But he did something Helen did not expect. He gestured to Eoin. “The Chieftain of Clan Gregor has something he’d like to say.”
Eoin stepped forward. “Forgive me for conducting this proposal in public, but in light of all that has transpired, I want everyone present to hear.” He took Helen’s hands in his ever-warm palms and kneeled. “Lady Helen, I ask your forgiveness. I should not have behaved so rashly when I discovered you had been spirited to this cottage. I should have insisted on a chaperone at all times to ensure your virtue was never brought into question.” He bowed his head. “Will you please find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Helen glanced to Duncan who was looking on with his usual dour frown. Generally a man on bended knee meant only one thing, but Sir Eoin was begging an apology. And he had nothing to apologize for. She knew better than to say so, especially not when they had an audience.
“Sir Eoin, you acted gallantly on my behalf, delivering my missive to my brother, John, Bishop of the Isles, and pleading my case, given the precarious circumstances. On threat of death by my annulled husband, I was unable to personally seek John’s assistance. Afterward, the security you provided whilst I hid in this domicile was greatly appreciated by my person and cannot go without expressing my sincere gratitude.” Praise God her tongue had not failed as she delivered her oration. She even managed to maintain the serene expression she’d mastered after so many years of hiding her emotions.
Eoin raised his head and grinned at her. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners, telling her she chose exactly the right words. And then the look in his eyes took on a deeper meaning, one that she’d seen in the bedchamber, one that made her insides swarm with a maelstrom of desire. Helen took in a deep breath and held that gaze. Though she loved him to his toes, she would not permit Eoin MacGregor to disarm her resolve in this hour.
He squeezed his fingers tighter. “With your acceptance of my apology, I would ask you something else.”
Helen’s insides became weightless, like she’d just leapt from a cliff. “Aye?” she whispered, almost afraid to speak.
Eoin cleared his throat, but his eyes never wavered from her face. “Lady Helen, I haven’t a keep encircled with bailey and curtain to offer you, but I can say this: You will have the protection of Clan Gregor, the fiercest force in all the Highlands. You will preside as lady over the clan, and have servants to attend your every need. But moreover, I pledge to you my unfaltering love, my life, my sword, my honor and my heart, if you will agree to be my wife.”
By the time he’d finished, tears streamed down Helen’s face. A smile stretched her lips and, at first, all she managed was a nod. When finally she found her voice, she said, “Aye. I will marry you, Sir Eoin MacGregor.”
He stood and wrapped her in his arms. Oh how wonderful his body felt pressed against her bosom, knowing that he would be hers for all eternity.
Duncan grasped Eoin’s shoulder and pulled them apart. “You’ll not be touching my sister again until you are properly wed.” He reached for Helen’s left arm. “And you will go home with me.”
Eoin grasped his lady’s right hand. “Oh no, I’m finished with waiting.”
Duncan scowled. “Pardon me, but—”
“If you would allow me to explain.” Eoin tugged Helen behind him to shield her from Glenorchy. “We have The Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Lord, His Worship the Bishop of the Isles, in our midst. Who better to marry us than your brother?”
Duncan blinked rapidly. “But Mother will have one of her spells and tie me up by my thumbs.” Such an admonition sounded trite coming from the most powerful man east of Inveraray.
Gyllis cleared her throat from beside the hearth where she cradled Maggie. “Please, Duncan, the spoiled laddie pout no longer suits you.”
“Then Mother will have to live with our decision.” Moving from behind Eoin, Helen took up his hand. “I will marry the Chieftain of Clan Gregor this day if John will be so kind as to do us the honor.”
John thoughtfully stepped forward with praying fingertips touched to his lips. “Though this situation is rather untoward, it is my opinion than an expeditious marriage would be the best for both Lady Helen and Sir