Alex bowed slightly to Madeline along with his brothers and said, “My lady, you are a vision of loveliness this evening.”
“A true vision!” Brodie added with a smile.
“A pleasure never known to me before!” cried Robbie.
Madeline caught the twinkle in Robbie’s eyes and beamed at him with her beautiful smile. “Why, thank you, you are too kind.”
Madeline blushed. She caught Alex staring at her and sensed it to her toes. His eyes darkened again when she gazed at him. She sighed. He was probably still angry from last night. If she had the chance to talk to him alone, she would apologize for hitting him.
For a moment, she daydreamed what it would feel like to have Alex come home to her every day. How would it feel to be held in his arms at night, to hold his bairns on her lap? Could she ever hope for such happiness? She caught Alice’s gaze from across the room. Her maid just smiled and nodded her head at Madeline. She turned back and peeked at Alex again. Was it possible?
Then she reminded herself that she was no longer a maiden. If Alex knew what had happened to her, he probably would never come near her again. Her thoughts were better spent on reality.
She raised her gaze to the three large warriors in front of her, “Laird Grant, were you able to find evidence of my stepbrother today?”
Alex thought carefully before he spoke. He did not want to worry Maddie needlessly. They found evidence of horses in the area. They knew they had been watched at some point, but were unable to determine the invaders. It could have been Kenneth, the Comming, reivers, or renegades. Who knew for sure?
“We found nothing to be sure of, though we plan to continue tomorrow.”
Alex stared at her. What he wouldn’t give to see her smile bestowed on him alone. She was such a beauty, especially when she smiled. He had thoughts again of last night and how right it had been to hold her close. Maddie belonged in his arms. She had been so passionate until he had made the mistake of going too far. He reminded himself of all she had been through, that he would need to go slow with her. Even though he reminded himself of this repeatedly, whenever she was near, he forgot everything.
He caught the scent of lavender and sighed like a laddie. Curse it, the woman drives me over the edge! How long would he have to wait to get her in his arms again?
Her skin was absolute perfection. He wanted the privilege of being able to stroke her tenderly whenever and wherever he wanted. The thought of anyone else touching her burned his insides furiously.
He held his hand out for her and escorted her to the dais, then signaled for the servants to bring food for his men.
“How is your maid faring today?” Alex asked as he sat by her.
Maddie pointed to the hearth where Alice sat with her husband, Mac, and wee Jennie. “As you can see, my laird, she is doing much better. Thank you for allowing her entrance to your castle. She is one of the few people I have left that reminds me of my parents. She has a heart of gold and is very special to me.”
The sound of little feet pounding interrupted them with the echo of a giggle. Alex turned to see Jennie flying toward him. He pushed his chair back just in time to catch her in midair before she landed in his lap. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Alex, I like our new friends, Alice and Mac. Mac tells the best stories.”
“Is that so?” Alex retorted. “I have been replaced that easily, my wee one?”
Jennie wrinkled her face. “Nay, Alex, but sometimes you are very busy.”
“Never too busy for you, little squirrel,” he replied, brushing a kiss on her nose.
Alex caught Maddie’s stare. The depth of the sadness in her eyes broke his heart. How would it feel to have no family to love or to love you in return?
If only he could make it right for her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Madeline could not sleep due to the relentless activity in her mind. She climbed out of bed and grabbed her robe, reviewing her options this late at night. Not wanting to expose herself to guardsmen lingering in the great hall, she decided up would be safer. Opening her chamber door, she peered down the corridor, but met silence. Tiptoeing to the end of the passageway, she opened the heavy door and smiled as a rush of night air blew across her face, forcing her to breathe deep before she forged ahead.
She made her way carefully up the stairs. After stepping out onto the battlements, she glanced around, hoping she was alone. Peeking over the edge of the stone wall, she gazed over Alex’s lands. What a magnificent sight. She could see the treetops in the forest and the fields with neat rows of crops yet to be harvested. Wrapping her robe tighter, she made her way down the walkway until she encountered a flat stone encased in the wall perfect for sitting. This was the perfect place for the solitude she needed to contemplate the whirling chaos surrounding her.