Temptation in a Kilt (11 page)

***

Removing Beathag’s hands, Ciaran placed them back on her person. He was not about to tell her that she was not the cause of his attention. “I will speak with ye later,” he bit out.

“Later?” Beathag pouted, raising her brow at Rosalia. “Of course, my laird. I didnae see ye had a guest.” She studied Rosalia openly from head to toe, and when she took a step closer, he held out his arm to stay her.

“Did ye nae hear me? I said later.” His contemptuous tone sparked her anger.

Beathag stopped, glancing at his restraining hand upon her. Turning, she gave Rosalia a chilling smile. “Aye,
Ciaran
. I will meet ye in your chamber, and we will finish where we left off.”

“Rosalia, are ye finished? I think Aisling waits,” said Aiden with a warm smile. This time Ciaran was thankful for his brother’s intervention.

“Aye, Aiden.” Rosalia pulled back her chair as Aiden assisted her to stand. “Pray excuse me, my laird. I see ye have your hands… verra full,” she said in a cynical tone, casting a glance at Beathag, who continued to throw daggers her way.

Ciaran watched the play of emotions upon Rosalia’s face, waiting for some sign of objection, but she merely looked hurt. For some reason, he was confused by why that bothered him. She looked beautiful in a dress, but he had to admit he was partial to her trews. They molded to her luscious bottom and legs when she moved.

Obviously, nothing was wrong with her chamber. She either thought it was too close to his or realized it was the lady of the castle’s bedchamber. Frankly, he did not care, nor was he concerned with what anyone else would think. After all, he was laird and could do as he damn well pleased.

Casting a glance at Beathag, Ciaran stood. “I need a word with ye.” Taking her by the elbow, he escorted her out of the great hall.

“Aye, my laird,” she purred.

Once they reached the courtyard, he turned toward the stables. Noticing the direction they were headed, Beathag gave him a smug look. “I cannae wait as well, my love.”

“Since when do ye call me ‘my love’?” he asked, surprised.

Pushing up on her dress, she gave him a clear view of her bountiful breasts. “Donna be that way. Ye clearly missed me as much as I missed ye,” she chided him.

When they reached the stables, Ciaran gestured to a bench. “Sit, please. There is nay way to speak this but only to be clear. Our time together is at an end. I thank ye, but we cannae be together again.”

Although he would stay true to his task and not allow himself to get too close to Rosalia, he had not failed to notice the painful expression on her features when Beathag made her presence so clearly known. He could not have his leman flaunting herself so openly before his guest. The gods knew he had needs, but he would rather take it upon himself to satisfy his own desires than to bear the sadness he’d seen in Rosalia’s gaze.

“What?” Beathag cried, her eyes welling with tears. “Ye know naught what ye speak, Ciaran. We are good together. Ye have said as much.
I
love
ye
!”

He grabbed both of her arms gently. “
Love
me? Donna place something there that wasnae. We were good together, but ye know that was all it was.”

She wiped her tears. “How can ye speak such words to me?”

Ciaran sighed. “Beathag, ye know this wasnae going to last. We have spoken as much. I didnae seek more than what was offered and I always spoke as much to ye. This shouldnae come as a surprise.”

She gazed at him searchingly. “Tell me. Is there another? Do ye already bed that
lady
? I am bonnier than she, and her face is—”

“Nay!” he spoke with more conviction than he wanted to portray. “’Tis time that we part. Ye did naught wrong, and I donna want ye thinking ye did. ’Tis just time.”

Wiping away her tears, she stood. “Of course,
my
laird.
Whatever ye wish.” She gave him a small curtsy and scurried off.

He actually stunned himself by ending his liaison with Beathag, but his decision was made. To honor his vow, he never stayed with one lass too long. He’d kept Beathag longer than most, but only because she satisfied his needs. He had meant to speak with her this eve, but he had not expected her to make her presence known in the middle of the noon meal.

Even though he’d had to address her sooner than he’d wished, he was momentarily relieved it was over between them. The last he needed was two women pining after something they could never truly have—although if Rosalia’s eyes continued to undress him, he would not be responsible for his actions. He was astutely aware that the lass was not as unaffected as she pretended to be. Apparently, she greatly approved of his Highland attire. He smiled at the memory.

Walking back leisurely to the great hall with a smile upon his face, Ciaran was completely unaware that Beathag stood in the shadows, watching his every move.

“Have a care, MacGregor whoreson. Enjoy that smile upon your face. It will be your last…”

Aisling’s bedchamber was located in the same corridor as Rosalia’s but situated on the opposite end. At least she would not be lost. When Aiden offered to escort her, she jumped at the chance to escape. She did not need to see Ciaran’s leman paraded before her eyes. Besides, there were much more important matters that required her attention and she did not need to be distracted by romantic notions. Determined, Rosalia would set about building a new life for herself—one that did not involve a particular Highland laird.

Aiden reached out, grabbing the latch on the door as wailing cries echoed from within. He opened the door to reveal a beautiful woman with flowing red hair sitting in a chair and trying to console Teàrlach. Tears glistened on her pale, heart-shaped face, and her eyes were red and swollen.

Walking toward her swiftly, Aiden knelt down beside her. “What is wrong
, a ghràidh
?” he asked, placing his hand gently on her head.

Aisling leaned into his broad shoulder. “I donna know why he cries. I cannae get him to cease. He is fed. He is dry. I donna know what to do.” She gulped hard, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“Where is Bessie?” he asked, rubbing his hand over her beautiful tresses.

“I told her I would sit with him while she had the midday meal. He willnae cease and I donna know what ails him. Teàrlach doesnae want his mother,” she cried, wiping her tears.

Aiden gave her a warm smile. “Of course he wants his mother, Aisling. He will cry if he is hungry, wet, hot, cold, or for any reason. ’Tis how he speaks, sweeting.” He rubbed his hand affectionately over her shoulder. “Ye are a good mother, Aisling.”

She looked at him and smiled as if she did not believe him. “Thank ye, but ye have to speak as such. I am your wife.”

“Nay, I donna. Ye are a wonderful mother and wife. I say so freely. Do ye want me to walk with him? It seems to calm him.” He stood, holding out his hands for his son.

“Aye.” She handed Teàrlach to Aiden. “Thank ye, Husband.”

Rosalia saw the heartrending tenderness of his gaze, and it was as if something unspoken passed between them. She smiled at the sentiment. This was clearly a love match. “My lady, do ye wish for me to come back another time?” she asked, feeling as though she were intruding on a private moment.

Aisling looked at her as if she’d just realized Rosalia had been standing there. “
My
lady
? We arenae so formal here. I am Aisling.” She wiped her tears and gestured for Rosalia to sit in the opposite chair. “Aiden, could ye please seek Bessie?” she asked him with tear-stained eyes.

His mouth curved with tenderness. “Sure, sweeting. I will check on ye later.” He winked at his wife and closed the door.

“Are ye sure ye donna wish to speak another time?”

“Please, Rosalia. I need to have a woman’s company. I am sorry for my distress. They say ’tis normal to have these spells, but I donna have to like it.” She laughed.

“Nay, ye donna. I must thank ye for the dresses, my lad—” Aisling raised her brow and Rosalia giggled. “I must thank ye for the dresses, Aisling.”

“I hope they fit ye. I wasnae sure so I pulled out what I could.”

“Five of them fit. I will return the rest to Anna.” Rosalia smiled her thanks, and Aisling waved her off.

“’Tis fine.” She studied Rosalia closely, hesitating before she spoke. “Ye know, Rosalia, I have nay women companions to speak with—well, other than Anna. I understand ye are to be with us for a time. I would be honored if ye would be a friend to me.” Leaning forward, she tapped Rosalia’s leg. “Besides, ’tis about time we had another woman to even things out. ’Tis hard enough to keep Aiden on a straight path, let alone Declan and Ciaran. I am afraid we are sorely outnumbered.”

“I would be honored to have a friend and a face that is familiar. There are so many faces here and everyone seems close.” Rosalia hoped they would be as friendly and close at Glengarry.

“Aye, we are. Ye have met many new faces then?”

“Besides Ciaran, Aiden, Donaidh, Calum, and Seumas, I also met Declan, Niall, and Beathag.” Masking her features, she smiled politely.

“Niall is a kind man. He has been with us for some time.” She shifted in her seat and there was a brief silence. “And what did ye think of Beathag?”

Glancing down at her hands, Rosalia spoke softly. “I really didnae get the chance to speak with her. She was,” she cleared her throat, “
occupied
with Laird MacGregor.”

Aisling shook her head in disapproval. “How can I put this delicately? Ye know Ciaran is an unmarried man and men have certain…
needs
that only a woman can provide.” Nodding uncomfortably, Aisling blurted out, “Beathag offers Ciaran her favors.”

Rosalia’s eyes widened and she heard herself swallow. She did not find joy in having the obvious confirmed. There was an awkward silence, and she gave a silent prayer of thanks when Aisling changed the subject.

“Ye also met Declan?” She gazed at Rosalia and smiled as if they shared some great secret.

“Aye.”

“Declan is the youngest. I am sure ye already have an opinion, and it would probably be correct. Most of us are fairly harmless, though.”

Rosalia smiled. “He is much like my brother, James.”

“Ye have a brother?”

“Well, he isnae my blood brother. We grew up together and he is my family.”

Aisling gave her a knowing look. “I have three brothers. All of them rogues. Ye should have seen the time they gave Aiden when he courted me.”

“
Three
brothers?
I can only imagine if they are as protective as James. If ye donna mind me speaking as such, ye and Aiden seem verra happy and verra much in love.” Rosalia could not stay the slight ring of jealousy in her voice.

Aisling’s smile broadened. “’Tis the truth. Why would I mind? Aiden is wonderful.” She paused. “Tell me. Do ye have someone, Rosalia?”

“Nay,” she spoke softly, shaking her head.

“How is it that ye came upon our laird?”

“Ah, ’tis a verra long tale,” Rosalia hedged. A tale she did not really feel the need to share with Ciaran’s sister by marriage at the moment.

“Ye know, Rosalia, I think we will be friends. Ye can speak to me freely.” Aisling gave her a warm smile and a little encouragement.

Rosalia weighed her options. Aisling was Ciaran’s sister-by-marriage and he apparently trusted her. She supposed she did not have to speak the whole tale. Besides, she could use a woman friend. She’d never had one and it would be advantageous to have one now. With a new sense of resolve, she intentionally lowered her guard. “I was upon my horse and blacked out. Donaidh and Seumas discovered me and took me back to camp.”

Aisling regarded her with a somber curiosity. “Surely there is more to the tale.”

“Your laird tended to my injuries. He will take me to Glengarry when ’tis safe to travel,” she muttered uneasily.

A soft gasp escaped Aisling. “Glengarry? What is in Glengarry? ’Tis verra far north in the Highlands.”

“My family.” Shifting in her seat, Rosalia became slightly uncomfortable. She was not sure how much to disclose.

“Why are ye so far from your family?”

“My
seanmhair
lives in Glengarry and was a MacDonell before she wed.” Rosalia paused, glancing down at her hands. “I am an Armstrong and from Liddesdale,” she finally relented.

Aisling had a look of attentiveness upon her face. “Liddesdale? I donna know that.”

“’Tis verra close to England’s border.” Rosalia stirred uneasily in the chair.

“And ye were riding
alone
from Liddesdale to travel to Glengarry? I envy your courage, Rosalia. I know the dangers of traveling. I cannae even imagine journeying with nay one to accompany me. Ye must have been verra frightened.
I
would have been verra frightened.”

“Aye.” Rosalia smiled sadly.

“It must be some tale to make ye go to such lengths. Does it have anything to do with your bruises?” Aisling held a sympathetic look upon her features, and when Rosalia did not immediately respond, Aisling slapped her hands on her thighs. “Ye know? I think I must rest again. Do ye mind assisting me to the bed?”

Rosalia rose. “I donna mind.” She walked Aisling to the bed and propped up a pillow at her back.

“My thanks. ’Tis much better,” she said, adjusting herself into a more comfortable position.

“Do ye want me to seek Aiden for ye?”

Aisling’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Ye arenae yet taking your leave, are ye?”

Rosalia glanced nervously around the room. “I thought ye needed to rest.”

“Aye, I need to lie down. I am nae dying.” She patted on the bed beside her. “Come. Join me and we will speak.” After a brief hesitation, Rosalia sat as straight as an arrow on the edge of the bed. “Donna be so formal. Sit and relax. Ye will be here for a while, and we need to get acquainted.” Positioning a pillow, Aisling gestured for her to sit down next to her.

Rosalia moved herself further onto the bed and leaned against a pillow, placing her feet quickly to the floor. “My slippers. I will take them off.”

“Donna worry upon it. Aiden crawls upon this bed with his boots on constantly. The bed will survive your slippers.” Aisling ran her hands through her tresses. “I cannae wait to remove myself from this chamber,” she groaned.

Placing her feet back upon the bed, Rosalia laughed. “How much longer?”

“I escape on the morrow.”

Glancing around Aisling’s bedchamber, Rosalia saw it was smaller than her
temporary
bedchamber. Female touches were throughout the room, such as books and flowers, but she also noticed traces of Aiden. His boots and a sword leaned in the corner, making his presence seem so permanent. They both had a place they shared and called their own. Aiden and Aisling were fortunate to be wed and have a love match.

“So what do ye enjoy doing?” Aisling asked, grabbing her tankard from the bedside table.

“I enjoy riding. My horse, Noonie, enjoys it as well. He loves to splash in the loch.”

“Well, he came to the perfect place. Look around ye. Water is everywhere. Luck is on your side. My horse, Aiden, doesnae like the water.” As if she caught her slip, Aisling chewed her lower lip.

“Aiden?” Rosalia chuckled.

“Aye. I will give ye the tale, but Aiden gets annoyed with me when I speak it. ’Tis just between us?”

Rosalia nodded her head in agreement. How could she not?

“I couldnae think of a name for my horse, which was a gift from my father. One day the beast halted and ceased to go further because there was a stream of water. For some reason, he doesnae like the water and refused to cross it. He wouldnae
budge.
I told him he was just as stubborn as Aiden and—well, there ye have it.”

Rosalia brought her hand up to stifle her giggles, tears glistening in her eyes. “Och, what did Aiden speak to that?”

Aisling shrugged her shoulders indifferently. “What could he speak? ’Tis the truth and he knows it.”

Now Rosalia laughed with sheer joy. This actually felt quite nice. For once, she did not have to worry about what to say and could be herself. Thinking upon it, she never had another woman to speak openly with. Visibly relaxing, she sat back and started to enjoy the warmth of the company. “And what do ye enjoy, Aisling?”

“Well, I know this may sound daft, but I so enjoy spending time with Aiden. We have so much fun and laughter together and enjoy sparring back and forth.”

“It seems that way. I am joyful for ye.” Rosalia spoke with sincerity.

“So tell me. How do ye like Glenorchy thus far?”

“’Tis truly beautiful. I have ne’er traveled to the Highlands before, and there are many beautiful sights.”

“And beautiful men.” Aisling chuckled.

“Pardon?” Rosalia was caught off guard by her newfound friend’s comment.

“Rosalia, I am wed, but I am nae dead. How do ye find our handsome Highland men or mayhap one particular Highland laird?” asked Aisling, raising her brow questioningly.

Glancing down at her hands, Rosalia was sure she blushed. “Everyone is verra kind to me,” she hedged.

“Mostly everyone is kind. Have ye seen the view upon the parapet yet?”

Rosalia shook her head. “Nay.”

“’Tis wonderful when the sun goes down. Mayhap our laird will take ye. Aiden willnae let me go there alone for fear of me falling to my death. I tell him he should have fear of me pushing him off.”

They were laughing hard when Aiden walked into the room.

He hesitated, measuring them for a moment. “I donna know if I should run or hide. ’Tis ne’er a good sign when Aisling… are ye plotting against me, Wife?” He spoke with a trace of laughter in his voice. Standing to his full height, he simply folded his arms over his chest and waited.

“Ye are far too suspicious, Husband,” Aisling scolded him.

“And I learned to be that way from my experience with ye,” he countered.

Rising quickly, Rosalia felt out of place. “Donna let him frighten ye off,” said Aisling.

“Nay, I should let ye rest.” Rosalia ambled toward the door and stepped around the huge mass that was Aiden.

“Visit with me later? I will have your word,” Aisling ordered.

“Ye have my word.” Nodding at Aiden, she walked out and shut the door.

***

Ciaran sat behind his desk in the solar and reviewed the accounts with his steward to ensure everything was in order. The desk was one of his most prized possessions. Remembering the countless hours his father had sat behind this same piece of furniture studying the accounts, he wondered idly if his father would be pleased with his decisions.

He stood, stretching out his legs as he closed the books. Praising his steward, he was pleased with his competency. Everything had been kept in meticulous order while he was at court, and he was thankful to have dependable men. His coffers were full; his walls still stood; and everyone was safe. Now if he could only have his reckless brother—well, not be so reckless. Perhaps then he could finally focus on his own life.

Ciaran was hesitant to admit that Rosalia consumed his thoughts. He was not even sure why. The lass had been through much and he had yet to hear a single complaint—well, other than about the chamber he had assigned to her. Her courage and determination were like a rock inside her. Without a doubt, she had a purpose and would travel to Glengarry with or without him. Her strong stubborn streak drove him mad.