Page 13 of Married to a Highland Brute

CHAPTERFOUR

That morning, the carriage felt uncomfortable. Jonan sat in the small coach with Callan, staring out the window as they rode through the woods, thinking hewould have preferred to do anything else but this.

Years ago, I wanted nothin’ more than to be a laird and lift my people's burdens.

For years, his heart and actions had been guided by this conviction. He had given his body, blood, time, and soul to carry out his duty.

Jonan had been married to Magda long enough to put his trust in her with a blade while he slept. That trust was no longer in his life. His people had asked him to give himself to another before he had even fullyprocessedhis grief.

“Ye ken ye daenae have to be in love with the English woman,” Callan reminded his best friend.

“Ye have said this before,” Jonan replied with a heavy sigh.

“I daenae suppose ye would consider a wench to warm yer bed for the final time before ye wed?” Callan grinned but Jonan provided no response.

Callan had tried a variety of methods to cheer him up. He had listened and offered advice, and when that didn't work, he suggested a woman.

Jonan refused to consider it. He was alaird, not a young sapling driven by his member. His first responsibility was to his people. If marriage meant saving them, he was willing to accept, even if it meant entrusting his seed to a strange English woman.

“Leah would be vexed,” Jonan had wondered aloud.

Callan had laughed before he replied, “She is a wee lass and a kind one too. She ken that ye are sad. Everyone in the keep can see it. I am certain she would’nae mind havin’ a woman to care for her.”

But as Jonan approached the Turner estate, he was still unsure. A lot of what was going on felt out of place. He felt like he wasbetraying Magda.

“We are close now,” Callan said as the woods began to fade away, revealing small cottages and Lord Turner's land.

“I never ken I would be in cahoots with the English,” Jonan muttered his displeasure out loud.

“Ye made the right decision, milaird,” Callan assured his Clan Chief as they drew closer to their destination.

Callan had always been a friend Jonan could rely on. He knew he respected him as a strong leader even before assuming lairdship and breaking bread with him. They'd ridden into battle togetherand saved his life several times... though not as many as Jonan had saved his.

Jonan had changed since Lady McKay's death. He'd lost his drive, and he knew Callan had been tasked by the council to make him see sense again. Even so, Callan had remained loyal. He was a friend closer than a brother, and Jonan cherished his loyalty dearly.

“It is said thatLord Turner has information that could be useful tae us. And he can provide a safe haven if there ever be the need for one, a land to retreat tae,” Callan continued. “And ye ken that his daughter’s promised dowry is a small fortune!”

Jonan nodded.

“Do ye think of the Lady McKay?” he asked, referring to Jonan’s silence. “I ken she would want ye to move on and find yerself another bride, to take care of ye and Leah. However, she might nae have wanted ye to fall in love, that I do ken,” Callan went on, picking his words meticulously.

Jonan said nothing as he approached the fencing that surrounded Lord Turner's manor.As they made their way up to the entryway, guards openedthe gates for them, snickering as Callan emerged first.

The English always think themselves better than we Scotsmen even though they live off our lands, Jonan thought in anger before he got out of the carriage. He was much taller and broader than the guards tasked with escorting them, and it made him feel good.

“Would ye dae yer duty and lead us in, or dae we have to find our way ourselves?” Jonan asked firmly.

The two guards looked at one another, undecided.

“I shall nae unsheathe me sword,” Jonan quipped. The guards bowed their heads, knowing their hands were tied but fearing the huge Scotsman even more.

“Dae nae laugh at a man who ye cannae fight,” Jonan said ominously as he strode into the keep.

The interior of the manor was unlike any other house hehad ever visited. Most Scottish households thought the ornaments on the walls were unnecessary and gaudy. This, however, wasthe home of a man who was overly concerned with wealth and its many luxuries. The large drawing room was decorated in white and gold, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and glittering candles atop its arms.

An alliance is what I seek here, nae more, Jonan reminded himself as he followed a footman through the manor.

Walking into the big house, he half expected to see his bride-to-be. Callan had informed him that he was marrying a twin.

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