“Almost got it,” she mumbled as she nibbled. “And I’m not good with anything musical. I’m more of an outdoors kind of girl.”
“Nay, MacLeod permitted you to participate in outdoor activities?” What kind of chief allowed such a thing?
“Yes, swimming is a favorite. I bet I could beat your fastest warrior in the loch.”
“I’m the fastest, and nay, ’tis impossible.” He’d never permit her to swim with his men.
“You say that a lot. Wanna bet I can?” She wriggled another loop loose then slyly eyed him. “Say yes. My father, when he lived, loved to bet with me. He used to say it encourages one’s drive to succeed.”
“The loch is too cold for you at this time of the year.” He wouldn’t back down.
“With how fast I swim, I’ll not even feel the chill. Are you worried I might win?”
“Nay, are you done with the knot?”
She rubbed her cheek to the back of his hand as she gave the last loop a tug. The tartan stretched enough for her to slide one hand free. “Got it. See, being a Girl Scout came in handy today.”
“Thank you.” He unraveled the remainder of the binding. “Come, allow me to feed my Girl Scout.” He guided her inside, led her to the dais at the front of the great hall. With the chief away, he took the prime spot and offered her the seat on his left.
“I was certain that knot would hold you two together for much longer.” James winked at him.
“Aye, but apparently I’ve wed a Girl Scout.”
Before him, his clansmen filled their trenchers with thick slabs of meat and roasted vegetables. Serving girls weaved in and out, filling tankards with ale.
He loaded his own trencher, set it between him and Anne then offered her first choice. She ate, and once certain she was content, he turned toward James. “I want you to take a personal message to Rory MacLeod. Inform him the handfast vows have been spoken, that our agreement’s been fulfilled and he should have been here to witness them himself.”
“Consider it done.” James nodded. “I’ll take some of the men with me. They’ll relish the trip.”
“Do that.” Good. His duty to his clan was done, although his one to Anne had just begun. He had a wife, and one far more tempting than he’d like. He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her closer to his side.
“Are you all right?” She gazed into his eyes.
“I’m simply ensuring your comfort.” Like hell he was. He still couldn’t keep his hands off her.
She smiled and her happiness dazzled him.
What had he gotten himself into?
He’d wed a woman he could never be friends with.
Chapter 3
Beautiful tapestries, of hunting and landscape scenes, hung every ten feet around the great hall, except for over the fireplace where a massive claymore, its silver and gold hilt encrusted with rubies and emeralds took pride of place. The sword appeared far too big for any one man to hold, let alone swing in battle. Anne turned toward Mary seated next to her. “Is that real?”
“Aye, ’tis a beauty. Alex wields it.”
She picked up her silver goblet and stroked the fine engraving. Everything brought delight to her eye, even the MacDonald clan. They’d grown in revelry as the afternoon had worn on, and now as evening descended the music flowed. Many danced, kicking up their heels to the lively piper tunes.
Tapping her feet under the table, she selected a morsel of salmon from the trencher she shared with Alex. She slipped it between her lips then savored the delectable flavor. So fresh. The sugared plums appeared sweetly ripe. She popped one into her mouth and moaned. Delicious. Highlanders certainly knew how to feast.
“Good tidings, Alex.” Yet another clansman approached her new husband and offered a nod to her.
“How are your wife and son?” Alex responded. He’d spent most of the day chatting with others and whenever they’d been a lull in the queue, James had taken his attention.
“Anne, do you like the pipers?” Mary jiggled in her chair as if eager to join those dancing.
“They’re magnificent, and the girl who’s singing is a delight.”
“My lady.” One of the clansmen addressed Mary. “Would ye care for a birl?”
“Oh aye.” She bounded to her feet. The hulking man spun her away.
Now, that’s what she wanted. She slid her hand around Alex’s arm and his gaze jolted to hers. “It’s a beautiful evening for a dance.”
His jaw went slack. “I dinnae partake in such activities.”
“It’s easy. You move one leg and then the other. All you have to do is keep a rhythm going.”
“I still prefer no’ to—”
“Superb.” She hauled him up.
“Nay, Anne.”
“Really, you just need to move a little.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I promise it won’t hurt.”
“I dinnae dance.” He gripped her hips and tried to urge her back down.
“No, you don’t.” She rested her cheek on his chest. “I’ll ease you into it slowly. Every girl should get to dance on her handfast day.”
“No one dances like this.”