The Thief (17 page)

They walked to a bench before the fire that afforded them privacy.

‘What news?’ Lachlan asked the instant he took his seat.

Duff sat and said, ‘The four of us had just left when we heard the sound of hooves from behind. I thought you’d decided to join us, so turned, expecting to see you following.’ Duff glanced away and shook his head. ‘But it wasn’t you. It was your wife.’

‘My wife left the castle grounds?’ Lachlan’s stomach hardened to granite.

‘Aye. She was heading north, riding like the wind, so didn’t see us.’

Jaw locked, muscles tensed, Lachlan managed to utter, ‘Where?’

‘The others continued west and I alone followed your wife to a cottage north of the burn where you found her the night of the raid.’ Duff paused. ‘It looked like she was delivering something. She didn’t stay long.’

‘And?’ Lachlan said through clenched teeth.

‘Then she rode to another cottage and did the same thing.’

Lachlan cocked one brow.

‘And then one more.’ Both of Lachlan’s brows rose. ‘All three cottages are on Irvine land.’

‘Who?’

Duff shrugged. ‘I kept my distance, so couldn’t see who she spoke to, or who lived in any of them.’

Lachlan had asked them to be discreet. He didn’t want her to know he’d set them to guarding her. A clever decision if ever he’d made one. Duff was thorough and wouldn’t be sitting beside him if Kenzie hadn’t yet returned. He asked, anyway. ‘Where is my busy wife, now?’

‘She’s in the stables. I slipped in through the gates after her and questioned the guards.’

Lachlan merely cocked a brow, again.

‘Your lady told them she was free to come and go as she pleased. Said they were your words and if they didn’t want trouble they should let her pass.’ Duff glanced away and then back. ‘She also said she’d be back before they served the delayed noon meal.’

Who lived in the cottages? A lover? Lovers? He’d known he couldn’t trust her but his gut twisted at the thought of her betraying him with another.

Damn her! She was his wife. She was
his.

He shot to his feet. ‘My thanks, Duff. Wash—we’ll eat soon and then you can get some rest.’

Leaving his man by the fire, Lachlan strode out of the hall. His wife had accused him of hovering. How would she take to being smothered by his presence?

***

The wind howled and whistled in through the stable entrance as Kenzie rubbed down her borrowed mount. She glanced at the now empty sacks hanging over the stall and sighed with relief. Those who relied on her now had enough food and supplies to last them for the next two sennights, more likely three. Before her next visit, she’d have to pilfer warm clothing and sew small garments for the children.

They’d all greeted her with bright smiles and open arms, chatting wildly all at once. Pressed for time and in no mood for lectures, she’d hadn’t dared mention her sudden marriage. She’d simply told them she’d been busy and then used the excuse of gathering storm clouds to keep her visit short. She’d then ridden to the next cottage. And then the next.

She’d done what she had to do. Now she could concentrate on having her marriage annulled. Something she was no longer sure she wanted. Her uncertainty frightened—

‘Have a pleasant ride?’

The source of her unexpected doubt and wanting spoke softly from behind her. A dangerous sign, considering her recent ‘outing’. A sign she pretended not to notice.

‘Aye.’ She resumed rubbing the horse’s coat.

‘It seems I need to speak in the simplest of terms to make myself clear to you, Kenzie.’

‘Whatever do you mean?’

‘Look at me, and don’t act the fool we both know you’re not.’

Her mouth kicked up at the corners at his underlying compliment. She released the bundle of straw and dusted her hands. Before she turned, she ensured her smile had been smoothed from her expression.

He stood large and imposing in the stall’s opening, hands fisted on hips, his features stony. ‘Where did you ride to?’

‘Where I went is nae concern of yours.’

‘Aye, it is. The moment you rode out of Castle Redheugh’s gates, alone, I could not guarantee your safety.’

‘I’ve been riding about alone for years.’

‘Another of your father’s faults,’ he muttered. ‘But that was before you married me and before I promised to protect you.’

‘You also promised me the freedom to go about as I pleased.’

‘I meant within these walls and you know it.’

‘I had responsibilities before we wed. Being married does not make them disappear.’

‘Responsibilities can be shared if you choose.’

Would he still want to share the responsibility if he knew the type of people she provided for? The forgotten, the outcasts, the neglected, the illegitimate. She’d witnessed his kindness, but only among his clan. If he were anything like her father, he’d not help them at all and would stop her from aiding them too.

She couldn’t take the risk. And she didn’t want to tell him. Those she helped relied on her, needed her. They were the family she’d created; they gave purpose to every ordinary day and it was something she relied on, something that fed her deepest need. Something that made her feel whole.

‘I can’t tell you.’ His disappointment rushed at her in waves, like a living thing. ‘Not yet.’

Those in the cottages had all they needed for at least three weeks. She could use that time to find a way out of her unwanted marriage. Guilt swamped her, but she held firm, stubbornly clinging to her inner selfishness as she searched for something to offer in return.

‘I can promise never to venture beyond the gates again unescorted.’
But Ailsa could.

He studied her for some moments. ‘While I appreciate your promise and will hold you to it, I must tell you that’s a given.’

‘A given?’

‘I’ve already spoken to the guards and nae matter what you say or how you threaten them, they will not let you ride out alone.’

Kenzie stiffened and stared at the man who had the power to make her life miserable, if she let him. Her recent discoveries regarding her husband’s kindness allowed her to see the restrictions he placed on her as concerns for her safety and not attempts to control her. He also hadn’t forced her to reveal where she’d been. Instead, he’d offered to share her burden.

Her initial annoyance lessened as her understanding grew. ‘Very well. I accept.’

‘Ah, Kenzie. In this you have nae choice.’

***

Lachlan guided his bride from the stables across the windswept bailey. They reached the steps to the keep just as the sky opened and the rain tumbled down.

He hadn’t gained the answers he’d wanted, but her promise, combined with his orders, eased the sickening knots plaguing his stomach.

If she had a lover, the last thing she’d do was give her word not to leave Castle Redheugh alone. Wasn’t it? He’d witnessed her struggle whether to tell him or not and his gut feeling was to let the matter lie. But he couldn’t. She was his wife. He didn’t trust her. He had to know. He’d send someone to find out who resided in the cottages.

Until he knew her secrets he’d stick by his bride’s side and concentrate on seducing her. He wanted her. He needed an heir to complete the final part of his father’s dying wish. Whatever information his men uncovered, there was no better way to find out if Kenzie had indeed had a lover than by bedding her himself.

Chapter 14

Lachlan escorted Kenzie to the laird’s table while men, women and children flocked to theirs. Many had slept late and had missed breaking their fast; they were hungry and eagerly awaited the coming meal.

With her husband’s encouragement, and knowing those who lived in the cottages to the north now had food, Kenzie ate well, savouring the simple victuals of freshly baked bread and smoked venison smothered in a rich, thick, brown sauce.

By the time the meal was done, she’d reached a decision: she’d seen to her responsibilities and decided to allow herself a little time to relax, to just be. After fulfilling her dream to dance, she wanted to experience other things she’d never explored. She wanted to sit and watch without thought. She wanted to have a little fun.

After the meal, extra benches were dragged before the enormous hearth and small groups of people settled in for the afternoon.

Lachlan ushered her to a prized spot near the corner where the heat bathed her and she could view everyone. But her gaze wandered over her husband, his length washed reddish-gold by the firelight. He handed her a cup filled with warm mead before sitting beside her on the angled bench.

His eyes settled on her and a tide of warmth rushed through her belly. She drew in a breath scented with sandalwood and dragged her gaze away. She looked at the small groups of men crouched on the floor to play dice. Others sat cradling wooden cups and talked amongst themselves. Father Tremayne joined one such gathering, and Kenzie was certain his presence was the cause of the occasional burst of boisterous laughter filling the air. But no matter what she saw or who she watched, she never lost the giddy feeling that was due to Lachlan’s presence.

‘Does your clan often spend time like this?’ she asked.

‘Only on days when the weather is too foul to step outside.’

Women huddled about the fire, the garments they sewed draping their knees for added warmth. Her fingers itched to ply needle and thread. She rotated her cup in her hands until the urge left her.

‘Do you sew?’

‘Aye.’ She’d altered many cast-offs to clothe herself and others.

‘Care to join them?’

‘Perhaps later. I am content to watch.’

‘Hmm!’

Kenzie looked on for a few moments as an older woman instructed one of the young maids on the importance of keeping the length of the stitches the same. A tingling sensation crept up her neck to her ear. She turned and found Lachlan looking at her.

‘‘Tis rude to stare.’

‘You have delicious ears.’

She stopped her mouth from falling open, but couldn’t halt her blush. Then she remembered her decision to relax.

‘Of course,’ she said with mock sweetness. ‘They match my delicious toes.’

He laughed, that magical sound she’d heard but once. Glorious. Uplifting. Heart-warming. A rush of pleasure spiralled through her. Aye, for now, for just a little while, she’d enjoy herself and simply be.

Caelan strolled over with a mischievous glint in his dark eyes and challenged his brother to a game of chess. Not able to resist any challenge thrown his way, Lachlan accepted.

Kenzie paid little attention to what they did with the pieces on the wooden board set on the small table Caelan brought with him; she was too caught up in the steady stream of teasing banter between the two. Her attention darted from Lachlan to Caelan, her lips curved in a permanent smile—her cheeks hurt. At odd times, her heart clenched for never knowing ease or friendship with her kinsmen, her own flesh and blood. Jeanne had never had time to spare for her little sister, but now Jeanne was alone, Kenzie wondered if she could repair the breach between them. Would Jeanne even want to? But such feelings were few and passed swiftly with the next good-natured taunt or a wink from her husband.

Lachlan won. A flash of pride swept through her.

Caelan protested and issued another challenge. Of course, Lachlan agreed.

Partway through the second game, Lachlan rose to exchange a quick word with Lundy, who’d returned to the hall, dripping water in his wake. Her husband offered her a quick smile as he resumed his seat and she soon forgot the interruption as the jibes started flying across the chequered board.

Caelan won. Kenzie held her smile, but it belied her heart. Why exactly her heart had anything to do with the results she did not know. She pushed the mystery aside as a crowd gathered to watch the third and final contest. Bets were laid. Laughter abounded. The onlookers grew rowdy, spurring the brothers on.

The afternoon ended in a draw. The mob dispersed, moaning and groaning. Lachlan and Caelan stood, clasped hands and exchanged pats on the back. Murdoch called for the tables to be arranged for the evening meal.

Lachlan sat with a sigh and drained his cup. ‘Forgive me, Kenzie. Were you terribly bored?’

‘Nae.’ She searched his eyes. ‘I enjoyed the watching.’
Watching you.

His eyes darkened, seemed to smolder the longer she stared. She read promises in his fixed gaze, promises she didn’t fully understand, but which she discovered she wanted to unravel.

Her heart pounded. The air thickened, making it difficult to breathe. Memories, sensations from his kiss returned, awakened. She wanted him to kiss her, now. Wanted to feel the fire in her belly.

‘I want you, Kenzie.’ His voice was a deep rumble. He cradled her cheek. His thumb skimmed her flesh.

To be wanted. She melted with the heat of his words, his touch and the hot intensity blazing in his eyes. She wanted, too.

Someone coughed. Silence. Another cough.

Kenzie blinked. Lachlan’s eyes lightened, lost the deep, smoky hue she’d fallen into. His generous lips flattened into a firm line.

‘I believe we have provided enough entertainment for one night.’ Gone was the smooth, silken tone that had left her quivering inside. ‘Hungry, Kenzie?’

She blinked several times, clearing the dreamlike haze. Her eyes widened. She peered around Lachlan’s broad frame and glimpsed twice a hundred eyes looking back at her. Jerking back, a prickly feeling flowed from her head to her toes as the blood drained from her face.

His hand slid beneath her chin and his lips brushed lightly over hers. Heat suffused her cheeks.

‘Ah, much better,’ he said, eyes twinkling. ‘Come, ‘tis time to eat.’

***

The hum of conversation filled the chamber as the meal ended and the servants cleared the tables at the rear of the hall. Lachlan sank against his high-backed chair, observing his wife as she stole sips of wine from her goblet and watched his clansmen move the empty trestles to make room for sleeping pallets.

She appeared to have recovered from this morning’s ill news about her sister’s husband and from her secret errand. Not knowing who she’d gone to visit had caused him to suffer moments of irritating doubt, but Lundy’s message had put his concerns at ease.