Page 8 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
"You mean they might call for us to do more than kiss on the cheek?"
"Indeed."
"Your brother said the handfasting was to be chaste."
"And you think all these folk believe that?”
“If their laird says a thing, they should believe it to be true.”
“Perhaps, in an ideal world.However, tell me, would you accept as a wife a woman who came to you after ending a supposedly chaste handfasting with a different man?”
His brow wrinkled.“I see your point.”
“Good.”
He is not a complete dolt after all.
“Have you eaten your fill?”
“Aye.”
“Then let us put our plan into action.‘Tis past time we were on our way.”
Seona stood.“We must bid farewell to Raeb, Jessamyn, and all my family.”
Farewells were said.
“I fear I may have done too much this morning,” Jessamyn murmured, hugging Seona.“Walk with me to my solar, please.”
“I must tell the earl.”She turned to her husband.“Lady MacKai has need of me for a few moments.Go ahead and prepare the men and horses.I will meet you in the bailey when I am ready to leave.”
“I will do that.”Rhuad bowed over her hand then walked away.
Jessamyn was silent as they climbed the stairs to her solar.Once there, Seona helped settle her sister-in-law on a padded bench designed with a back for reclining.
“Now what is it you need of me?”she asked.
Jessamyn took Seona by the hands.“I wanted to apologize for not warning you about the handfasting”
“Why were Earl MacFearann and I subjected to this?”
“I worried about your safety, alone with so many men.Raeb suggested the handfasting as a solution, as it would force MacFearann to guard you more carefully.In addition, his men would regard his wife as someone to be protected.I believe it to be a good idea, and Raeb said he would see to everything to ensure your safety.I thought that meant he would discuss it with you and the earl last night, before anything was said to anyone else.”
“This is all the fault of my brother’s high-handedness?”
“You know how he is once he gets an idea in his head.”
Seona couldn’t help but smile.“Aye, he’s rather like a stallion after a mare.’Twas the same when he hatched that idea to be so rude to you that you would break your betrothal.”
Jessamyn grinned in return then sat back releasing Seona’s hands.“Don’t be too angry with him.”
“I’m certain that any ire I have for my brother will fade by the time I return from my journey.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“You are tired.Allow me to call your ladies for you.”
“Please.They take excellent care of me.”
