hiding somewhere with James. Of course, Lord MacSween had received report of the Bruce’s crippling losses at Methven and Dalrigh, as well as the horrible news that the king had reached Kildrummy too late.
The only heartening news was that James was named among the knights who had protected the king, which meant Harris must be unharmed.
At least that’s what Ailish told herself fifty times a day.
As with the dreary weather, all seemed lost and there Ailish sat, further away from her hopes and dreams with no idea where to find her brother, or the dashing knight who had made the lad his squire. Even the man whose coronation she had attended nine months past had seemed to vanish.
Releasing a sigh, she pushed her needle through the linen and pulled the silk out the other side.
Florrie leaned in. “Why did you choose yellow primroses?”
Because they are Sir James’ favorite. A lump swelled in her throat as she tried to smile. “Yellow is happy and primroses bloom in spring with the promise of finer days ahead.”
“Well, I like them.”
“Thank—”
The door opened and Coira popped her head in. “You have a visitor, m’lady.”
Ailish looked up. Had she heard correctly? The only people who knew of her whereabouts were presently in hiding, and most likely not even in Scotland. “You’re jesting.”
Harris burst through the door and threw his arms around Ailish’s neck. “She would never jest about me. I’m the Earl of Caerlaverock!”
Hundreds of questions came to the tip of her tongue as she squeezed her brother with all her strength while Florrie joined them. “Oh, my goodness, it is so good to see you!”
“’Tis storming something awful outside, how did you cross the sea?” asked Florrie.
“There was a matter of some urgency,” a self-assured, rather deep voice that was in no way mysterious came from the doorway.
“Sir James!” Ailish cried, releasing her brother and springing to her feet.
The knight strode inside, his hair longer and curled over one eye. His teeth glistened with a grin that made her insides melt into liquid honey. He grasped her hand and kissed it, his lips making gooseflesh shoot all the way up her arm and across the back of her neck. “My word, you are a sight for these war-weary eyes to behold.”
Her mind whirred with hundreds of things she wanted to say—like how much she’d missed him, and how much he made her suddenly feel alive when, only moments ago, it was as if all of Christendom had plunged into darkness. But most of all, she wanted to throw her arms around his neck and shower him with endless kisses. “I cannot believe you are here.”
His face colored while he stared into her eyes as if they were the only two people in the solar.
Coira cleared her throat. “Harris and Florrie, Lady MacSween has a treat awaiting you in the kitchens.”
“And Sir James has something of grave import to discuss with my sister,” said Harris as if he were already privy to the king’s counsel.
Ailish glanced from her brother back to James, giving him a questioning look. But he said nothing as he stood, holding her hand until they were alone.
“I—”
He dropped to his knee. “Lady Ailish, I would be remiss if I did not tell you I have been tortured in the months since we last embraced.”
“I am so very sorry. Were you injured in battle?”
“My suffering has not been of the flesh.”
“No?”
“Nay, lass.” He kissed her hand again. “It is you who have caused my misery.”
“Me?” Whatever had she done to hurt him so?
“Aye, you have held my heart captive and there is only one cure to relieve my torment.”
Ailish’s own heart began to thrum erratically as James continued, “Marry me, m’lady. Marry me this day in the chapel below stairs, and you will make me the happiest man in Scotland.”
Unable to speak, her mouth dropped open as a tear spilled onto her cheek. Ever since they shared their first kiss, she had dreamed of this day. “So soon?” she whispered.
“I cannot bear to live any longer without you in my arms.” He tugged her hand over his heart. “I love you. I love everything about you and if you do not say yes, you will slay me from now until eternity.”
“Yes.” She laughed. “Yes, I will marry you this day!”
Chapter Thirty-One
James had not an iota of remorse for insisting Ailish marry him at once. The last several months had been torture and his patience had run its course. As soon as the