The Angel and the Highlander(5)

“Forgive me,” Sister Terese apologized. “I called your name several times but you didn’t answer. The news has obviously disturbed you, and how insensitive of me not to have offered my condolences.”

Damn, but if he wasn’t going to suffer never-ending damnation.

He let her think what she would and mumbled what he hoped passed for a thank you, but was really a plea for forgiveness. After all, he didn’t want to rot, burn, or suffer never-ending damnation.

“Food and rest will have you feeling better,” Sister Terese offered and extinguished the torch in a bucket near the door before opening it.

For a brief moment the half-moon cast a soft glow over her face and he near gasped. He had thought he had known beauty, but seeing her face kissed by the moonlight he realized he had never known it until this very moment.

The splash of light from the open door was what he needed to clear his head and his lust. He entered the common shelter glad for the chatter, delicious scents, and the company of his men.

He quickly joined them at the long table; the nuns busy filling tankards with mead and heaping more food on the platters in the center. His men were enjoying the generous fare of meat, fish, potatoes with wild onions, and bread.

Silence fell around the table when Lachlan informed his men that Alyce Bunnock was dead.

Boyd broke the silence. “We’ll be leaving then at first light?”

“No,” Lachlan said shaking his head. “With signs of mercenaries in the area, I don’t think it would be wise to leave the nuns unprotected.”

Sister Terese stepped forward. “No one bothers us. We do fine here and we are needed here.”

“That may be but I can’t leave you here,” Lachlan said.

“The people need us,” Sister Rowena argued, her smile firm.

“We cannot desert them,” Sister Hester added

Sister Megan hugged the pitcher of mead she held. “This is our home.”

“I don’t mean to upset you, but I believe the church would want to know your circumstances,” Lachlan clarified.

“The church does,” Sister Terese said. “It was our mission to establish a convent to help convert the pagans. Slowly, we are accomplishing what we were sent to do. Only the church has the authority to order us to abandon our post. So you see, we cannot, nor will we leave here.”

He admired her dedication, and it was obvious she would remain tenacious about her decision, leaving him only one choice.

“I will contact the church,” he said.

Sister Terese shook her head. “That isn’t necessary. We are doing as the church ordered.”

“But with far less help and much more vulnerability than expected,” Lachlan corrected. “I would feel more comfortable notifying the church.”

“That will be fine,” Sister Terese agreed, though obviously with reluctance. “We will await the decision. Now eat and rest. We will make sure you have plenty of food to take when you leave tomorrow.”

“You misunderstand,” Lachlan said. “We’re not going anywhere. I will send two of my men to see to the task while the rest of us remain here.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Sister Terese repeated adamantly. “You would be stuck here two months at least, or more if the church takes time to respond.”

“We could use a respite, and you our help,” he said resting back in his chair with a smile.

“That’s asking too much of you and your men,” she persisted.

“Not at all.” Lachlan glanced around the table at his men. “Do any of you object?”

Every man shook his head.

“Your men have no say. They have to obey you,” Sister Piper objected strenuously, surprising everyone, though Evan grinned.

Lachlan watched as with a firm nod Sister Terese silenced Sister Piper, her mouth shutting with a petulant pout.

“They serve him as we serve the church,” Sister Terese reminded.

“Then you agree,” Lachlan confirmed. “We will remain here until we hear from the church.”

“I truly do not wish to impose—”

“Nonsense,” Lachlan interrupted another of her attempts to object. “I would feel remiss in my duty if we did not remain here and see you safe until the church determines your fate.”

Sister Terese nodded. “It would seem there is no changing your mind.”

Lachlan stood and bowed gallantly. “I and my men are at your service, Sister Terese.”

“I appreciate your offer, but you will find we are self-sufficient here.”

“As are we,” Lachlan said and with another bow and smile he sat in his chair. “We will not impose on your generosity. We will provide food and construct a temporary shelter for ourselves.”