Alex must think her crazy. She fell against his chest and sobbed, losing all control. His arms pulled her closer and he spoke soothing words, caressing her hair. Wrapping her arms around him, she buried her face in his warmth. She didn’t think she would ever be able to stop the sobs wrenching from her body.
A commotion erupted down by the gate. A shout interrupted their embrace.
“Fetch the laird!”
Madeline pulled away from Alex to run back into the castle.
Alex caught her arm, “Nay, you will stay with me.”
“I cannot, Alex, I just cannot!” she pushed against him, fear in her eyes again. How could she make him understand?
“Nay, you have to learn to trust me, Maddie.”
She contemplated for a second, and shook her head.
Alex’s voice softened as he caressed her cheek, “Always, Maddie, I will always protect you. You belong with me.”
He trekked toward the gate, drawing her behind him as he moved. She stopped fighting, praying it was not Kenneth. She trembled as they tore through the courtyard. She noticed his right hand was on his claymore as they approached the gate.
“Chief, there are two peasants outside requesting to see you. They refuse to leave. One says he goes by Mac Dumfrey.”
“Mac?” Maddie screamed. She attempted to wrestle from Alex but his grip was strong.
“Maddie,” he wrapped his left arm around her waist and whispered in her ear. “Nay, it is not safe. It could be a trick.”
Robbie and Brodie ran down the path, joining the chaos. Alex let go of Maddie and nodded to his brothers. They immediately surrounded Maddie with several of his guards, all with weapons drawn.
Alex stepped outside the gate with five of his men. After a few moments, he returned with a slow-moving, dirty peasant woman. “My lady, do you recognize this woman?”
“Alice! Yes, yes, she is my maid, Alice!” she cried, as she tried unsuccessfully to get out from between the guardsmen. Mac followed with a smile on his face when he saw Maddie.
“I told you, Alice, he would take care of our gel.”
Alex nodded and his brothers stepped aside.
“Seal the gate!” Alex yelled.
Maddie ran and threw her arms around Alice. Her maid cringed when she touched her.
“What is it, Mac?” Maddie searched her stable master’s face.
“Och, lass,” he gripped her hand tight. “She needs her wounds tended. We have much to tell you.”
Alex stepped forward, picked up the filthy woman and headed toward the keep.
“My sister, Brenna, will take care of your wounds, my lady,” he said as he carried her through the courtyard to the keep. Madeline trailed behind him, trying to keep up with his long strides.
“Not ‘my lady’, I am Madeline’s maid, Laird,” she heard Alice explain.
“Did you take care of Madeline?” Alex asked.
“Why, yes, I have since she was a bairn.”
“Did you no’ get her away from her cruel stepbrother? Did you no’ tend her wounds when the bastard beat her?” Alex strode ahead without acknowledging anyone.
“Why, yes, Laird Grant, my husband and I did our best.” Alice was barely able to nod her head.
“Well then,” Alex said, “If you have taken care of my Madeline, then you will be ‘my lady’ to me.”
Madeline stopped in her tracks when she heard Alex’s reasoning. She gaped at him as Alice nodded her head and said, “Thank you, Laird Grant.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Brenna settled Mac and Alice into the chamber next to Maddie. Servants brought up hot water and a tub for Alice. Maddie convinced Mac to entrust her with Alice’s care and sent him to the hall for food and drink.
Maddie sank onto a stool near the tub. “Oh, Alice, what happened?”
“It is my job to tend you, Madeline. This is not right.” The older woman swiped tears from her eyes.
“Nay, this is right. I am guessing you took the brunt of Kenneth’s anger meant for me. It is my fault you were beaten.” Maddie washed Alice’s face of the dirt and grime she had acquired in her travels.
“He is angry you are gone, but he has no idea where you are. He thinks you have run away.” Alice winced as Brenna carefully washed the lash marks on her back. “I did not tell him anything.”
She hissed as the water ran over her wounds. “Tell me, child, how have you withstood your lashings? This is most unbearable.” Alice reached for Maddie’s hand and squeezed as Brenna worked.
Maddie ignored Alice’s question. “How did you get away?”
“Kenneth left for the Comming keep, so my husband hustled me away. We hoped you were here and that Laird Grant would allow us entrance. It is so good to see you safe, Maddie.” Alice reached up and pulled Maddie down into her embrace. “Forgive me, I have soaked you, my dear. But I am so thankful you are away from your stepbrother. I know your parents are at peace right now.”