The Thief (27 page)

‘I’m sorry my father—’

‘Kenzie.’ He cut off her apology. His fingers firmed about her arms. Her lashes lifted. ‘You are not responsible for your father’s actions. It was a bargain well made.’
The best bargain he’d ever made.

He could have retrieved his stolen cattle, had every right to take back what was his. But as he looked at Kenzie he knew he’d give up his entire herd for her. He loved Kenzie, but the memory of his father’s decline into devastation unleashed his fears and held him silent. He couldn’t reveal what his heart told him with its every beat. Too many people needed his guidance, relied on his strength, for him to let emotions weaken him and distract him as they had his sire.

‘You said you weren’t close to your sister. I didn’t tell you about meeting Jeanne because I didn’t think it was important.’

She stared at him, and again inhaled deeply. As she released it, the stiffness claiming her limbs eased.

‘I knew there would be a reason for you not speaking of it, but once my cursed curiosity was piqued, I had to ask.’

Her belief in him twisted the shackles about his heart. ‘Nae doubt the question burned your tongue throughout the long meal,’ he said, trying for a teasing tone.

He must have succeeded for her eyes twinkled. ‘Just a little.’

His chest tightened and the air in his lungs stalled at the sight of her radiant gaze. He never wanted the light in her eyes to stop shining—would do all in his power to ensure it never did.

A tall order with self-centred Jeanne residing under their roof.

‘How long will your sister be staying?’

‘A few days at most, I think.’

Lachlan cupped her cheek. ‘Have a care while she’s here, Kenzie, and know I am near if you need me.’

‘I will.’ She studied him for a few moments. ‘I’d best return.’

Lachlan cupped her other cheek. ‘In a moment. Jeanne might need you, but so do I.’

His lips skimmed her mouth. Her lips parted and he drank in the sound of her sigh. Denied lust burst inside him, swept along by the blood pounding through his veins.

He wrapped one arm about her waist and pulled her into his body as his other hand cradled her head, holding her close. His tongue delved deep, withdrew, and dove again. She leaned into him and kissed him back, matching his need, his wanting. Her desire for him rocked his senses, stole his mind, and made him ache in places, in ways, that had naught to do with physical desire. She interfered with his control, made him want to let go and open his heart.

He could not. Must not.

Tearing his mouth free, heart thudding, groin pulsing, he closed his eyes and waited for his body to calm and his ability to think to return. Ragged breaths filled the space between them, both hers and his. He didn’t dare look at her, not yet. He simply held her with shaking hands, this woman who’d stolen his horse and now had his heart.

***

The stroll outside had refreshed Kenzie’s flagging spirits, but knowing why Lachlan hadn’t mentioned meeting her sister warmed the chill in her heart. The want she’d sensed in her husband’s kiss had restored her self-confidence and stirred her own desire.

How she wished the day were at an end. She tried to contain her smile at such a wicked thought, but it proved too difficult with her pulse beating in swift anticipation for the night to come and the taste of her husband lingering on her lips.

‘You look pleased with yourself, Kenzie.’

Her stomach clenched. Not at Jeanne’s remark, but due to the venomous tone enfolding her name. She met her sister’s gaze and wondered if it was grief alone she saw in the cold blue eyes. Due to the tiny holes of self-doubt that had appeared in Kenzie’s cloak of happiness since her sister’s arrival, she refused to discuss Lachlan with Jeanne.

‘Is there anything I can get for you?’

‘Only one man can give me what I want, but he is nae longer with us.’ Jeanne turned away to face the flames.

Kenzie studied her sister’s clasped hands and the tension stiffening her spine. Fury and hurt poured from her in waves. ‘I did not know your husband, but perhaps it would help if you spoke of him.’

‘I don’t want to speak of Douglas,’ Jeanne snapped. She threw Kenzie a sideways glance and said more softly, ‘‘Tis too soon, too painful.’

Kenzie licked her dry lips. ‘As you wish.’

She stared into the fire, attempting to regain her composure, a steady state of well-being she lost after only a few moments in her sister’s changeable company. Nerves jumped about inside her as if she’d been tossed upon a crazed horse that no amount of skill or gentleness could tame.

Uncertain of how Jeanne would respond to any comment she made, she decided to say nothing and wait for her sister to strike up a conversation. But she couldn’t sit and stare into the leaping flames all day. She reached into the basket positioned at the end of the bench and retrieved the garment she’d been making for one of the children at the cottages. She needed to finish two more pairs of woollen hose as well as three small tunics and deliver them by week’s end.

As she plied her needle, her thoughts centred on Lachlan. Her heart ached to share her feelings with the man who’d awakened her love, but her mind battered her heart into submission with memories of her father’s cruelty and her mother’s long-ago misery.

Lachlan wasn’t like her father; he had proven time and again precisely how different he was from her sire. His kindness, his concern, for his people—for her—were only two of his strongest qualities. Two of many.

Despite yearning to tell him how she felt, it was too dangerous. Loving Lachlan was a secret she had to keep. It was too soon, too new, and she wanted to savour these feelings of love a little longer, without risk.

But she could share something just as precious. When the garments she was making were done, she’d ask him to accompany her to the cottages to deliver the clothes. She would introduce him to the forgotten. He could meet her family.

‘What a good little wife you make.’

Shaken from her thoughts, Kenzie wondered if the remark was meant as a compliment. She took it as one and smiled. ‘Do you sew?’

Jeanne scoffed in reply. ‘I stopped doing such mundane tasks long ago.’

Kenzie stared at her sister, wondering how she spent her time and what she did to pass each day. From her earliest memories at Irvine, Jeanne’s prime concern had always been her appearance—their father had made it so. Now, even in her grief, Kenzie noticed Jeanne had still managed to change her attire since she’d arrived at Castle Redheugh. Stiffly beautiful, there was an untouchable quality to her. Did she think her beauty was all she had to offer? A deep feeling of sadness welled inside Kenzie. Not for her sister’s recent loss, but for Jeanne herself.

For the first time in her life, Kenzie saw her father’s neglect as a blessing.

‘Is your chamber satisfactory?’ Kenzie resumed her stitching.

‘It will do, but am I really expected to sleep well with so few pillows?’

‘How many more will suffice? I’ll bring them to your room before you retire.’

‘As you are now the lady of Castle Redheugh, little sister, with your instructions, menial tasks such as preparing rooms for guest should be left to the servants.’

Kenzie lowered the woollen hose to her lap and met her sister’s gaze. ‘I appreciate your concern, Jeanne, but I am not one to sit idle while others carry out tasks I am able to do myself.’

‘You will never gain the respect of those beneath you if—’

‘I do not look upon these people, or anyone else, as beneath me.’

A shocked expression claimed Jeanne’s features before she slowly shook her head. ‘But you must. Therein lies your problem.’

Anger sparked in Kenzie’s chest. She tamped it down by reminding herself of her sister’s upbringing and her recent loss.

‘Being the lady of the keep is new for you.’ Jeanne stretched a hand forward and lightly patted her knee. Kenzie’s fingers fisted within the wool as her sister straightened and went on. ‘While I am here, I will try to help you adjust to your elevated position. You must understand the servants expect you to use your authority. It is the only thing that will set you apart from them.’

Disbelief surged through Kenzie. They were sisters by blood, but Jeanne’s thoughts highlighted the vast differences in their beliefs. Their father had taught Jeanne too well.

Deciding against informing her sister that the chamber she’d been given was usually reserved for prisoners and unwanted guests, Kenzie returned the garment to the basket beside the bench, straightened and looked at Jeanne. ‘Once again, while I appreciate your concerns, I do not agree with your methods.’

Harshness flashed in Jeanne’s blue eyes, but before she could respond, Kenzie stood. ‘You will need to excuse me. I have bread to bake for the evening meal.’ With a swish of her skirts, Kenzie turned away, Jeanne’s look of disapproval adding a spring to her step as she headed for the kitchen.

***

Lachlan couldn’t hear what was said but witnessed the exchange between Kenzie and her sister from his position by the hall’s entrance. Not wanting his wife to know he was watching, he held back his applause for her performance, which he knew had taken its toll. While her departure made it seem like she had the upper hand, the strain dulling her large brown eyes and tensing her tempting mouth as she neared the kitchen was telling. He wanted to hold her close and tease her sweet lips until she smiled.

He turned and stared at the woman responsible for his wife’s current plight and his own struggle. He wanted to banish Jeanne from Castle Redheugh now, forever, but he had to honour Kenzie’s request. His gentle wife represented all that was good, and while she believed there was a chance she and Jeanne could put the past behind them and start anew, he had to let her try. He only hoped she discovered the truth about Jeanne soon.

Before he could even contemplate telling her his own truth about loving her, he needed to deal with the past. There could be no secrets between them, ever. To make it possible, he had to discover for himself exactly why she’d stolen his cattle and his horse, and meet those who lived in the cottages she’d visited.

Striding further into the hall, he crossed to Murdoch.

‘Lady Elliot has just gone to the kitchen.’

‘My thanks. I know,’ he replied to his watchful steward. ‘Caelan is in the armoury with Muir. Cal and Dair are keeping their eye on the two Johnstone men in the yard and Duff and Lundy are at hand should you need any of them.’

‘Have you somewhere to be, laird?’

Lachlan’s gaze rested on Jeanne for a moment before shifting back to Murdoch. ‘I’m riding north onto Irvine lands. I’ve been meaning to take a closer look at several cottages there but have been somewhat busy of late. I won’t be gone long.’

‘Ride safe, lad.’

‘Always.’ Lachlan hadn’t taken two steps before he turned back to ask Murdoch to watch over Kenzie.

‘Always,’ his steward stated before he spoke.

Lachlan left the hall wearing a half-smile.

Chapter 23

Kenzie prepared enough dough for bread to feed the entire clan and, feeling refreshed, returned to Jeanne’s side hoping to learn more about her older sister. But Jeanne said little, preferring to sit in silence while sipping from her constantly refilled cup. It was as if she were waiting for something. Or someone.

The still and quiet gave Kenzie the chance to finish making both pairs of hose and to start on the first small tunic. Despite knowing Lachlan was leaving her alone with Jeanne on purpose, she missed him. Each time she paused in her work, she looked about, hoping to see his handsome face looking back at her. She didn’t, but she did find Murdoch, Lundy, Duff, Cal or Dair returning her regard each time. Her husband might not be physically near, but the warmth of his concern surrounded her. She resumed her stitching.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Lachlan soon entered the hall looking windswept and powerful. Her heart had skipped a beat. His searching gaze had found hers. A shiver of excitement had danced along the length of her spine.

Now, with her husband by her side, Kenzie observed her sister throughout the evening meal. Jeanne ate well, but she remained quiet. Not even Lachlan’s presence encouraged Jeanne to converse as it had before. Perhaps she was lost in her memories of Douglas. Kenzie didn’t want to encroach on such precious thoughts, so let her be.

The servants removed the last platters from the table.

Jeanne turned to her. ‘It has been a long day. I bid you all a good night.’ She rose to her feet, as did Lachlan and Caelan.

‘Lady Johnstone,’ the brothers said in unison.

‘I will escort you to your chamber,’ Kenzie said and stood.

‘There is nae need.’

‘I know,’ Kenzie said.

Jeanne’s gaze narrowed, met hers and held for a moment. ‘Very well.’

Kenzie turned, smiled at Caelan and gave Lachlan a lingering glance. His eyes glittered with delightful promise. Soon. Soon she’d feel his strong arms around her. Soon she’d ensure he’d make good the promise in his eyes.

Grasping her skirts, she strolled beside Jeanne to the stairwell. The rhythmic scuffing of their footfalls on the shadowed steps and the murmuring voices from below filled the silence as they climbed the stairs to the landing. Kenzie looked at the double oak doors at the top. Anticipation swirled within her. She turned and continued on to the single door further along the dimly lit corridor.

Releasing the latch, she stood to one side of the opening. Jeanne entered and walked to the bed. Kenzie followed and paused a few paces inside. Her gaze touched on the soft furs draping the bed, the extra pillows she’d delivered and the leaping flames in the hearth, before coming to rest on the solid timber chair positioned against the rear wall. The high-backed chair Lachlan had sprawled in when he’d given her the choice to marry him or hang. Her heart sighed. How long ago it seemed. A smile curved her lips.

How thrilled she was she’d stolen his horse.

‘Have I thanked you for inviting me to stay?’

She was surprised and warmed by Jeanne’s query. Could this be the start of them coming to know one another? Though they hadn’t spoken much this day, perhaps spending time with Jeanne was the first step in gaining her trust.