Romancing the Rose by Mary Anne Graham

Romancing the Rose by Mary Anne Graham

Author:Mary Anne Graham [Graham, Mary Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-12-14T08:00:00+00:00


CHAPTER EIGHT

No one and nothing–save for the loss of everyone and everything.

That eve, Ram stood in his study with Dair MacKenzie, trying not to look addlepated as he gaped at the note in his hand. He’d asked for the meeting to tell the other laird that he couldna wed his daughter. Dair must have suspected his intent, for Ram barely uttered a word before the other laird reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, tattered paper, saying that Ram best read it afore he made a choice that cost him and his people their home, their heritage and their honor.

Ram didna dispute that the handwriting was his Da’s because he’d studied his father’s business records and personal papers. ‘How?” Ram asked, unable to be more articulate. “Why?”

“As young men and new lairds, ye’re father and I were close–as close as you and the ‘lovely lairds’ are today. You knew that, didn’t you?”

Ram nodded.

“My father betrothed me to Bridget, a lovely lass with chocolate eyes and hair that didn’t know if it wanted ta be brown or blonde.” Ram looked up sharply and Dair nodded. “She were the youngest daughter of the laird of Clan Ranald–a true wedding of power for the purpose of building alliances. Your grandfather betrothed your father to Alice Burns, a strong-willed, opinionated lass who were the only daughter of a merchant as rich as Midas.”

Ram stalked over to seize the whiskey decanter, lifting it to his lips for a mighty gulp. He closed his eyes to await the bracing burn before nodding again.

“The joint betrothal party were held here and ‘twas clear from the start that trouble loomed. MacKay and Bridget met with the force of a lightning strike. When Mac had to introduce his own betrothed to a guest, he groped to recall her name. The band struck up the first dance, announcing ‘twould be for the betrothed couples. Mac and Bridget turned to each other like night turns into day. And when I led Bridget onto the dance floor Mac looked like night fell for a second time.”

Ram took the decanter over to the window, wishing like Hell that he was outside, taunting David and Hugh into the kind of bare-knuckle brawl that helped clear his head.

“The double wedding was set for three days hence,” Dair said. He didn’t have to explain to Ram that travel was so difficult in the Highlands that such festivities would be grouped together to save the guests trouble–and to reduce the numbers of feuding clans encountering each other along the journey.

“Mac came to see me the next day, asking me to trade brides,” Dair snarled, pounding a side table for emphasis–not that he needed any aside from his expression. “I responded, logically and honorably denying his most dishonorable request. Then your sire, the man I loved like a brother, broke down and begged–groveled, I tell you!”

Loyalty prompted the instinctive response that the document in Ram’s hand decried. “’Tis a bloody lie. Your memory has grown feeble.”

“I grew too disgusted to tolerate his pleas and left the room.



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