Page 69 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

“Ye’re correct.” He turned to Craig. “Yet Emilia is too weak tae ride with us. If we wait, Bairre may well catch up with us.” He looked around despairingly. “There are only three of us tae fight against Bairre and how many of his men?”

Arran knelt by the burn and dipped his fingers into the cool water, puzzling over the problem he faced.

Craig took up position on a fallen log. “’I’ve an idea. It will nay solve the problem completely, but me plan might just be sufficient tae keep Dahlia out of the laird’s clutches.”

“If ye’ve a solution tae our problems I wish tae hear it,” Arran shook his hand, flying droplets of water through the air, “Out with it, me friend.”

“Mayhap it will nae meet with yer approval, Arran. But it will provide safety tae yer beloved lass and perchance buy some time fer Emilia tae regain her strength.”

Arran huffed impatiently. “It’s nay matter if I approve or nay, me first wish is fer the safety of Dahlia.”

“Well then,” Craig began, “me suggestion is that the lady and mesel’ should leave at once and ride hell fer leather tae the safety of MacLeod lands.”

“The two of ye, alone.”

“Aye, we can make it tae her clan lands and the protection of her braither the laird. Once there, the MacLeods can be roused tae ride back tae this place tae give ye aid if ye are in trouble with Bairre and his men.”

Arran took a deep breath. Craig was right. He hated the idea of being separated from Dahlia, but he trusted his old friend to defend her at all cost. With only the two of them riding they had a better chance of reaching safety without the rest of the group and Emilia slowing them down.

He turned and began walking slowly back toward the bothy, Craig at his side.

“Can ye saddle up the horses? I’ll go and put yer suggestion tae her.” He gave a snort of laughter. “She may take some time tae be convinced of this new course of action.”

When he entered the bothy the scene that greeted him caused a large lump to form in his throat.

Dahlia and Beattie were seated beside Emilia. Dahlia was brushing Emilia’s long grey tresses and Beattie was painstakingly creating a myriad of tiny braids, threading them with silk ribbons. Emilia had changed her clothing and was clad in a fresh kirtle of pale blue linen with an undershirt in a matching color.

For a few minutes Arran remained standing silently in the doorway watching the tender scene, his heart warming at the sight of the two women he loved most in the world smiling and giggling together in this gentle connection. His mother’s face was glowing, a tiny bunch of bluebells had been placed in an old pottery mug on the table, the fire was blazing, and the room was filled with the delicate scent of lavender.

The thought of having to tear Dahlia away and send her off without him caused a stabbing pain in his chest.

But there was no other recourse.

When Dahlia looked up, he signaled her to accompany him outside. She laid down the hairbrush and excused herself and hastened over to follow him through the door.

As she stepped up beside him, he seized her hand, enveloping it in his and squeezing it tightly.

She recognized at once there was something on his mind. “What is it?” She looked into his eyes, frowning.

“I’ve been talking with Craig. We are both aware Bairre will be hunting us by now.

Dahlia nodded, her eyes clouding with anxiety. He took her in an embrace, wrapping her in his arms, reveling in the sweet scent of her and the softness of her hair against his cheek.

“It may only be a brief time before he and his men are upon us.”

She sucked in a harsh, frightened breath, leaning closer. “I ken we have nay time tae spare.”

“Aye. That is the problem we face. Maither is nae strong enough tae ride. Even if we leave here at dawn, she will still be weak.”

“If she becomes aware that Bairre may nae be far off I’m certain she would rather face death and ride with us than risk being captured by him again.”

“Aye. That is me great fear. Craig has made a suggestion and I’m in agreement with him. Ye and he can leave now and be within MacLeod lands by nightfall, while we bide here through the night. We will follow at dawn if Maither is strong enough.”

She pulled away from him, bending to collect a smooth round stone from the grass and cradled it in her hands. “I understand. Ye wish me tae be safely away rather than risk waiting with the possibility of Bairre catching up with us.”

He ruffled her hair and leaned in to plant a kiss on her forehead. “At least I would ken that one of me lassies was safe. And that…,” he kissed her again, “…would bring some joy tae me heart.”

“I hate tae leave ye, Arran.”

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