Page 56 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

CHAPTER NINETEEN

When Benedict had left her to go and speak to Audor, Evelyn had been certain she did not want to be around anyone in the castle. If she had to wait for the outcome of Benedict’s meeting, she wanted to be alone.

They had shared something that day that she did not fully understand, but what she did know was the fact that they had both felt it. It was neither voiced nor acknowledged, but whatever had happened between them was now a shared experience, and something that had brought them closer than ever.

Evelyn had sensed it as they had made love to each other, but even afterwards, in the aftermath of their passion, that same feeling of a joining had occurred. It felt surreal, and given it was something she had never felt before, she struggled to truly comprehend it.

Ye dinnae need tae comprehend it. Just feel it, Evelyn. That is all ye need tae dae.

It was when she was wandering back to her bedchamber, with a mixture of worry and bewilderment swirling through her body, that Yvaine had discovered her.

“Och, Evelyn,” her sister had soothed. “Are ye all right? Ye are still upset from earlier.”

But Evelyn had shook her head. “Actually, I’m nae. Something else has happened since that has taken up all my concern.”

Yvaine’s frown had deepened. “Tell me.”

On the way back to their bedchamber, Evelyn disclosed that their father had visited her again while Yvaine had been bathing. She relayed the return of Audor, and the fact that the wedding had now been brought forward, and would be going ahead in three days.

Yvaine had stared at her in disbelief. “What? I cannae believe it.”

“The laird and the council made the decision. They fear if I dinnae marry soon, Laird Keith’s men will try and attack again.”

“But the castle is locked down so tightly, surely nae one who isnae supposed tae be here could get through.”

“Never mind that,” Evelyn said, “I have yet tae tell ye the rest o’ it.”

Evelyn then relayed her conversation with Benedict in the garden. She skipped the part where they had made love in the grass, and went right onto telling her the fact that Benedict was speaking to Audor that very minute.

Upon reaching the bedchamber, Yvaine closed the door excitedly behind them. “Och, Evelyn, this is wonderful news.”

“Nae yet,” Evelyn countered. “Neither of us really ken how Audor is going tae react tae it. Benedict is determined he will convince his brother, and yet, I am nae as certain. Besides, there is the alliance tae consider. Even if Audor allows it, what will happen tae the alliance?”

Yvaine took hold of Evelyn’s shoulders and looked her in the eye. “One thing at a time, dear sister.”

“That is easy fer ye tae say,” Evelyn huffed. “This burden doesnae rest upon yer shoulders.”

Yvaine looked a little hurt by her words. “I would gladly take the burden from ye if I could, Evelyn.”

Evelyn felt guilty then. Her words had been harsh and unnecessary. Clearly, her worry was numbing her mind, and making her act in ways she would not ordinarily. This circumstance was no more Yvaine’s fault than it was her own. She was hardly being fair, especially after all the support Yvaine had given her since she had been told she was to marry a stranger.

“I’m sorry,” Evelyn blurted, looking at her sister pleadingly. “I didnae mean tae be so cruel. I’m being unfair. Ye have done so much fer me, Yvaine. I have just had tae deal with so much this last week.”

“Ye have.” Yvaine nodded with a sad smile. “Which only reaffirms my words this morning. Ye need tae think about yersel’ fer a change. I ken faither wants tae protect the clan, but I am certain there are other ways o’ doing it other than selling his oldest daughter intae slavery.”

“Och, Yvaine, ye are being dramatic.”

“Am I?” Yvaine said, her tone implying that her words were not so ridiculous. “What else would ye call it? Ye are the bargaining chip tae keep our clan safe. That sounds very much like slavery tae me.”

Evelyn had not really thought of it like that, and she felt Yvaine’s viewpoint was a little exaggerated. She had been around this castle many times in the couple of weeks since they had arrived. She knew the strength and wealth of this clan. With that in mind, it was evident that she would hardly be deprived of a full and bounteous life. It would just happen to be with someone she did not love.

“I still think it’s a little dramatic, but let’s nae argue over such menial things. Me mind is consumed with what might be going on in the laird’s study at this very moment. Even if Benedict convinces Audor tae let us marry, there is still nae certainty about the alliance.”

“Have a little faith, sister,” Yvaine said, trying to calm her.

“I dinnae have the sanity fer faith,” Evelyn countered, now pacing back and forth.

“Well wearing the rug tae a thread isnae going tae give ye a different answer tae what will be decided. Come,” Yvaine said, taking hold of Evelyn’s hand. “Sit down.”