“Och. I’m thinking we could continue wi’ the same arrangement.”
She sucked in a hissing breath between her teeth. “And, so ye’re asking?—?
He chuckled. “Aye. I am proposing… er… suggesting, that ye keep up wi’ this wee masquerade as me wife while I bide in Scorrybreac fer the next two weeks.”
“And this would be tae yer advantage and tae mine?”
“If ye are pursued, they’ll be searching fer the Lady Munro, nae the goodwife of Edmund Sinclair.”
She hesitated, frowning. “But ‘tis only fer the fortnight. After that I’d be free?”
“Indeed, lass. I give ye me word.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I wish tae be on me way without delay.”
He shook his head. “Aye, me business on Skye will be done then, and I shall take ye wherever ye wish.”
She mulled this over. “I admit, yer offer fer me tae travel wi’ yedaesprovide a solution tae me problem. At least fer the next fortnight.”
She then started giggling.
“What amuses ye, lass?”
“Why, in order tae escape one marriage, I am tae be plunged headfirst intae another.” Her smile faded. “I will agree on condition. That naething shall pass between us. There shall be nay kisses, nay hand-holding, nay touching in any circumstance.”
“Aye. Ye have me word.” He looked her up and down. “Ye’re nae a tempting sight, Lady Annora. Keeping tae those rules will beeasy.” He paused, waiting for the indignant huff that was sure to follow his words. She did not disappoint. He grinned. “Yet there is one thing I ask of ye…”
“Pray tell.” She was still frowning.
“When we’re in the company of others I dinnae wish ye tae argue with whatever I say. And, also, that ye regard me wi’ adoring eyes in the manner of a young bride who worships her husband wi’ love.”
She sighed as if what he asked was a great hardship. “I agree, yet those are two difficult things ye’re asking of me. Nae one.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Edmund groaned and rose from the cold stone hearth in front of the now dead fire where he’d spent the night. He stretched to ease the stiffness in his back, glancing at the mound of covers on the bed and the muddle of yellow curls spread on the pillow.
“Wake up, lass. We must be on our way as soon as the sun’s up. We’ve a long journey north ahead of us.”
Still clad in the worn shirt and kirtle, Annora sat up, stifling a yawn. She swung her bare legs to the floor, scrambled out of the bed and began pulling on her stockings while Edmund observed her with interest.
Hmm. Despite everything else, those long shapely legs are appealing.
She shoved her feet into the worn boots and tightened the laces. After smoothing her crumpled skirt, she sat on the edge of the bed attempting to undo the knots in her hair with her fingers.
“Never mind yer hair, lass. I’ll find ye a comb later. Now me business is done here we must make haste tae break our fast and resume our voyage without delay.”
They proceeded down the stairs where Davie greeted them. He directed Annora outside to the privy and the washtub where she could splash water on her face and clean her hands. She followed him down the hallway to the rear door while Edmund rejoined his crew at one of the long refectory tables in the tavern.
Lionel MacLaren, his close friend and second in command, looked up as Edmund strode over to the table. His weathered appearance spoke of a lifetime lived in the outdoors. A rugged and powerful warrior, Edmund trusted him completely.
“And where is yer lady companion this fine morning?” Lionel’s eyes twinkled as he looked toward the corridor as if seeking a glimpse of the mysterious lady.
“There’s nay call fer that look, lad. The Lady Annora is nay plaything or an easy whore, but of noble birth. She will travel wi’ us tae Scorrybreac as me wife.”
Lionel failed to hide his astonishment. “Have ye lost yer mind? We dinnae ken what will await us when we reach the castle of the MacNeacails.”
“Ye will recall me concern that the clan might try and inveigle me intae a marriage in the name of strengthening their alliances.”
