Chapter Forty-Four

The dinner passed on without a hitch.

But the lack of words between Elspet and Breac was noticeable to everyone, servants whispered in the alcoves and the others skirted around the tension.

Once the bell rang Elspet quickly took her leave and escaped to the chapel.

Everyone noticed Breac stand to follow.

Breac didn't notice Grant stand also.

"Where do ye think you're going?"

Breac growled low as he felt a hand upon his shoulder stopping him for escaping through the back door.

"Who are you to question where I'm going, You have no power over me and I donna answer to ye" The Macdonnell turned and looked the opposing Laird straight in the eyes.

Grant squared his shoulders before responding; "Seeing as you're going after my betrothed, It's my business"

The younger growled and stepped forward menacingly.

"Technically she isn't betrothed to ye yet Laird Alpine. If my brother wishes to go comfort his friend he very well can"

Both highlanders turned to the newest addition in the hall.

"Why of course Braigh, pardon my overstep"

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Elspet knelt at the altar praying.

"I know I don't know you..but you know me Mother..Father..I donna even know your names but, I know you look after me..Just give me a sign. My head and my heart are so confused I feel as if I've downed eight pints of ale. I wonder if life would be much simpler if Laird Douglas would have just sold me away or killed me.This new Laird has no reason to be kind..aye but he is. But he has no loyalty to me. He hasn't thrown himself in harms way like Breac has. But it would in true be a marriage of convenience and maybe just maybe love could fester. But Breac everything becomes so natural..Hamish says love and first sight can't exist that love takes time and work but ever since I've laid eyes on the highlander my heart has been beating like a hummingbird I donna know how. Breac is a noble man that deserves a noble wife, one that can give him bairns of full health-"

"Aye Lass, I do deserve a noble wife, a mother for me children; but I find I won't need to look far for one sits right before me at the altar like a gift from God"

"Breac."She turned startled as he entered the chapel.

The highlander merely chuckled "Elspet"

"Didn't your mother teach you not to interrupt prayer"Was this her sign. Her holy intervention she had been begging for?

"Aye, I won't bother you. I just wanted to make sure ye were alright. I'll leave you to your prayers" He felt sheepish after her chide and quickly left the chapel.

As Elspet turned back to the altar she released a breathy sigh before looking back up at the cross.

"Sometimes I wish I never took that veil off"