Alex quickly stood and snarled, “The lass will not be going to a convent, and if there’s any marrying to be done, it will be to me. Maddie is mine, brothers! And see you both remember that!”
Alex strode to the door of the keep, but halted by movement to his left. Madeline slowly descended the stairs. His heart stopped in his chest as he gazed at the true vision dressed in blue velvet. What was wrong with him of late? Women never preoccupied his mind. He was a warrior, a laird, chief of his clan! How could this mere slip of a lass stop him in his tracks? He redirected his path toward Madeline and bowed to her, “Good morn to you, my lady. I trust you slept well?”
Madeline took a step back before answering, “Aye, I slept very well, Laird Grant, thank you.”
Alex caught her step away from him. What the devil, why did she always do that? She acted as a timid little rabbit would act. He leaned forward and whispered, “I trust you know by now that I would not hurt you, my lady. There is no reason to be frightened of me.”
“I am not frightened of you, Alex. It is just, well,” she stammered, “You are so tall, it hurts my neck at times.”
She gazed up at him with her blue eyes and smiled nervously. Alex lost his ability to reason. What a beauty she was. He ached to lean forward and taste her sweet lips. Footsteps interrupted his thoughts as one of his guards entered the hall. He found he couldn’t tolerate the sight of another man near her. He glanced around the entire hall. There was no one who would be a threat to her he could see. He would prefer to lock her in her room and only allow her out when he was around, but he doubted she would be agreeable to such restrictions. His brow furrowed as he considered his possible options to protect her.
Before he made a complete fool of himself, he bowed and said, “Your pardon, but I need to tend to my men in the yard, my lady.” Alex turned and beckoned for his brothers to follow and exited the hall.
Madeline walked to the dais and curtsied as Brodie introduced her to his brother, Robbie. “Did I do something to upset your brother, Brodie? He seemed angry about something.”
Robbie and Brodie both chuckled and exchanged glances. “Upset? No, my lady, you have not upset him,” Robbie smiled. “Why, Brodie and I couldn’t be happier with how our brother is feeling today. Isn’t that right, brother?”
Brodie nodded as he turned to Maddie and Brenna, “My ladies. We must do as our laird bids us.”
Brenna’s face registered shock, but Maddie had no idea why. Had she missed something?
She recovered quickly. “Good morning, Maddie, how do you feel?”
Jennie tore herself away from her dogs and shouted, “Good morn to you, Maddie, I am so glad you are here with us. Would you like to play with my dogs?”
Maddie laughed and said, “I would love to meet your dogs, but for now, I am quite hungry.” She sat at the table and turned to Brenna, “Thank you for the use of your beautiful gown. I have not worn anything this lovely in a long time. I should be wearing something more practical.” She had not had a new gown made since her parents had passed away. Kenneth told her there was not enough money for new cloth. Fingering the soft velvet in her hands, she almost felt pretty in Brenna’s clothes.
“Nonsense, Maddie, you are stunning in it. I think it was made for you, it shows off the blue in your eyes. I hope it is not so tight as to cause pain on your back.”
“Nay, Fiona placed extra linen on my back. I am comfortable. Thank you for your concern.”
“I will change your bandages later and apply more salve. Why don’t you have some porridge and we can talk if you like.” Brenna patted Maddie’s hand and said, “Mayhap you would like to talk about all that has happened to you.”
Maddie sighed, “It pains me too much. I would rather not talk about Kenneth yet.”
“Can you tell me about Niles Comming? How long have you been betrothed to him? Have you even met him yet?”
Maddie’s gut clenched in spasms as the image of Niles Comming entered her brain. Her nostrils flared as his fetid smell returned to her. Would she ever be able to discuss anything about the Comming without feeling ill?
“Aye, we have met, and it was not pleasant. I will not marry the man, no matter what Kenneth says.” Maddie stared at her hands in her lap, her face turning red. She wanted to forget all that had transpired, not revisit it, especially Niles. “I will find my way to a convent if I must.” Unable to stop her fidgeting, she whispered, “May we discuss this later?”
“Aye, we will do whate’er you wish today.” Brenna offered. “Mayhap you would enjoy a walk outside and I can show you around the bailey.”