“I’ll nae return tae me faither.” She shook her head vehemently. “And I’ll nay be forced intae marriage wi’ the Englishman.”
On hearing this, Tormod nodded gravely.
She glanced at the other Elders, but they sat impassively, and she could not make out what they were thinking.
Tormod turned to Edmund. “This throws a different light on the matter of the lairdship, lad.” He looked at the other three who nodded. “We have much tae discuss.”
Edmund returned to his seat, a stricken expression marring his features. He glanced at Annora, offering a tiny reassuring smile.
Tormod addressed them again. “It is me wish fer the Elders tae confer privately with Edmund, so I ask that the ladies and the Laird MacDonald leave us now.”
Harris leapt to his feet, his face beet red. “This is an outrage. This man cannae be the laird. I demand?—”
Tormod rounded on him, his voice steady. “If ye could leave us now, Laird MacDonald, I should be grateful.”
With that, MacDonald stomped to the door, threw it open and giving another loud pshaw, made his exit.
Tyra got quietly to her feet and held out a hand to Annora.
“Lady Annora, would ye care tae walk wi’ me in the garden?”
“I shall be pleased.”
Annora stumbled to her feet, grateful for the arm being proffered. She grasped Tyra’s arm and they walked together through the doorway and out into the passage.
“I am sorry I couldnae tell ye the truth, Lady Tyra.”
As the door closed behind Annora and Tyra, Edmund sighed and turned to the Elders, holding up his hands.
“It was me fervent hope that I would be able tae explain our situation, but I was nae expecting the arrival of Laird Munro’s messenger before I had me say.”
Gaufried frowned, waving his hand at Edmund. “Ye realize this places us in a difficult situation, lad. Laird Munro hints at conflict if his daughter is nae returned.”
Edmund shook his head. “I dinnae wish tae involve the MacNeacails in a war wi’ the Munros. ‘Twas never me intention.”
Gilleasbuig leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Edmund.
“Well then lad, please tell us what ye intended.”
Edmund’s gut twisted. “I intended a brief fortnight’s visit tae Scorrybreac simply out of courtesy and tae learn a little about where I came from. ‘Twas nae me intention tae accept thelairdship.” He shrugged. “That all changed once I got here and learnt of me heritage.”
“And the lady?” Lamend enquired.
“She was escaping her betrothal when I saved her from a slave ship.”,
All four of the Elders looked at him quizzically. “Go on,” Tormod said.
“She wished nothing more than tae escape tae the Continent. I promised I’d sail her tae whatever port she wished after me sojourn at Scorrybreac. Fer both our sakes, it seemed wise fer us tae masquerade as a married couple. Fer her, tae evade pursuit, and fer me tae evade any possibility of an arranged marriage.” He shrugged again. “At the time, it seemed the wisest move. I wanted tae be courteous but unencumbered.” He gave a wry laugh. “I was sorely mistaken. I have come tae love both the Lady Annora, and the MacNeacail Clan.”
He slumped back in his chair aware of four pairs of eyes boring into his soul.
“Ye ken that the clan needs a leader whose word can be trusted.” Gaufried eyed him, shaking his head.
Edmund nodded. “I am nae given tae deception. Yet in this case it seemed tae me a way of protecting Lady Annora’s life. I cannae regret that. She feared her faither’s pursuit or that of the slaversand chose tae risk her life rather than continue tae England fer her marriage or tae the East tae serve a Sultan’s whims.”
Tormod spoke again. “I thank ye fer yer explanation, Edmund. Fer meself, I can admit tae a great disappointment on hearing the truth, yet I am nae altogether without sympathy fer yer decision.” He glanced around the table. “What say ye?”
Gilleasbuig was the first to speak. “I dinnae accept a liar,” his voice boomed out and Edmund flinched at his words. “Yet, I can understand what was in yer mind when ye decided tae spin us a tale.”
