Page 19 of A Merry MacNaughton
She pulled the sheet of paper from her cloak. “This is for ye. Dinna read it until tonight. Promise me.”
Calum gave her a quizzical look but nodded, accepting the parchment. She picked up the reins and wheeled the mare around the hindquarters. With a quick kick to its flanks, she galloped past her father and back toward Castle Craigg. Back to her real life and away from this MacNaughton fairy tale.
Chapter Eight
The Reluctant Rejection
Calum sat infront of the fire, watching the embers pop and spark. He held the letter containing Peigi’s remorseful words in his hand, absently tapping it against his thigh.
“Ye look pensive for a man who just ravished his intended. In front of his family.” Angus entered the room, ending the silence. “That was a fine goodbye. She may even be back before the new year.”
“Nay, Peigi has released me from our betrothal.”
“What? After that kiss?” His father towered over him. “Och, it’s more Craigg treachery. Convince us to make peace then take back the bounty. I’ll—”
“Nay, Malachi doesna ken yet.” Calum waved the foolscap in his hand. “Here, read for yerself.”
With a grunt, the chieftain sat next to his son and unfolded the paper.
Dearest Calum,
Words canna express my appreciation for all ye and yer family have done for the Craiggs. To be part of yer clan would be an honor, and a debt I couldna ever repay. So I release ye from our betrothal.
I ken how it feels to be put in a position against yer will. As I watched yer parents together, and listened to yer hopes of sharing that same kind of love with another, I realized the great disservice I did to ye. The innate kindness in ye, from saving my father to yer concern for a wee child and her dog, makes me realize how selfish I have been. Though I was severely tempted, I canna in good conscience force ye into a marriage to save me from entering a like fate. My father will be furious when he learns of my actions, but I am a stubborn Scot as well and will maintain my resolve.
Ye deserve a woman ye adore as Angus does Ailish. I will likely regret giving up the best man I have ever kent, but yer eventual resentment of me would be far worse. Better to tend a sore heart now than a broken one later. I will think of ye and yer kisses often. The memory of my time with ye at MacNaughton Castle will help me face the future and soothe my aching heart.
I only ask that ye think of me when ye find that woman of yer dreams, and remember how I played a part in helping ye find yer happiness.
With the kindest and sincerest regards,
Peigi
“Is it too early for a drink?” asked Angus when he’d finished reading.
“A wee swallow might be just the thing.”
“What the devil is she thinking? And what do I have to do with any of this?” His father moved to the side table holding the whisky.
“I believe this may be my fault,” said Ailish from the door. “I didna mean to eavesdrop, but yer voice carries all the way down the hall. Soft and subtle has never been yer strength, Husband.”
“What could ye have done except befriend the lass?” He handed a glass of scotch to his son but Ailish intercepted it and threw it back, smacking her lips. He chuckled and turned to refill the glass.
“She wondered why none of my sons were yet married. I told her they hoped for a love match as their parents had found.” She touched her son’s cheek. “I’m afraid I put it in her head.”
“Nay, Ma, I said the same to her when ye were dancing in the parlor. I set her thoughts churning all by myself.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Now what?”
“Do ye love her?” asked his mother.
He was silent, studying the crackling peat in the grate. “I’m attracted to her. There is passion between us that I havena felt before. But love?” He pounded his fist on his knee. “I told her love would come in time and believed it myself.”
“And now?”
“Now I feel as empty as a bird’s nest in December.” He stood and began to pace the room. “I canna accept her words, nor can I go against her wishes.”
“Her wish is for ye to be happy, Son. Ye dinna seem verra happy to me.” Angus refilled his glass and shared a look with his wife. “If it was me, I’d go after the lass. Tell her I refuse to make peace if she doesna keep her end of the bargain.”
“Is that how ye feel?” Calum’s gut tightened at the thought of resuming the feud.
