AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If he thought you and I were… courting,” he said, clearing his throat as he spoke.
Murdina blushed. Her thoughts returned to the kiss they had shared, the passionate manner in which he had held her, and the feelings he had aroused in her, too.
“But… he will never believe it–and even if he did, the clan would never accept it. They think ye are a traitor, Kin. They think ye are a spy. I can see nay good in ye stayin’ here, and to flee… it would be best if ye did,” she replied, but Kin shook his head.
“We shall make him believe it. You have been kind to me, Murdina; you have believed me–even when others did not. It is only right I try and help you,” he said.
Murdina was torn. The offer was generous, but what good would it really do? Her father would have plans for her–did have plans for her–and to persuade him she was in love with another, even if those feelings were partly true… it seemed too astonishing to contemplate.
“Perhaps it would work–but only for a short while. He wouldnae believe it forever, nor would he permit it, I daenae think. I am to marry a Jacobite,” she said, but Kin only cursed under his breath.
“I am a Jacobite I…” he began, but he was interrupted by a shout from across the gardens, and to Murdina’s surprise, Cillian was now hurrying towards them.
“Ye are wanted…” he stammered; his words slurred.
“Cillian, what is this?” Murdina demanded.
“The laird–yer father–ye are wanted. A man, one of the lairds, the MacGlens, the one ye are to marry, they have arrived,” he said, and promptly stumbled over and sprawled into a large rosemary bush with a groan.
Murdina and Kin looked at one another in surprise, a look of panic rising on Kin’s face at the mention of the MacGlens.
“But surely…” he began, and Murdina snatched his hand and pulled him hurriedly away.
“If the MacGlens see ye, they will know if ye are who ye say ye are or nae. We have to go,” she said, and Kin nodded as he glanced fearfully up at the windows of the great hall.
“I packed some things; I am ready to go if you are. But are you certain it is what you want?” he asked, and she turned to him, knowing this was the moment of decision.
But the thought had been growing in her heart for some time–the thought of leaving the castle behind and setting out for a new life, wherever that might lead her. She was tired of her foolish sisters, of her father’s overbearing manner–this feast was no surprise; it was planned for this very purpose. The laird had already decided whom his daughters were to marry, and tonight was the night the agreement was sealed. If she stepped back into the great hall, her future would be decided, and there could be no turning back.
“Tis’, aye,” she said, looking up at him with a smile.
