His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell Read Free Book Online

two cousins whose remarkable eyes were still bright from laughter only just halted. "Ye are still a wretched wee lass," he told Storm.
    "I know. Still, 'tis funny to think of m'lady with her elegant saddle and her personal groom, who was chosen for his beauty and dressed so fine, but no horse. She had the mare brought up from Sussex. She will only ride Sussex mares."
    Shaking his head over such wasteful eccentricity, Tavis took her by the arm. With Phelan hovering close by, he led her into the tower house that their laird called home. As they walked, Tavis marveled that she could look so fresh after the long night and the rough trip. It was a strength he would not have attributed to an Englishwoman.
    It was a good strong building that they entered, one which Storm felt could withstand most anything if by some miracle an enemy breeched the outside walls. From what she could see as they made their way to the hall, the MacLagans were not without funds. Here was no simple border landholder but a family of power and prestige. Her nose and eyes also told her that ventilation was very good, something not often the case even in the best of fortified residences. She became reluctantly impressed as she was led along the corridor.
    The hall filled up quickly when they arrived. After a brief glance around, noting such things as tapestries of excellent quality, rugs from the East and other signs of well-being, she looked at the people seated at the massive head table. She quickly recognized Sholto MacLagan and the laird, although he did not look well, but wondered who the relatively young woman was who looked so imperial and lovely. Phelan's hand slid into hers as Tavis and Iain went to greet their father, leaving Angus as a guard yet again.
    "Sweet Mary, I'd nay have thought Eldon would be so easy to steal from," remarked Colin when he had a full accounting of what had been seized as well as the ease of the raid.
    "He wasnae home," said Iain. "Off to France to fight for the Sassanach king. His steward's in charge."
    "Weel, we could make a very fine profit if this is how the man cares for his laird's property." Colin squinted toward the captives. "And what have ye got ... God's teeth, ye have taken the wee lass again."
    "Aye." Tavis let his gaze rest upon Storm for a moment. "Aye. The lad's her cousin. He followed us. Had a thought to free the lass." He grinned at his father. "Truth to tell, I had to rescue the lass ere I could steal her. A Sassanach gentleman was behaving verra ungallantly. Had her down upon the grass and all."
    "Things are in a tangle from what the lass says," Iain reported. "The steward is cuckolding the laird and nay a one o' the ones with responsibility are using it. 'Tis easy to see, for there were few guards and watches posted. So, too, I cannae believe Eldon would let a man stay at Hagaleah who is sore bent on bedding the lass and nay too subtle about it. That man had no fear of retribution, though he was set on raping the only daughter of the laird." Iain then went on to tell his father of what they had done to Sir Hugh, and his father laughed heartily.
    "She said we'd get no ransom," Tavis added. "She claims the Lady Mary would as soon see her sent back piece by piece. The lass e'en feels her kin will ne'er return alive from France and 'tis no death in battle that she fears. Lady Mary has her own bairns readied to be laird and her lover to be the children's guardian."
    For a moment Colin said nothing, simply frowning in thought. He pondered on the girl's claims and felt that there was a chance they were the truth. Once the opportunity for a ransom was negated, Colin quickly came to the only other possible reason for Tavis to abduct the girl. Colin looked at his eldest son, noting that Tavis's gaze never faltered.
    "Ye'll no take the lass if she's unwilling. I owe the lass me sword arm. I could have lost it that day, for 'twas a deep wound. It healed weel and the physician said 'twas due to the good and quick care