Page 3 of Highland Ghost

Chapter Two

The wedding didn’t quite go as planned. By the time Ian returned to the church and made his way up to the altar, everyone was heading out the door.

“Wait. Where is everyone goin’?” asked Ian, feeling a sense of panic wash through him. Had the MacKeefes changed their minds about the alliance? Did word of the ghosts get out, scaring everyone away?

“I’m sorry,” said Storm, making his way over to Ian. “The priest is feelin’ ill and we’ll have to postpone the weddin’ until he is well.”

“What? Nay. Tell him it’ll just take a minute.” This was not at all to Ian’s liking.

He heard his bride-to-be whimper, and looked over to see the girl’s sister trying to comfort her. Thunder continued to rumble outside, and the sound of heavy rain now pelted against the stained-glass windows.

“My, that’s inconsiderate of ye to say that of an ailin’ man,” spat Kellina, not caring how she spoke to a laird.

“Kellina, it’s all right,” said Storm, holding up his hand, obviously not wanting trouble.

Finn poked Ian from behind, and Ian realized he needed to make amends.

“Nay, she’s right,” said Ian, looking over his shoulder at his cousin. “I suppose I am just anxious to be wed. It’s a long ride back to Gowrie Castle and, unfortunately, I have business at hand on the morrow and canna stay here and wait.”

“I understand,” said Storm.

“Perhaps the girl can come back to the castle with us, and we can find another priest to marry them,” suggested Finn.

Ian didn’t really want his betrothed coming to the castle until they were wed. If so, she might be scared off before they could take their vows. Still, at this point, it might be in his best interest. “Aye. I agree,” said Ian. If they could get away from the MacKeefes and get the girl back to the castle on their own, he could marry her before anyone stopped the ceremony from happening.

“I suppose that would be fine,” answered Storm, getting another whimper from Ian’s betrothed.

“Kellina, help me,” Ian heard his betrothed whisper.

“Laird MacKeefe, mayhap the weddin’ should be here,” said Kellina. “After all, this is where it was planned to happen.”

“I understand yer concern, but Laird MacBain has other business to attend to,” answered Storm. “Caitlin, ye will go with Laird MacBain and his cousin anon.”

“Nay, please, it is stormin’,” cried the girl, making Ian want to take her away before she could continue to object. She was going to ruin everything.

“Lass, a little water never hurt anyone,” said Ian. “Ye’ll ride with me and I’ll keep ye safe and dry by wrappin’ my cloak around ye.”

Caitlin looked up at her sister with wide eyes in a silent form of begging for help, Ian was sure.

“Then it’s settled,” said Storm, reaching out and shaking Ian’s hand to seal the deal.

“I’ll go with her,” blurted out Kellina.

“Huh?” said Ian, crinkling his nose, not wanting any other MacKeefes there to protest to the wedding if the ghosts should appear. “Whatever for?”

“To help prepare her. For the weddin’ and the . . . consummation,” said Kellina. Now, Ian was sure the girl named Caitlin was about to faint. He had never seen anyone so afraid in his life.

“Nay, that’s no’ necessary,” said Ian. “I have lassies in the castle to help my wife-to-be.”

Finn cleared his throat from behind Ian. It was obviously to remind him that more than half his clansmembers had left because of the ghosts.

“The sister of yer betrothed can ride with me,” offered Finn. “I suggest we leave right away.”

“Aye. That’s fine,” answered Ian, turning to go.

He stopped in his tracks when two men dressed in plaids, and holding babies blocked his path.

“What did I hear about my wife goin’ with ye?” asked the shorter one.