Risk Everything (32 page)

Throughout the meal, she could not have had a more attentive partner than Alpin. His face took on a glow that brought out the beauty there. As he sought to make her meal pleasant, the more devoted he became in seeking her comfort, the more Rolf glowered. At the meal’s end, Alpin leaned close to put his hand on her wrist and ask what she would prefer from the jellies, slabs of cheese, layers of wafers, and cut fruit.

“Eneuch.” Rolf ’s voice cracked sharp and cold. ’Twas apparent it was meant for Alpin.

Though it was the middle of the night, Meghan could not sleep. Ede had looked so upset when they went to bed that Meghan had not pressed her for an explanation on the evening’s happenings. She listened to Ede’s soft breathing as she lifted the covers and got out of bed. She stripped off her night shift and threw a mantle around her shoulders. Easing the door open, she went out onto the landing and made her way to Rolf ’s room.

Inside, she saw him sprawled on a chair beside the window opening. He bolted to his feet.

Meghan braced her hands on the hard wood behind her and backed up to close the door. The green mantle she had slung with such haste across her shoulders slithered down her body to land at her feet.

A beam of moonlight washed over Rolf ’s face and glinted off the streaks of silver at his temples. She saw him clench his teeth as he stared at her naked body. Praying he would come to her, she held out her arms.

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He did not. His body stiffened, his hands fisted, and the muscles at his jaw twitched. Through narrowed eyes, his gaze raked over every inch of her.

Shocked, she grabbed his circular shield propped aside the door and held it to cover her breasts and hips.

Why did he stare at her as if she were a stranger? The air around him radiated tension. Earlier in the evening, she thought him like stone. Now, ’twas more than that.

Rolf had become cold, hard granite. The man who had ignited into a blazing fire every time she came into his presence for these last weeks now showed naught but chilly indifference.

Neither uttered a single, audible word. Gathering her pride close, she tossed the shield aside. Its clatter filled the room.

She whirled and yanked the door open to return to Ede’s room.

Rolf let out the breath he had held since Meghan exposed her lovely body. Never afore had he needed such iron control to mask his feelings.

The confused look on her face made his heart yearn to comfort her.

The shame in her eyes when she grasped his shield to cover her nakedness shred his honor that he had treated her so.

Had Meghan known how much he wanted her, loved her, he would have been helpless to deny her. He scooped up her mantle and swallowed back a moan, then returned to his chair. He buried his face in it and inhaled deeply. His shoulders slumped.

Soon, she would know all.

He would do anything if he could deny the sun’s rising on this next morn.

Chapter 23

Darkness faded into gray, but Meghan had still not closed her eyes. What had brought about Rolf’s startling withdrawal? Was it because of the guest expected to arrive this day?

She would do all she could to make the visitor welcome. If the saints were with her, the lady would not stay for an extended visit. At the bottom of the trunk, she found a sea-green smock and a deep-green tunic and donned them. She noted the colors brought a glow to her sun-kissed skin. Taking her time, she braided a small section of hair on each side of her temples in the same manner as Rolf wore his. She brushed the rest of her hair and let it fall freely down her back. He would be pleased that she took special care of her appearance.

She wended her way through the sleeping bodies on the great room floor and, careful not to make noise, picked up the bagpipes from beside the hearth. At the cookhouse, she selected freshly baked bread, a wedge of cheese, and an apple. Nibbling on the bread, she went atop the barbican and made her way over to stop above the portcullis that protected the gateway below.

She greeted the guards and settled down to wait. From this vantage point, she would see the riders as soon as they left the wooded path on the mainland. ’Twas a dismal morning. Feelings of dread invaded her like the dreary, dark sky that promised rain.

Just as the first rays of the sun broke through building clouds, she spotted riders and packhorses leaving the woods.

Her eyes opened wide, and she stared in dismay. She had hoped for a short visit. It didna seem likely. It appeared the lady

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brought most of her possessions with her. Swallowing disappointment, she brought the air-filled bagpipe to her lips and started a merry
Ceol mor
tune of welcome that had never failed to bring a smile to the lips of visitors entering Blackthorn.

As the horsemen approached over the long bridge, she noted a woman seated on a dainty palfrey. Surprise near caused her to miss a note. On either side of the horse rode men who grasped wooden poles to hold aloft a canopy of heavy linen. She could not see the woman’s face or form but kenned she was frail.

She played her joyful welcome until the last horseman rode into the bailey.

“Ye did Rimsdale proud with yer playin’, lady,” the guard standing beside her said.

“Aye. ’Tis much more than anyone else would ha’e done,”

the warrior stationed at the top of the stairs added. Strangely, he patted her shoulder as she carried the bagpipe past him and made her way down to greet their company.

By the time she reached the steps to the castle, Rolf had assisted the woman from her horse. He and Alpin were leading her inside the great doors, followed by Ede. Meghan gripped the bagpipe close to her side and hurried after them into the great hall.

All she could see of their guest was long silvery hair, near identical to Alpin’s, who stood beside her. They were of the same height and slender build. Meghan’s heart began to thump.

“Rolf, could you not find a piper skillful enough to play a proper welcome? I have heard better from barn cats fighting over a scrap of food.” Though her words were harsh, the sound was melodious.

“Leave off, Ailsa. I thought the tune well-played,” a voice rough with irritation answered.

Heartsick, Meghan realized ’twas not Rolf who defended her, but Alpin, who had once professed to be her enemy.

“You have neither ear nor eye for beauty, brother, and canna judge.” Ailsa’s chin lifted high, and she stretched her shoulders back, thrusting out her breasts. She ran her hands

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over her body and preened for Rolf ’s eye. “Has not everyone said I was born with not only the beauty, but also the keen mind in the family?”

When she turned her head to look at Alpin, Meghan drew in a sharp breath. ’Twas no elderly dame needing special comforts and care who stood there, but Alpin’s twin.

The woman’s face was exquisite with creamy white skin, blond shapely brows, and lovely ice-blue eyes fringed with lush, ash-blond lashes. A perfect nose rested above full rosy lips and beautiful white teeth. Meghan reached out to steady herself and felt a comforting arm brace her waist. ’Twas Jamie who helped to steady her. Dougald hurried to her other side.

“Lady Meghan, let me hold the pipes for ye.” His voice soft with kindness, Dougald took the heavy pipes from her.

“She may ha’e been born with beauty, but she also was born with a meanness that puts a mad boar to shame,” Jamie muttered.

He proved his judgment when Ailsa demanded, “Is it too much to ask for comfort after my long journey?”

“We prepared a chamber for you, and all is ready. Would you care to refresh yourself afore we break our fast?” Ede asked, and went over to stand beside the beautiful woman.

“Do you suggest I do not look lovely enough for this hovel?” Ailsa’s nostrils flared.

“I am sure Ede didna mean anything of the kind, Ailsa.”

Rolf ’s words were soft and gentle.

It fell like a pail of icy water over Meghan’s soul.

“Have you not been able to bribe a suitable man to husband Ede? Though with her unseemly red hair, ’tis likely no man desires her.” Ailsa tossed her head, causing her long hair to ripple down her back like a silver stream.

“ ’Tis a witch she is,” Jamie muttered; then he spoke loud enough so everyone could hear. “Lord Rolf has no need to bribe any man to ask for the lady’s hand. He has had so many offers he doesna know which to honor.”

Ede’s face turned as bright as her hair. Jamie’s words also brought Ailsa’s regard to them. She had her mouth open for

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what would surely be a sour retort when her gaze met Meghan’s face.

“Why, ’tis the unskilled piper.” Her gaze raking over Meghan was as scornful as if she examined a cesspit. “I thought the figure to be a man, so uncomely was she atop the barbican.”

Rolf stood immobile, his face blank of any expression.

Ailsa turned her back on Meghan and placed her hand on his chest. “Rolf, must I stand all this day?”

As the spectacle had been unfolding, the cook and her helpers had carried in huge trays of food. The servants arranged all manner of prepared eggs, cold meat, pigeon pie, cheese, hot scones, porridge, butter, cream, jellies, fruit pastries, and other tempting foods on the table—a feast fit for the finest lords.

“I am most sorry, Ailsa. Please, let me assist you to the table,” Rolf said, and escorted her to sit beside him.

Meghan remained motionless. Alpin hurried over and glared at Jamie, who still supported her. Jamie’s arm dropped, and Alpin held out his wrist to escort her.

How could Rolf allow this mean-spirited woman even to enter his castle? Her fist curled with the need to strike him on the jaw. He should have turned her skinny arse around and dumped her back atop her palfrey, prodded the poor beast, and sent them galloping on their way.

While she seethed, Alpin led her to sit beside him. He poured a tankard of ale and offered it to her. She controlled the urge to grab it and throw its contents over the hateful woman’s head. That wouldna be enough, she decided.

“ ’Tis best you take a sip, Meghan. My sister can be charm-ing with men, but she isna so with women.” His mouth, pinched in at the sides, showed his irritation at Ailsa.

As he spoke, a loud shuffling and struggle at the doorway caught their attention. Ugsome fought two guards who tried to hold him back. He snarled and pulled his lips back in a menacing grin that showed every tooth. His nose wrinkled as he snapped at the nearest ankle and broke away. Eyes intent on Ailsa, he snarled and made a dash toward the table.

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“Stay, Ugsome,” Garith shouted, and jumped up from his seat.

Ugsome did not break his stride.

“Ugsome, stop!” Rolf commanded. The beast came on.

Meghan stood and waited until the dog was but a pace away from the table.

“Ugsome,” she said quietly, and put her right forefinger on her chin, signaling him to stand and follow her.

The homely beast skidded to a halt at the sound of his name from her lips. He looked at her and saw what she wanted. For the first time, he hesitated about obeying her and turned eyes full of hate at the woman beside Rolf.

“Come.” Meghan smiled when the dog looked back at her.

As if disappointed she would not approve of his taking a nip out of their visitor, he shook his head. Quiet now, he padded over and plopped down on the floor by her feet.

Rolf ’s brows shot up. For the first time, he must have realized Ugsome had never been a threatening guard over her.

“You should kill that ugly, horrible dog,” Ailsa shouted.

“Did you not see he was going to attack Garith?”

“Nay! He wouldna hurt me. He was looking at yo . . . uh, something on the floor,” Garith said, indignant.

“No one is going to harm Ugsome, Garith. I will ne’er allow such. But from now on, he willna be allowed inside the castle.” Rolf ’s stern voice angered Ailsa, for she frowned. She opened her mouth, but when he turned a cold look on her, she snapped it shut.

Throughout the meal, though Alpin tried his best to tempt Meghan with savory offerings, she could not eat. Waves of nausea roiled through her. She was not surprised, for she had not slept the whole night. It did not help that Ailsa was Alpin’s twin, not a frail, elderly lady. What reason brought her here?

For certes it was not because she favored Rimsdale or anyone residing in it.

Except Rolf.

Ede looked as ill as Meghan felt. Their gazes met, and Meghan smiled encouragement to her. Later, she would try to

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soothe the sweet woman’s tattered feelings. Knowing she needed to quell her uneasy stomach, she took the hot scone Alpin proffered. She broke off a piece and ate it, then took another and reached down and offered it to Ugsome. Her hand brushed the hilt of the dagger strapped to Alpin’s boot.

The mood in the room bristled with tension. Even more so than the day Rolf brought her to Rimsdale as a captive. She shrugged, for ’twas easy to understand why. The woman made it plain to all she thought Rimsdale inferior. Meghan wished Alpin would ease in his attention to her, for each time he leaned close to offer her a tidbit, she felt Rolf ’s disapproving regard. She didna want to cause trouble between the two friends.

After Alpin brushed her lips with a juicy plum, Rolf slammed his goblet on the table and bolted to his feet. Offering his hand to Ailsa, he helped her rise and led her to the center of the room. He turned, so they faced the high table.

What did he intend? She had not long to think on it afore Rolf began to speak, his voice calm and firm.

“My people of Rimsdale, most of you have met the Lady Ailsa on earlier visits.” His shoulders twitched. He hesitated a moment, then took a deep breath. His jaw hardened, and his body stiffened.

“She has come today not as Lord Alpin’s sister, a visitor, but as my bride, your future lady.” His gaze met Meghan’s.

“Lady Ailsa and I will wed on the morrow.”

Chapter 24

“Nay!” Shock and horror stabbed through Meghan.
She
could not have heard him aright
. He had handfast with her—