretful churning in her middle. She took hold of both his hands and squeezed. “Since we are both new at betrothals and marriage and all such business, all we can do is manage each day as it comes to us, aye?”
Sutherland laughed, then added a teasing wink. “I guess we could ask Lady Culane for advice. She’s been married four times.”
“That devious cow. I’d lay odds she tripped every last one of them into the grave.” Just another reason Sorcha wanted the woman out of the keep and away from her father. But Da wouldn’t oust her nor her son. Rumor had it that the despised Lady Culane was one of the few Scotswomen favored at court. The woman had even openly bragged at having Queen Anne’s ear. “I wish we were rid of both her and that son of hers.”
“Yer father mentioned politics. I assume that means the woman possesses dangerous alliances?”
“Aye, the queen herself.” Sorcha warmed to the topic as they strolled around the gallery, pausing at each window to peer at the growing strength of the storm.
She would much rather plot a way to save her father than flirt and fawn with coy glances and the nauseating mutterings she had seen other lovers play at. The fact that Sutherland didn’t insult her with such silliness strengthened her trust in the commitment he had sworn to uphold. She stole a sideways glance at him. Plots and plans for an exciting future thrilled her far more than foppish prose. “Da is peace-loving and doesna wish any undue attention from the crown.”
“Then she must either become verra bored here or be lured away by a more lucrative venture.” Sutherland shook his head. “I fear I’m useless when it comes to planning this sort of battle.” He gave a thoughtful nod. “My sisters-in-law would be perfect. Shame they’re not here to rid the place of her.”
Sorcha found that statement somewhat daunting rather than hopeful. It brought to light the realization that along with her hard-won prize of a husband came the eventual necessity of meeting all his kith and kin. And odds were, they’d even live with them. While she feared nothing and never backed down, she had always gotten along so much better with animals than people. Probably because Mama had never forced her to stay inside and do only the proper things young ladies were expected to do. When she wasn’t playing with Jenny and Heckie, she and Mama would ride through the glens, laughing and exploring until darkness chased them back to the keep. And, unfortunately, Mama had always taught her to speak her mind. That rarely went well at all.
“And I’ve already lost yer interest, not even an hour into our betrothal.”
“Ye most certainly have not.” She squeezed his arm, pondering whether to be honest or not. Might as well. Mama had also always stressed brutal truthfulness. “When ye mentioned yer sisters-in-law, it reminded me that I’ll be meeting all yer people.” She watched him closer, weighing his reaction. “I’ve never been one to always follow social proprieties. Ye’ve probably already figured that out.” She gave a dismissive shrug. “I dinna always get along well with everyone I meet because I dinna possess the power nor the inclination to hold my tongue when sometimes I should.”
He brought them to a halt. “Trust me, love. Ye will be a verra welcomed addition to Clan MacCoinnich and fit in with my kin perfectly.”
A scraping bump and movement in a shadowy corner interrupted them.
“Who goes there? Come out at once.” Sutherland stepped in front of Sorcha.
While she appreciated such a gallant move, she had a fair idea of the identity of their eavesdropper. “Heckie? Come out now, ye ken?” She stepped around Sutherland. She had forgotten that the gallery was Heckie’s favorite retreat whenever he was upset. He had sought refuge there ever since he was a wee laddie. “Come meet Sutherland proper, aye?”