“And then we will kill them all!”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Alex paced another circle around the table as Brodie and Robbie proceeded to eat everything in sight. He couldn’t think about eating, not until he found out from his sister how Madeline fared. He had been unable to sleep last night. His desire to walk down the corridor and peek inside Maddie’s chamber to see if she was comfortable had invaded his mind, preventing him from getting any rest. He had controlled his impulses, though difficult.
Alex ran a hand through his hair again, then crossed over to the door to visit with wee Jennie and her dogs for the third time. He had sent the rest of the men outside to the lists while he had his few minutes of family time he treasured.
“Alex, why are you still walking? Don’t you want to break your fast?” Jennie raised her head to stare at her brother. “You are very nervous today. Why does Maddie upset you so?”
“Upset? I am not upset and I certainly am not thinking about Lady Madeline. As laird, I have many things to think about.” Alex gave a huff to try to convince himself. If Jennie could figure it out, why couldn’t he? Why did Madeline occupy his every thought? He had many other things he should be thinking about, he just couldn’t remember them at the moment. He scowled at Jennie’s dogs before snapping his head around at his brother’s chuckle.
“Aye, Jennie, something else has upset Alex,” Brodie offered with a grin. “’Tis the same thing that stirred him the last few days. If I could only determine what plagues our laird,” Brodie glanced at Robbie as he choked on his food.
Alex started toward his brothers, “Enough or we will settle this in the lists. I’ll take you both on.”
Robbie cackled with laughter and stood, knocking over his bench, “Come, Alex, what upsets you so?”
Alex ignored his brother and spun toward the stairwell as soon as he heard footsteps hitting the stone. Brenna’s face was somber as she descended.
Alex couldn’t wait. “How bad is she, Brenna?” The jesting stopped as soon as his sister reached the bottom of the stairway.
“Och, Alex, it was hard to keep my composure when I helped Maddie with her bath last night.” Brenna continued to the table, wringing her hands. “She has been beaten many, many times. Some of her bruises are quite old. I do not know how the lass manages to walk, she has a few bruised ribs. How was she able to ride a horse?”
Jennie ran to the table. “I asked you last night to protect Lady Madeline, you have to promise.” Jennie grabbed Alex’s hand as she spoke.
Alex whispered to Jennie and Brenna, “Madeline is a strong lass, her strength of character was evident the moment I saw her. She never cringed from her attacker, though he is a sick man.” Alex squeezed Jennie’s hand. “I will protect her, Jennie, I recall my pledge to you.” His gaze returned to Brenna’s. “How does she fare this morn?”
“I tiptoed into her chamber, and she is still asleep. She has had an exhausting few days, we need to allow her time to rest and heal. I need to eat, Alex. May we sit, please? My stomach has churned since last night.” Brenna motioned for more food to be brought. She sat next to Brodie and pulled Jennie in close to her as she waited for the porridge.
Alex lowered himself to the bench, deep in thought. Training his men for battle was his focus today, and he knew he should start immediately. His men needed to prepare for several distinct possibilities. There was no reason to mention his concerns, but preparation was paramount to protecting his clan.
He needed to see Madeline first. Both hands covered his eyes as he tried to calm the turmoil raging through his mind.
Brodie’s voice brought him back to reality. “Do you think the MacDonald laird is planning an attack?”
Alex played with his food and answered, “Nay, not yet. Kenneth is a coward. I worry more that Niles Comming will come for the lass. She tells me she has refused the betrothal MacDonald arranged for her. Comming’s numbers are large enough to be a threat if he decides to come after Madeline.”
“I have not even met her. Is she bonnie, Brodie? What is she like? I don’t remember her when she was younger,” Robbie asked.
Brodie gave Robbie an elbow to the side, then stared at him and said, “Aye, she is very bonnie, indeed. You will meet her soon. She could be your kin someday, Robbie. Mayhap I will marry the lass.”
Alex eyes darkened, “You will not be marrying her, Brodie, nor will Robbie!”
Brenna turned to her brother, “Alex, do you not see it could be a perfect solution? If she agreed to marry Robbie or Brodie, the Comming would not have any reason to come for her, and she will be out of Kenneth’s reach. Or mayhap you would prefer to send her to a convent?”