Chapter Fourteen
Cyrus hated to reveal Elspeth's secret. He felt he was betraying her somehow, but he had informed her he would let Fraser know.
"Do you promise to tell no one, not even the guards? And especially no one at Castle Rebbinglen."
His brother frowned. "Aye, of course. Why the secrecy?"
"She used to be the mistress of the late Earl of Dalacroy, Henry's father."
Scowling, Fraser drew back. "In truth?"
"Aye." Cyrus felt as if he'd eaten bitter fruit. "She was one of many. From what she said, the old earl was naught but a bounder, with mistresses in various parts of the kingdom. She told me 'twas not something she wanted to do. It was a matter of survival after her baron husband died and 'twas the only way she could provide for her two siblings and her wee son. Otherwise, they would've all been destitute."
"I didn't ken she had a child."
"Aye, ten summers. He's her husband's heir." Cyrus explained the rest of the situation. "This house used to be Henry's grandmother's dower property. 'Tis likely why he wants it back so badly."
"Och! I'm certain."
"She has never met him and doesn't ken what he's capable of. His archer shot at me twice, so he has no qualms about murder."
Fraser shook his head. "That makes me even more concerned about taking two of your bodyguards with me. What if this Henry bastard should attack the manor house with a large force? 'Twould be only you and two guards against perhaps dozens."
"I'll pick them off one by one if I have to. 'Twould not be safe for you to travel back to Castle Rebbinglen alone."
Silent for a long moment, Fraser nodded as if in deep thought. "She is beautiful. I can see how any earl would want her as a mistress."
Cyrus wondered at his brother's abrupt change in subject. Then he noticed Fraser's speculative look and realized what he meant byany earl. Himself?
Ignoring him, Cyrus poured two drams of whisky and offered one to his brother.
"'Tis obvious you're tempted to extend the same proposition to her." With a devilish smile, Fraser accepted the small glass.
Cyrus snorted. "Nay, indeed. I'll not be straying from my wife, whoever she ends up being."
"Would a former mistress be such a terrible wife?"
Feeling conflicted about that question, Cyrus shrugged. "Not right for me." But even as he said the words, they felt like a lie. Which made no sense at all.
"What do you deem right for you? An untouched virgin?"
"Of course. 'Tis the only way to ensure any bairn she delivers is mine. First and foremost, I need an heir. And she should be the daughter of an earl or marquess, for the most benefit to the clan."
"But… there's just something about Elspeth. And she's not intimidated by you." Fraser sent a sideways glance, then turned up the whisky.
Cyrus drew back. "Why should any woman be intimidated by me?"
"Oh, believe me, they are. Most of them, anyway."
Cyrus shrugged. He was glad he could inspire apprehension in a large portion of the male population, but he had never set out to frighten women.
"Even Lady Lily is a wee bit scared of you," Fraser went on.
"That's ridiculous," Cyrus muttered, even though he thought he'd seen fear in Lily's eyes the first time they'd met. He'd hoped it was only nervousness.
"Is it?"
He figured Lily was made of stronger stuff. "She's Rebbie's sister, and Rebbie is a fearsome warrior, charging into battles headlong."
