Quest of the Highlander (Crowns & Kilts #5) - Cynthia Wright Page 0,40

will take this news?”

Nora spoke up. “I do not think Grant will be shocked by this turn of events,” she said in a firm voice. “Please encourage him to take some time and consider everything that has happened in recent weeks.”

What the devil was that supposed to mean? Shaking his head, Lennox extended a hand to Christophe. “Fear not. All will be well.”

“I hope you are right,” Christophe said. “Bonne chance, mon frère.”

As they mounted Chaucer’s back and started through the North Gate, Lennox glanced back to see his brother-in-law still rooted to the same spot, watching them go. When would he be with Christophe and Fiona again? Perhaps his entire life would be different when that day came…

Nora was warm against Lennox’s broad back, her woolen skirts and kirtle hiked up so she could sit astride. As Chaucer passed the guards and left Stirling Castle behind, Lennox thought he could feel her sigh against him. When they were safely away and slowly descending the steep, twisting lanes of Stirling, he paused before a turning, drew in on the reins, and looked back at her.

“Are ye all right?”

Nora met his gaze, and Lennox was struck by her gleaming, cornflower-blue eyes, rich with emotions he could only guess at. Softly she asked, “Why did you do it?”

He blinked. “Do what, lass?”

“Tell my father that you wanted to wed me, that you loved me.” With each word she spoke, more rosy color washed her cheeks.

“Because it seemed the only way,” Lennox said honestly. “We were caught.”

“But…the vows. What do you call it?”

“Handfasting.” He gave her a rueful smile.

“Can it truly be that we are lawfully wed?”

“Aye. That’s the way of it in Scotland.” He felt intensely curious to know what Nora was thinking. What desperate secret had driven her to beg for his protection? And now that they had exchanged vows, did the notion of being his wife repel her? It was ironic to consider that although many lasses had pursued him, he had never come close to settling down with any of them. “Fear not. Handfasting need not be binding. But knowing we exchanged vows set your da’s mind at ease, and we can travel together as man and wife.” Seeing her eyes widen, Lennox added, “It will help to keep you safe.”

Dark clouds were gathering in the western sky, bringing with them a chill, gusty wind. Chaucer lifted his proud head, sniffing for rain, as Nora’s hood slipped back to reveal a cloud of brandy-hued curls. How lovely she was, Lennox thought. An alluring blend of vulnerability, determination, and mystery. A sudden desire to kiss her mouth came over him like a warning.

“Get out the way!” shouted a scrawny boy as he passed them, driving a handful of goats down the rutted lane.

“The journey to Oban will be long,” Lennox said, turning his body forward again. “We should be on our way—unless ye have changed your mind?”

“No,” came Nora’s reply. He felt her move more closely against him. “I must go. There is no other choice for me.”

* * *

Cool, misty rains swirled around them throughout the day, as Chaucer carried Nora and Lennox away from Stirling and into a picturesque series of wooded hills and glens. They spoke little, for each time they stopped, Lennox complained that the weather was slowing them down and they must not tarry. He had planned well, she discovered, packing bannocks, cheese, and plums. He made certain there was always a stream nearby to furnish long drinks of cold water.

“How did you manage to do all of this, in the short time between our conversation in your rooms and the time we left this morning?” she asked once, as he handed her another piece of cheese and a bannock.

“All of this?” Lennox gave a sardonic snort. “I made no additional preparations, but went back to sleep after you left me last night. We are eating only the food I brought for myself, when I thought I was traveling alone.”

“But…” Nora bit her lip, considering. “Will there be enough?”

“Enough for today, at least,” he said ruefully. “Fear not. I will see to it that we don’t starve, but it’s also important that we make haste to reach Duart Castle.”

Questions intruded in Nora’s mind, but she pushed them away. If she began to doubt Lennox or even consider what lay ahead in her own future, she feared she’d drown in a wave of fear. It was far more pleasant to live in the moment, enjoying the