Page 198 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Eleven

Rhoslyn whirled and hurried from the hallway into the great hall. Her mind raced. Her grandfather had said nothing about swearing fealty to King Edward—or any of the other recent political changes. He had taken an even greater chance than she’d realized by trying to marry her to Jacobus. If Edward learned that Baron Kinsley had conspired behind his back, he would imprison him.

She paused, scanned the crowded room, and spotted her grandfather near the small hearth on the left wall where a minstrel played a harp. She brushed through the crowd, but stopped when she came face to face with Lady Davina.

“Lady Rhoslyn, at last we have a chance to speak with you.” She startled Rhoslyn by pulling her into a hug, then drew back and surveyed her. “Ye look drawn. Are you well?”

Rhoslyn knew what she meant was, ‘What did Dayton St. Claire do to you?’

She hadn’t missed the looks Davina and other woman had cast her way throughout the evening. The other three ladies in her group murmured their agreement that she looked tired, and Rhoslyn replied, “A wedding and celebration in less than two days is taxing.”

“‘Tis more than the work.” A knowing light entered Davina’s eyes. “We heard what happened. For a man whose brother is challenging his marriage, Sir Talbot seems oddly at ease.”

“Lies,” Rhoslyn replied. “If Dayton’s claim had any substance, he would be here under the authority of Edward. Sir Talbot has the written command from his king that he and I are married.” In truth, Rhoslyn was relieved to have gotten St. Claire instead of his brother, but to hear the words from her own mouth tightened the knot in her stomach. She couldn’t, however, let these women see her fear. She shrugged. “Dayton is jealous of his brother and thought to use me as a pawn.” All the truth, and easily deduced.

“But he was alone with ye for a day,” Davina said.

Spiteful bitch, Rhoslyn fumed. It wasn’t the villagers who spread malicious rumors, but those of her own social station.

Rhoslyn frowned as if confused. “What are ye saying, Davina?”

“I am saying nothing,” she replied. “I understand the way of things. King Edward betrothed you to Sir Talbot, and ye canna’ ignore his command, nor can Sir Talbot. But not everyone knows you as I do. If a child is born nine months from now—”

“If a child is born nine months from now, that will only prove that St. Claire is a lusty man,” Rhoslyn cut in.

The other women tittered and Davina lifted her brows. “He is a bonny man. I can well believe he is lusty.”

A nervous flutter skittered across Rhoslyn’s insides. He was her husband in the eyes of the law and God, and could exercise his husbandly rights anytime he pleased, which meant she would soon learn just how lusty he was. She had known no other man save her husband. And Dayton St. Claire, she realized with a jolt. The weight of his body on hers as he shoved inside her suddenly pressed down on her as it had three days ago.

“Rhoslyn?” Davina said.

Davina’s face snapped back into focus.

“Ye looked as if you were somewhere else.” Davina exchanged a knowing glance with the other ladies. “You were no’ by chance remembering how vigorous your husband is?” Heat flooded Rhoslyn’s cheeks and before she could form a response, Davina added, “In truth, no one will dare gainsay the Dragon’s word, so it will not matter when your babe is born. In fact, the sooner the better.”

“Dinna’ call him the Dragon,” Rhoslyn snapped, then whirled, the sooner the better ringing in her ears. She steered around a crowd and halted when she nearly collided with Lady Elizabeth Broune. Rhoslyn blinked, startled to see her old friend.

“Elizabeth,” she blurted.

“Dinna’ look so pleased to see me,” Elizabeth said.

Under normal circumstances, Rhoslyn would have been ecstatic to see Elizabeth. But she hadn’t seen her since Dougal’s birth. Aside from her grandfather, Elizabeth was the person who knew her best. There would be no hiding from Elizabeth what had happened with Dayton.

“I-I am very pleased to see ye,” Rhoslyn said. “I am surprised, is all. What are ye doing in Buchan?”

“Iain had business. I came so that my son could visit my parents.”

“Son?” Rhoslyn repeated. A pang of sadness pierced her heart, but she said, “That is wonderful. How old is he?”

“Almost six months now.” Elizabeth’s expression sobered. “I am sorry about Dougal, Rhoslyn. I never had a chance to tell ye.”

Leave it to Elizabeth to address a mother’s concern before worrying about being married off by an English king. Might Elizabeth obtain the pennyroyal for her? Elizabeth had been her most trusted friend her entire life. If there was anyone she could trust... Nay. She loved Elizabeth like a sister, but this was a confidence that even a sister might betray.

A whisper rose from the darkest regions of her mind, She will remind you that you are murdering your baby.

Elizabeth’s attention shifted past Rhoslyn, and Rhoslyn started when she entwined her arm with Rhoslyn’s. Elizabeth cast her a curious glance, then led her past a group of guests. A serving girl passed and Elizabeth stopped her and took two mugs of wine from her tray.

She passed one to Rhoslyn, then took a sip of hers before saying, “Why did ye leave without saying goodbye?”