Seamus waved his hand at the trio. “Continue.”
Maddock shared a quick, sly look with Arran before speaking. “We know the politics in the Highlands are charged, and Adaira’s marriage to Sawny benefited us by strengthening our alliances. And as it was a love match, ‘twas ideal.”
“Aye, this I know. Why are ye here telling me what I already know?”
Reade pushed forward, elbowing Maddock and Arran to the side. “Arran is a Sleat MacDonald. He has agreed to take Adaira, love be damned, respect her in marriage, and aid us in another strengthened alliance.”
That wasnotwhat Seamus expected. He slowly leaned back in his chair, one arm on his desk, his other hand on his chin.
Arran?
Arran wanted to wed Adaira?
Or at least, agreed to take her in her present state?
He rubbed the stubble on his chin.
Truly, ‘twas a perfect solution. Even just a betrothal announcement would stem the flood of overreaching suitors, solidify the MacDonalds in the face of that feckin’ Oath, and give her a husband who would wait until she was ready before demanding any marriage rights.
Which was the best any father could hope for.
Yet to agree quickly might not be for the best. Seamus cleared his throat.
“Arran, I did no’ know ye wished to marry. I rather presumed ye and Maddock to be of a like mind in that regard.”
Ignoring the faltering smile on his son’s face, Seamus turned his hard, whiskey-hued gaze to the young man in front of him with slick-backed brown hair and a fresh plaid. His sons had cleaned their friend up well, and Arran looked almost respectable.
Arran inclined his head toward Seamus. “Aye, we were of the same mind, to be sure. But like Maddock, I too see the value of marriage. More than that, I owe the Glenachulish MacDonalds much, and if I can help with Adaira, and help her in her sorrow, then I graciously offer my aid.”
Seamus raised an eyebrow at the lad. He immediately saw the benefit for all involved and sat upright.
“Aye. And I graciously accept. But I canna force the lass to wed ye. Make your argument for her hand to her, and if she accepts, we will meet with the priest to see about making the arrangements.”
All three young men bowed to Seamus and departed, light of step and of purpose.
Seamus liked the idea, but the trio’s joy might be premature.
Adaira had to sayaye, after all.
Chapter Seventeen
Thesummersolsticewasupon them, and at Fiona’s urging, Adaira begrudgingly joined them at the fair just outside Ballachulish.
Fiona had heard from the miller’s son that there were merchants, dancing, and even some travelers with intriguing wares. Sorcha concurred that an outing might do Adaira well, and Fiona and Adaira set out in the late afternoon with Maddock, Arran, and Conall as escorts.
When they arrived, the sun had crested the sky, kissing the horizon in a gray and pink haze. Torches and lanterns warmed the area, breaking through the cool summer mist and casting the entire event in a festive glow. A large bonfire, the featured centerpiece of the solstice fair, burned in the distance, a beacon welcoming fairgoers and market vendors alike.
Adaira’s brothers and Arran tied off their horses at the edge of the festival grounds. Maddock and Conall laughed along with Fiona as she clapped her excitement, but Adaira noted that Arran lingered near her as she slid off her mare.
Probably to keep an eye on her. Reade most likely had given the poor man strict instructions to keep Adaira in his sights at all times.
She sighed as she looked upon the colorful, tented vendors under the flickering light. She should be irritated at Arran’s presence, but she did not have it in her. Her family meant well, trying to lift her from her saddened state, and perchance they were right. How could she enjoy this night if she was enshrouded in sorrow?
It had been well over a month, and Sawny was still gone.
Mayhap her family was right – he had departed, disappeared completely, and left her behind.
Mayhap she should start picking up the pieces of her life.
