Page 39 of The Highlander’s Gypsy Temptation

She resumed walking, and Andrew watched her go for a few moments before following after her. He seemed deeply concerned and scrutinized her stony countenance from the corner of his eye. They went for a short while in silence.

“’Tis nae that my brother does nae wish tae marry ye or be with ye,” Andrew broke the uncomfortable silence. “It’s just that he does nae feel deserving o’ ye.”

Idalia spun on Andrew, with a furious look on her face.

“What does that even mean? Does not deserve me? And who gets to decide that? Your council? Him? Who gets to decide what I deserve?” Idalia clenched her teeth to keep her voice down, but her emotions boiled out of her. She clenched her fists so tightly, they turned bone-white.

Andrew glanced across the courtyard, as though wishing they could have had the conversation somewhere a bit more private.

“That makes no sense,” Idalia continued, trying to rein in her anger. “If he wanted to marry me, then he would. Even if he had to use my situation as an excuse, no one would bat an eyelid. Instead, he passed me on to you, his brother. No, it does not make much sense to me.”

Andrew crossed his arms on his chest and sent a rock clattering across the cobbled courtyard with his boot. “Well, my brother does nae exactly work that way.”

“Sadly, I am out of time and options,” Idalia said in a calm voice. She relaxed her fist and let out a deep breath, releasing the anger that had filled her a few moments ago. “I cannae wait around for your brother to work the way I need him to.” She shrugged and walked on towards the castle, yet she felt bad for having thrown all her pain at Andrew. He was the last person that deserved her rudeness.

Andrew followed her. “I do understand yer feelings,” he said. “However, would it nae be strange for ye if we were married and all ye did was pine after my brother? Wondering how things would have been if he had decided tae marry ye instead? Trust me. I do understand yer situation. Sadly, I feel ’tis unnecessary for me tae be dragged into it like this. The way I see it, ye should both fight for the love ye have and share. Should yer lives then be decided by people who have nae idea what ye both share, and who dinnae understand what ye have been through?”

“So far, I have been the only one doing all the fighting, Andrew,” Idalia replied. “It’s Bran who has refused to fight for me, and, as I said earlier, I have run out of time.” They got to the steps of the castle, and she turned to look at the man. “If everything fails and I end up marrying you, I vow to be true to you. Regardless of what I feel for Bran, I shall not bring dishonor to you or your household. You can rest assured I will be a good wife. I appreciate what you are doing for me, and I am sorry to put you in a situation like this.”

“I have never doubted yer loyalty, Idalia,” Andrew replied softly. “I ken ye will never do anything wrong. That is why I am so concerned about all o’ this. I dinnae want tae become a villain in a love story. Nay, that’s the last thing I want tae happen. Yet, ye two lovebirds seem tae be chasing it with all yer might.”

Idalia chuckled at that, and Andrew smiled as well. All the iciness melted in that moment for the first time since they had begun their conversation, and it felt good to both of them to hear themselves just laugh for a little while. It felt as good as the sun breaking through the clouds on an overcast autumn afternoon.

Idalia looked at Andrew and couldn’t help noticing he was rather handsome. For the first time since she had known Andrew, she looked at him, and really saw him. With blue eyes and fine dark hair, she could imagine him turning heads whenever he walked by. He was definitely easy on the eye. She imagined herself as his wife. She could see herself enjoying a quiet and mostly peaceful life with him, one shared in good companionship. He would probably never do anything to hurt her either.

Unfortunately, her heart just didn’t jump for joy when she saw him and she could also tell that his heart did not beat for her either. While they liked and respected each other, it had never been more than that, and Idalia could not imagine a scenario where the relationship would change.

If they did go ahead as planned and got married, she knew they would make a good team. They would likely form a friendship in their marriage and would work as a unit to raise children and have a happy life together but she did know for certain that love would never be a part of it.

Andrew was correct in what he had said earlier. Idalia would never be able to go a day without thinking about what she had lost with Bran. Every day in their home would be a reminder of the life that was denied to her. The life she wanted. The thought of such a reality chilled her more than she was willing to admit, and it took everything inside her to keep from breaking down where she stood.

Andrew cleared his throat, and the sound startled Idalia. She realized she had yet to reply to him, and she had no idea how long she had been consumed by her thoughts. She smiled a sad smile at him. “I’m sorry, my mind’s just been a million different places at the same time.”

“It’s fine. I understand,” Andrew replied affably, returning Idalia’s smile. “Look, I think we should do our best tae use the time we have left tae try and change Bran’s mind, if we can. Ye never ken, he may come around. I ken ye dinnae have time on yer side, but it would nae hurt tae try.”

“You’re a good man, Andrew,” Idalia replied, tapping his arm. “Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any need for false hopes. Everything has already been done, and I will be begging nobody to marry me. The matter has been concluded, even by the council. I shall not dwell on it further.”

Andrew raised his hands, showing his willingness to let the matter drop, even if only for the time being. “I suppose ye are right. Well, I suggest we share walks as often as we can manage. The way I see it, if nothing happens between ye and my brother, and we do end up together, the walks would then nae be in vain. Nae only would it help us ken each other better, but it would also serve a different purpose, ye see.”

Idalia raised a brow at Andrew and smiled. “Oh? And what purpose would that be? Pray tell.”

“Nae a chance,” Andrew replied laughing. “Ye would need tae trust me on this one, please. All ye need tae ken is that I have a different plan for those walks, aye?”

“Fine.”

“Thank ye.”

“Honestly, I think I’d rather trust you,” Idalia said with a smile.

“Good choice,” Andrew replied. “Give me a moment tae dash up and change out of these sparring clothes.”

“Sure,” Idalia said. “Take as long as you need.”

“I shall nae be gone long,” Andrew said. He pointed towards a stand of trees. “Ye could wait for me on the bench under the trees, aye?”

“Of course.”

With that, Andrew dashed through the massive double doors into the castle. Idalia watched him go, a multitude of thoughts running through her mind. She walked towards the bench and sat down to organize her thoughts.