“Mayhap another small MacDonald clan has her. They were all loyal to your father. Or mayhap she is trying to return to England. Her maid is English, does she know anything?”
“We already checked the other MacDonald cottages, no one has seen her,” Kenneth said, rubbing his throat. “And I beat her maid senseless, she could not tell us anything. I was hoping you had some ideas. You know the clans in the area better than I do.”
“The only one I know foolish enough to challenge us is Alexander Grant. He never got over losing my sister. He would want revenge.” Niles ran his hand over his chin. “It has to be the Grant. He knows I am a better warrior than he is. I am the best swordsman in all of Scotland. He would love to be rid of me.”
Kenneth raised his eyebrow, “Are you certain of that?”
“If the Grant chief knows Maddie is betrothed to me, then he took her. Have you been talking about our betrothal? I told you to keep your mouth shut about it till 'twas done. We should have wed when I was there. ‘Twas your idea to wait. ”
Kenneth jumped quickly to his defense, “I have no’ told anyone, but servants gossip, you ken! And we could have done the wedding if the bride could have walked. You’re the fool that did the damage. We can force the priest to perform the ceremony, but not if she can’t stand, you fool. ”
Niles stared at Kenneth, then smirked. “Ah, I did enjoy the terror in the lass. Perhaps I was a bit rough on her for her first time. She’ll learn to love it and do my bidding. May be tough, but I will break her.” Niles smiled as he stared into the distance.
He shook his head before staring at Kenneth. “Mayhap we should search the area tomorrow, see what we can discover. But if Maddie ran away, she will live to regret it.”
Kenneth’s brow furrowed. He had not considered this possibility. She was too timid, unable to have the nerve to defy him. Why, the very thought made him so angry his mind churned with different ways he could hurt her. He would make her scream, he would. Blazes, but it buggered him when she was silent. She withstood blow after blow without a sound, just unnatural. He stroked his chin, conjuring new methods of torturing the lass.
Kenneth turned to Egan. “Tell Iain we leave in the morning. The men can settle in for the night.”
He had to admit, Maddie had toughened. Or had he weakened?
He would fix that.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Maddie arrived in the great hall and found Brenna and Jennie already seated at the table. The hall was full with the Grant warriors, and other families from the clan.
Maddie took advantage of the time to survey the hall. The rushes were clean and fresh. Several thick, colorful tapestries hung on the walls. She recognized one her mother had worked on with Brenna’s mother. They were all spectacular, many depicting the land surrounding the castle in the different seasons. The one depicting the snow-covered valley was her favorite.
She glanced over at the hearth. Several chairs sat grouped near the fire, all with soft cushions. This was the first time she actually had the opportunity to consider her surroundings. Her nerves had been on edge since her arrival so she hadn’t noticed much. Grant hall was quite beautiful, very warm and inviting.
A large, boisterous group awaited food. No one shouted their discontent as they waited for the meal, instead chatting with friends and family. So many things differed from her home-no loud vulgarities ringing through the hall, no lewd words or touches to the serving women, and no spitting in the rushes. The Grant men drank ale by the fire, conversing with others. Maddie seated herself across from Brenna, and Jennie quickly moved so she sat across from Maddie.
Alex’s gaze locked with hers from across the room, immediately heading for the table, his brothers behind him. Making a polite bow, he stared into her eyes. “My lady, you are lovely this evening.”
Maddie nodded her head and murmured, “Thank you, Laird Grant.” She wore one of Brenna’s pale green gowns. Green usually was a good color for her, and the gown flattered her curves. Blushing at the compliment, she was surprised to realize she hoped Alex meant what he said and wasn’t just making polite conversation.
She chastised herself. Why did it matter? Her anger over his plan to keep her prisoner had not abated. Why did men have to control everything she did? She glanced at the other men in the room, her hands dampening as she perused the guards surrounding her. She stared at her hands reflexively.
It mattered because it had been a long time since she cared how she looked. Once her parents had passed and their wealth had abruptly disappeared, she stopped caring about appearances. There was no one she was interested in at Kenneth’s keep. No one cared about her except her maid. Now she found herself dressing with Alex riding high in her mind. Of course, she knew the thought to be foolish, he had no interest in her except as a target for his bellowing or as a prisoner.