Page 61 of Rescued By the Highland Warrior
Roderick and Moira parted ways to prepare, but there was an understanding between them now. They had connected in such a way that there was no going back to how it was before.
“Will this be fine?” Moira asked, as she stood before him, when he went to knock at her door to accompany her to the feast.
“Ye look ravishing,” he told her, planting a kiss on her forehead.
It was strange for Moira to feel such warmth, but now that she was open to it, she didn’t want it to stop.
As they made their way toward the main hall, with Roderick’s arms linked through hers, Moira’s smile suddenly dropped.
The first person they bumped into was Malcolm, a pretty, young woman by his side.
As usual, Moira was ignored.
“Good evenin’ laird,” he smiled to Roderick. “Fiona made it just in time.”
“Aye, so I see. How wonderful ye could join us, Lady McDougall,” he smiled politely in her direction. “Good evenin’.” Moira studied his face, and for some reason, she could tell that he was lying. She couldn’t think why.
“This is me betrothed,” Roderick continued. “Lady Wilson.”
“Nice tae meet ye,” Moira said, “I hope ye will enjoy yer stay at the castle.”
“Thank ye,” Fiona smiled. “It is a pleasure.”
“So,” Malcolm clapped his hands. He was more lively than she’d ever seen him before. “I’m famished. I dinnae ken about ye all.”
“Aye,” Roderick agreed. “There should be a fine feast prepared fer tonight, lamb an’ roast venison, perhaps some oatcakes an’ honeyed wine.”
“That sounds delicious, me laird,” Fiona beamed.
“Indeed,” Malcolm nodded.
“Shall we?” Roderick asked, gesturing toward the hall.
“Aye, yes laird,” he said. “Although I wonder whether Lady Wilson would like tae accompany me tae talk wi’ some o’ the councilmen. We’d be keen tae get tae ken her better. Perhaps in the meantime, Fiona could keep ye company, me laird. It has been far too long and ye could reacquaint yerselves.”
He gestured for them to walk together, but Roderick relinked his arm with Moira’s.
“Aye, that sounds like a fine idea,” Roderick said politely. “But perhaps we could all catch up later on. I think I’d like tae make an entrance with Lady Wilson by me side”
Moira couldn’t believe that Malcolm, of all people, had suggested that he’d like to get to know her some more. It didn’t take a genius to realize what he was doing. His words dripped with insincerity, and his thin veil of civility couldn’t hide the underlying tension in his offer. He wanted to separate her from Roderick, and Moira knew why.
“Of course, me laird,” Malcolm nodded, as he stepped out of the way for them to pass ahead.
As they all walked through to the large, music-filled room where the feast was held, Moira struggled to bite back her frustration. Even though she knew what Malcolm was like, and exactly what he was doing, the thought of Roderick with Fiona was one that was difficult to stomach.
The rumor Arabella told her was clearly true, and she didn’t like it all.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Roderick had been so caught up with Moira that he had almost forgotten about that evening’s feast. He wished they could have stayed locked away in his chambers, but he knew that if they both didn’t attend, it would stir suspicion.
After he had made his way around the hall exchanging pleasantries with his guests, Roderick returned to his seat to find Malcolm hovering close by.
“Me laird,” Malcolm said with a little too much enthusiasm, "I was speakin' wi' Fiona just now. She’s keen to learn more about its history, ye ken. I told her ye’d be the best person to guide her. Would ye mind takin’ her around? I’m sure she’d appreciate yer insight.”
To his side, he noticed Moira’s frosty expression as she stared emotionlessly ahead. “In due time, Malcolm,” Roderick said. “Now I need tae give the evening’s speech.”
Malcolm nodded, as Roderick called for silence, rising to his feet to give a toast. After his toast, Roderick continued talking with guests and it appeared that for the most part, Malcolm had backed off.
