Highlander Most Wanted

chapter 34





It was well past the hour when he usually rose that Bowen made his way from Genevieve’s chamber and went in search of Graeme. Teague and Brodie weren’t within the keep, and it was likely that they’d accompanied Graeme on his tour of the McHugh holding.

The night with Genevieve had put him at peace with his decision. It had calmed and centered him when before his emotions had been in turmoil after his confrontation with Graeme. This morning he was better able to discuss the matter with Graeme, and he hoped he could make his brother see reason.

As he entered the courtyard, Graeme rode in with Teague and Brodie and dismounted. His sharp gaze found Bowen, and his features tightened.

Bowen approached with a determined stride, stopping a few feet away from Graeme. Brodie and Teague were just dismounting and Bowen hastened to say what he wanted before they came within hearing distance.

“I would speak to you privately.”

Graeme’s lips thinned. “You’ve had much to say already.”

“There is more. ’Tis information you should have before you set your mind on the matter.”

Graeme hesitated a long moment before finally nodding, and then he turned to order his horse taken care of. After his directive, he looked back at Bowen. “Come. We’ll walk to the hillside and speak there.”

Side by side the two brothers walked around the stone wall guarding the keep and a good distance away from the keep and the cottages that surrounded it.

’Twas like old times. Bowen always at Graeme’s side. Bowen always carrying out Graeme’s wishes. He was plagued by sadness over the rift between them, but it was one he hoped to have sorted.

Graeme paused, his gaze taking in their surroundings. The wind whipped around them, sailing over the hillside.

“What’s on your mind, Bowen? I assume you spent last night with Genevieve.”

There was strong disapproval in Graeme’s voice, but Bowen didn’t react. He fixed his stare on the distant river as he gathered his thoughts.

“Genevieve set Ian on a path that she thought would bring about the most likely chance of his death—and her rescue.”

“Aye, you told me. By encouraging his plan to abduct Eveline,” he said in disgust.

“Apart from the fact that you place the blame on the wrong person, Genevieve did not carry out the plan. She was not the longtime tormentor of Eveline. ’Twas Ian, and you well know it. There is more you do not know. I’ve told you that she was abducted by Ian, her face ruined by his knife, and that he raped her repeatedly. He also invited his men to do the same.”

Graeme’s face twisted in disgust and he issued a rare blasphemy.

“What I learned only last night, and I learned it because the lass was in tears and sorely afraid to confide in me, is that she was ashamed because she invited Ian to her bed, not once but twice. Do you want to know why, Graeme?”

A look of discomfort crossed Graeme’s face, but he didn’t respond. Bowen pressed on.

“She invited the bastard to her bed because he was set on raping and abusing Eveline as retribution for sins he thought she’d committed against him. Namely, ever daring to refuse him. Just as Genevieve had once done at court. Only Genevieve was not so fortunate to escape his revenge. But she could save Eveline, and she did so by willingly taking Ian to her bed in order to spare your wife. And, because she did so, she considers herself unworthy of me, my regard. Or my love.”

He finished the last fiercely, because he was gripped by rage all over again. He was furious that he’d misjudged her so, and that she still suffered the condemnation and judgment of his kin for wrongs she hadn’t committed.

Graeme’s lips formed a tight, resigned line. There was sorrow and regret in his eyes.

“ ’Tis a mess. The whole of it is a sorry tale. ’Tis disgraceful that one man caused so much suffering and grief because he was but a spoiled child deprived of all he wanted. His father is as much to blame as he.”

Bowen nodded. “Aye, he was. The lass put an arrow right through his neck. She sought retribution for the wrongs he allowed Ian to visit on others. She was full of hatred for them both.”

“ ’Tis not an easy matter before you, Bowen. Even if I grant my blessing and consent, there is the matter of her clan. You cannot hide the lass forever. ’Tis possible you’d even see them when you attend court. They would be hurt and furious if ’twas discovered that you’d kept the news of her being alive from them. They might even wage war with our clan over it.”

Bowen took in Graeme’s words, but they were not matters he hadn’t already considered. He well remembered the look on the lass’s face the night before, when she’d spoken of her family. How haunted her eyes had been. And the longing in her voice when she’d admitted she missed them.

And now Graeme was putting before him a very solid point. Bowen wanted to marry Genevieve. He wanted to take her to the Montgomery clan so she would be happy and well protected. But Graeme was right. He couldn’t keep her hidden away forever. He didn’t want to.

Never would he want her to think he was shamed by having her as his wife. He didn’t give a damn what people thought of her disfigurement. She was beautiful and breathtaking to him. He’d take down anyone who said otherwise.

Dread filled his heart because he knew, but was loath to acknowledge, the path that lay before him. He knew what was right—what was best—and it filled him with desolation.

“I need some time to think on things,” Bowen said in a low voice.

Graeme sighed. “If it makes things any easier for you, I will relent. I take back all that was said last night. I will welcome the lass into our clan if ’tis your wish. You are my brother, and I love you above all others. I want what is best for you, and I want you to be happy. If the lass makes you happy, then I will accept her.”

Bowen nodded and clasped his brother’s arm.

“I would meet the lass when you’ve had time to think on all that plagues you,” Graeme said.

“Aye, you will. I’ll introduce you myself.”

“I’ll leave you then.”

Graeme clapped Bowen on the back and squeezed his shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Bowen offered a grim smile and turned back toward the river and made his way down the hill to the banks.

The same banks where he and Genevieve had conversed more than once. Where he’d seen her glowing like a sea nymph, her body wet and glistening.

Christ’s bones, but the realization of what he had to do crippled him. He was paralyzed by the mere thought. Grief consumed him, but at the same time there was a peace slowly seeping into his consciousness.

’Twas the hardest thing he’d ever have to do, but it was the right thing.