“You’re mine now, Roses,” said Wilkie. “My clan and my family will protect what’s mine. ’Tis their honor and their duty.”
I thought of Wilkie’s own duty, to his brother and laird. “Laird Mackenzie wishes me to go. He sees the trouble I bring, the disruption and the danger.”
It was Kade, surprisingly, who reassured me. “Our brother’s thoughts are embroiled in military alliances and the continued fortification of our army, at all times. ’Tis true he is somewhat more reluctant to recognize what we all can clearly see—that Wilkie has become not only smitten but thoroughly obsessed with you. We should all be so fortunate to find such a powerful connection.” Kade sounded almost wistful at the thought. Upon first meeting him, I would not have picked him for a romantic, but he was decidedly less threatening as these unexpected layers of his personality revealed themselves.
I wiped my eyes, having some difficulty absorbing the kindness of them. It was potent and life-affirming. And it had been a very long time since I’d felt real affection of this kind. My parents had given it, whole-heartedly. Ismay, as well. And now the Mackenzies, even those I had never expected it from.
“I’m sorry I’ve brought this upon you,” I said.
“What you’ve brought upon us,” said Kade, “is a brother who is crazed by you to such an extent that he could very well cut down Ogilvie’s entire army single-handedly. I’d not worry overmuch about the caliber of our forces if I were you.”
Wilkie continued, choosing not to acknowledge Kade’s remark. “Ogilvie knows he has little chance of overpowering our men and storming our keep. My guess is that they’re bluffing. Knox is of a mind to invite Ogilvie, alone, and discuss it in a civilized manner. ’Tis likely that we can offer him a trade of some description. Bribes have a way of smoothing grievances.”
I hoped he was right.
Wilkie wiped a stray tear from my cheek. “All right, then? No more daft talk of running off?” He gave me a look of gentle sternness. “You know I’d come after you, so it’s safer for all of us if you stay right where you are.”
“Are you certain? I couldn’t bear it if anyone here was harmed because of me.”
“And I,” Kade retorted, “couldn’t bear if Ogilvie, the lout, were to better a single man of ours. I’d consider our leadership decidedly faulty.”
“’Tis settled, then, lass,” said Wilkie, as though impatient to be done with the entire discussion. “Agreed?”
I nodded. And I admit, I felt a euphoric sense of relief, that I wouldn’t have to leave him and wander alone across the hills, with men on my trail and but a single knife in my possession. And that my sleeping quarters tonight would not be in a lonely cave but in the plush and occupied bed of Wilkie Mackenzie.
“Good. Let’s eat,” said Wilkie. “I’m half starved.”
* **
“WEWANTTOTAKEROSESon a stroll through the orchards,” Christie informed her brother. “She’s been cooped up for days and the fresh air would help restore her to full health.”
We were seated in the same room where I’d taken tea with Christie and Ailie, by the open window. Other warriors and workers often took their noonday meal in the great hall, I was told. Laird Mackenzie believed that mealtimes should be shared and should offer plentiful, hearty nutrition, not only to fortify the hard-working clanspeople but also to invite camaraderie. It was a good opportunity to discuss tactics, or crop irrigation, or techniques by which to build the most durable walls. And we could hear their loud banter and laughter from where we sat, behind closed doors. But Wilkie was not willing to let me partake in the wider clan’s activities. He thought it still too dangerous that word would get to Ogilvie that I had indeed taken up residence at Kinloch. Until discussions could be organized between Laird Ogilvie and Laird Mackenzie, it was best to remain quiet and hidden.
And I guessed, for that same reason, that he wouldn’t want me to wander the gardens, even under the careful escort of his sisters. But he surprised me, maybe when he noticed my eager anticipation at the question. I waited for his answer and took in, behind him and in the distance, the softly swaying grasses and the heavy-fruited trees.
“She’s already visited the medicine garden, with Effie,” Christie offered. “It’ll be fine.”
“We’ll stay away from the gardeners,” persisted Ailie. “We’ll be very cautious, Wilkie. And Roses canwear a hat, to cover her hair. So she won’t be noticed. Look at her, she’s dying to go.”
Wilkie did look at me, and his fierceness softened. He thought about this for a minute or more, watching my face all the while. “All right,” he finally said.
He’d said aye! I would be allowed to walk in those glorious gardens, to bask in the sun and the air, with the feel of the grass on my feet. I could eat a piece of sun-warmed fruit, and maybe I’d even have a small opportunity to study the design and the horticultural techniques. Silently, I clapped my hands together.
Wilkie smiled at my expression. “Roses often talks of the gardens.”
I hoped I might find a pear to eat.
“That’s a very real possibility,” commented Kade, jarring me slightly. I hadn’t realized I’d spoken aloud. To Wilkie, he said, “They’ll be wondering what’s keeping us, Wilkie. Let’s go.”
Wilkie’s smile had faded. “You’re to stay at this end of the orchard, only,” he instructed his sisters. “And in the birch grove. Nowhere else.”
“Aye, Wilkie,” Christie assured him. “Don’t worry yourself. We’ll not go far.”
Wilkie pulled his chair close to mine and stared into my eyes. He looked mildly panicked. He brushed his lips against mine, very briefly, then withdrew.
Kade was exasperated. “For God’s sake, brother. The inner orchards and gardens are within the walls. Let the lass take some sun. You’ll see her at dusk.”
“She’ll taste of pears by then,” said Christie. It seemed a strange comment, but when we all looked at her, she stared at Wilkie innocently. “What?”
