Page 5 of A Wife for the Highland Wolf
“He was still the laird, and the contract is binding.” Murdoch could feel his temper fraying, frustration taking hold with each word that passed between them. He needed a bride, and he’d been promised one. He wasn’t planning to leave without a bride. He wouldn’t tolerate the scorn and humiliation he would face in the aftermath of such a debacle, no matter whose fault it was.
“He’s also dead, and nay one save he ever saw nor signed this paper. There’s naught bindin’ to us in this document. And even were there, Nora’s long since wed, and the marriage consummated. Ye cannae claim her now.”
“Then I’ll claim another bride. I ken there’s more than one Miss Knox. Choose another of yer sisters, and I’ll wed her instead.”
The youngest lass spoke up then, her eyes flashing as she protectively shielded her elder sister. “And why would we ever agree to that?”
“Because I’ll nae stand for being humiliated by a broken promise. If ye willnae honor yer clan’s promise, then ye're declaring war between Clan Clyde and Clan Lochlann. And I daenae think ye want any such thing.”
“Perhaps. But I daenae think ye will come out the better in such a confrontation. But tis beside the point, for the fact of the matter is this: Me sisters are wed. I’m the only lass who carries the name Miss Knox anymore. And I daenae consent to marry a boorish man such as ye.”
Murdoch felt his lips twist in a reluctant grin. She was as spirited as she was pretty, this wee lass, and not afraid to face him down. She wasn’t his promised bride, but he thought he’d be doing well if he could secure her hand.
When I secure her hand in marriage. Nae if.
He stepped forward with a wolfish smile on his face. “I dinnae say ye had a choice about refusing. Did I nae tell ye that ye can offer me a bride or I can bring ye a war?”
“Are ye threatening me sister?” The other woman tried to step forward but was hindered by her sister’s arm.
“I’m stating the realities o’ the situation.” Murdoch folded his arms. “This must nae be difficult. Surely, we can discuss things like civilized clan-folk.”
At that, the older woman did step around her sister. “Anything ye have to discuss on this matter, ye’ll discuss with me. Tis me husband that’s the laird.”
“And yer sister, tis the one I’ll be marryin’. I’ll discuss the matter with her, or nae at all.” He smirked at her. “I’ll nae have ye sayin’the amendment o’ the contract isnae valid for the same reasons ye dismissed the first - that the lass in question dinnae see or agree to it. We’ll settle the matter between ourselves, and yer husband can have his say later…if it comes to that.”
Lydia wasn’t sure what to make of Laird Lochlann, or Murdoch Nairn. He was arrogant, churlish and ill-tempered, but he had also said he was willing to talk. She swallowed. “What would we be talkin’ about?”
“Terms of the proposal. There werenae any written out, save the name of me bride and the fact that the marriage was to secure an alliance between our clans.”
Lydia bit the inside of her cheek. On one hand, the thought of being tied to such a dangerous and temperamental man terrified her. On the other hand, what choice did she have? She didn’t want to cause her sisters and their families to be embroiled in a war, not when there was a simple solution available to keep the peace between the clans.
She put a hand on Isobel’s arm. “Tis all right. I’m willing to speak with him, as long as we can use Alex’s study for privacy.”
Isobel looked at her with distress clear in her eyes. “Lydia…ye…”
“I’m the last unmarried Knox lass. This is something I must do, for all our well-being.” Lydia smiled at her sister. “Daenae fret, Isobel. I’ve learned well from the rest of ye over the years.”
She stepped forward, toward Laird Lochlann. “If ye’ll come with me, I’ll take ye to a place where we can speak privately.”
Isobel huffed and she followed behind them, her eyes on the swell of her belly. “I’d be able to handle any ‘discussions’ that were needed if I dinnae have to be mindful of me condition. But ye ken, little one, ye could let yer mother shoot an arrow now and then.”
For a brief second Lydia saw Laird Lochlann’s surprised expression before he concealed it behind his mask of arrogance. Still, the brief glimpse heartened her. It seemed the man possessed some basic human traits after all. And if the mask could be cracked once, perhaps it could be cracked again.
Together they made their way to the study, passing two of Isobel’s many dogs and one of the cats on their way. Both dogs bounded up to Lydia and demanded scratches behind their ears, and the cat purred when she ran her fingers through its thick, soft fur.
Laird Lochlann looked slightly annoyed by the delay, but he was astute enough to say nothing as Lydia greeted her friends.
At the door of the study, Lydia stood aside to let the laird enter first, only to retreat quickly as her sister’s middle-aged wolfhound bounded into the room past them.
Lydia laughed and patted the dog’s head. “I suppose ye're to be me guardian and chaperone then, Hector.”
“Should be me.” Isobel grumbled at her. “I may be carrying a bairn inside me, but I’m fair certain I could manage to put an arrow in him if he tries somethin’.”
Lydia smiled as her shoulders relaxed. “I’m sure Hector would take care of him before ye could even find your bow, Isobel. But daenae fret. I’m certain I’ll manage.”
“I’ll be waiting here, right outside the door. Call out if ye need somethin’.” Isobel glared at the laird and pulled the heavy door shut.
Lydia took a deep breath. She could do this. She turned to Laird Lochlann and raised her chin, determined to act as a laird’s daughter should. “Very well, Laird Lochlann. What terms would ye like to discuss?”
