Highland Courage(5)
“Flan, ye were only seven years old and ye made a mistake. That has no bearing on ye being my squire. However, I don’t understand what ye think I can do.”
“Ye can marry her.” Flan’s tone of voice suggested he thought his laird was a bit dim. “She has been so quiet and shy since then. I think it would crush her to be so far from home. She would be all right with ye. I would be there.”
“If your Da has struck a deal with Laird Fraser it is too late to change it, lad.”
“But he hasn’t yet. He really doesn’t want Mairead to be so far away either. Last night he told Laird Fraser he would think about it, but I heard him talking to Mama this morning. They are meeting with Laird Fraser again this afternoon, and they are going to accept the betrothal.”
Tadhg considered his squire for a moment. What a mess. It sounded as if something terrible had happened to Mairead. While he might be able to discount a young lad’s concerns, both Peadar and Quinn were worried about her having to leave home, too. “Are your parents considering anyone else?”
“They mentioned Fingal MacIan, but both Gannon and Rowan trained with Laird Alastair MacIan, and so they have strong bonds there already. Da also considered one of the Munros, but he couldn’t reach an agreement with Laird Munro. That is why he is going to agree to Laird Fraser’s proposal.”
The Mathesons and the MacKenzies were both large, powerful clans, and they shared a border. It was a strategically sound union , which Tadhg had considered before. He had once told his friend Niall MacIan he intended on having a quiet life married to a sweet, biddable lass. Well, based on everything her brothers had told him, he would have it with Mairead MacKenzie.
“All right, Flan, I will offer for Mairead.” Flan looked as if someone had lifted the weight of the world from his shoulders. “Mind, if your parents don’t accept my offer, there is little more I can do.”
Tadhg called for his commander, Hamish, and together they set out for the MacKenzie camp. After exchanging pleasantries with Laird and Lady MacKenzie, Tadhg addressed the issue head on. “I understand ye are trying to arrange a betrothal for your youngest daughter, Mairead.”
Cathal glanced at his wife before responding, “Aye, Laird, we are. We have all but signed the papers with Laird Fraser, for his heir, Darcy.”
“Excellent, it hasn’t been finalized yet. Since that is the case, I would like to negotiate a betrothal.”
Cathal surveyed him cautiously. “Ye have a clansman who seeks her hand?”
“I seek her hand, Laird. I would like to marry your daughter.”
Although it looked as if she tried to remain unaffected, Brigid seemed unable to hide her delight.
Tadhg went on. “It is time I marry. I respect ye and your sons a great deal. A closer alliance between the Mathesons and the MacKenzies is in both of our best interests. I know ye wanted Mairead to be close to her family, and Cnocreidh is less than a day’s ride from Carraigile. Furthermore, as Flan is my squire, she will have at least one family member with her.”
“By all that’s holy, did Flan put ye up to this?” asked Cathal.
Tadhg laughed. “Well, he mentioned it, but so did Peadar and Quinn. Frankly, I considered it myself over a year ago, and I was inclined to make an offer then. However, I knew ye wanted to improve other ties. I was also aware ye wanted a husband for her who would live at Carraigile, so I didn’t act. Flan told me this morning ye were considering Laird Fraser’s heir. If ye are willing to let her leave home, I would like for ye to consider my suit.”
Cathal looked shocked by Laird Matheson’s answer and perhaps slightly embarrassed by Flan’s boldness. “Ye’re right. Lachlan refused to discuss a betrothal to one of his nephews before ensuring a good marriage for Darcy.”
Brigid frowned at Cathal, obviously irritated. “He had the nerve to suggest he was doing us a favor by offering his heir.”
“Brigid, I told ye not to let Lachlan bother ye so.”
“Well, Clan Fraser has precious few strong allies and they need us more than we need them. Mairead will be much happier nearer home, with Flan close at hand.”
Cathal nodded, evidently having made his decision. “Aye, she will be. Laird Matheson, I would be honored to have ye to marry my daughter.”
“Then it is settled. Shall we draw up the papers before Fraser gets his back up about it?”
Cathal rubbed his head as if trying to fend off this new headache. “Och, no question, this will cause a problem with Fraser. How will I appease him?”
Thinking back to Peadar’s comment from the previous evening, Tadhg offered the solution. “Lachlan has two daughters and only one son. He will have no trouble finding a bride for his heir. Ye have three sons who are not betrothed. Make an offer for one of his daughters.”