The Highlander's Destiny (Highland Rogues #2) - Mary Wine Page 0,44

Father.” Faolan inclined his head, more submissive than Cora had ever seen him. “We come to ask for an annulment. The vows ye blessed last night were under duress.”

The priest frowned. Two more of his order had appeared behind him. Cora lowered her chin. Meekness wasn’t misplaced in the house of God.

“Yet ye have consummated the vows.” The priest’s tone was firm.

“We did not,” Faolan argued.

“I watched Lady McKay bring the bedsheet down myself,” the priest continued. His gaze shifted to Cora for a moment before his expression deepened into one of displeasure.

Faolan’s grip on her wrist tightened. Cora drew in a stiff breath as his strength bruised her. He relaxed his hold the moment the sound got past her lip.

“As I said, Father, the vows were forced upon us, and it would appear those who favor greed are no’ above producing a false sheet to secure Mistress Mackenzie’s dowry. I swear to ye, there was no consummation, for I will not take a wife under such circumstances.”

All three priests stood side by side. Their robes seemed to blend together because they stood so close to one another. One leaned in to whisper to the man in the middle. He listened intently to his brother’s words before looking back at Faolan.

“How did Mistress Mackenzie land in yer care?”

“A flood washed her down a river,” Faolan answered.

“And…ye saved her life?”

“The lass is strong,” Faolan said. “I can nae take credit for her being alive.”

The second priest leaned toward his brother once again. This time the third one also pressed closer to hear what his brother was saying. They shared looks with one another before straightening and presenting a united front.

“God has brought ye together.” The priest held up his hand when Faolan made to interrupt. “It is true that I know yer half-brother has treated ye unkindly. But in order for me to perform an annulment, I will need witnesses to testify that the sheet was clean. There were many matrons who went with Lady McKay to fetch the sheet this morning. Bring me two of their number, and I will dissolve yer union.”

“But…who will speak against their lady?” Cora protested.

“The truth,” the priest’s eyes widened as his voice filled with passion, “should be spoken before anything else. For all sinners will be judged. The McKay are worthy of grace.”

“I understand, Father,” Faolan said.

Faolan renewed his grip on her wrist and tugged her out of the church.

“Ye need not keep pulling me along like an errant child,” Cora said once they were several steps from the church doorway. “I’ll not force ye to keep me.”

“Cora.”

“Enough,” Cora said. “I’ve an idea of who to start with when it comes to the women. But ye will be making me a promise first.”

Faolan inclined his head and peered at her intently.

“Brynna will speak the truth, but ye must not leave her to the retribution of the Head-of-House.”

She watched understanding dawn on his face.

“Ye have only Brynna’s word on the matter of why she was sent to me tower, lass,” Faolan replied. “Orla might have another side of the story to tell.”

It was a fair enough thing to say. Cora didn’t like it, though. Still, it spoke well of Faolan that he looked to see both sides of an issue before judging. She bit back the reply which wanted to cross her lips. He was a leader.

“It’s worth a try,” Faolan spoke as he looked toward the McKay stronghold.

Cora wanted to remain poised. But the determination Faolan displayed cut her deeply.

It shouldn’t.

Well, it did.

She grabbed a handful of her skirt and yanked it up so she might walk faster. “Since ye are so worried about being saddled with me as a wife, let us find the witnesses.”

At last, years of being unbridled came in handy. Cora was well accustomed to being stared at in disapproval. She felt Faolan glaring at her back, but she maintained her composure.

He didn’t want her? Fine. She’d not beg.

The price of her pride might be high, but there would be no one to see her tears in the dark of the night.

For certain, she’d not let Faolan see that she cared.

*

The sheet was hanging in the great hall.

Cora stopped and glared at it. A dark stain marred its surface.

“Ye should be glad,” a matron said as she took in Cora’s disgruntled expression.

“And grateful,” another woman declared from where she was setting the table for the midday meal.

Cora looked at the first woman. “I am not a liar. Come and testify