April Holthaus - The MacKinnon Clan 02 Read Online Free Page A

now, fearful men claim to see his ghost, haunting them in the dungeons and within the deserted woods.
    Ewan excused himself to join the group of men who were to accompany him to Carlisle. He wanted to leave and be on his way as quickly as possible. Duff introduced Ewan to a man named Oliver MacBain who was one of the men to join him. Duff, even though a stocky man who looked as if he could barely hold a broadsword, said that he was familiar with the road to Carlisle and could offer the best route to take.
    Oliver, on the other hand, was a towering brute. Duff explained that Oliver came from the clan MacBain, who resides on the southern tip of the Highland border. The MacBains have been long time followers of William Wallace and had much political influence. They were known to be excellent warriors who had descended from an Irish clan several generations ago.
    Once the greetings were over, Ewan gathered what supplies they needed and tightened the leather straps on his horse’s saddle before mounting his horse. The small group of them headed south into the night, towards the English border.
     

Chapter 3
     
     
    Grateful for the Lord’s ear for listening to her prayers, Jacqueline felt more at peace that even the beat of her heart masked the faint sound of footsteps walking behind her. Jacqueline looked over her shoulder, surprised to see Lord Wessex looming above her.
    “Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean to disturb you while you are in prayer,” Lord Wessex said, sounding very honorable thought Jacqueline.
    “I was not praying, My Lord.”
    “May I sit?” he asked.
    Jacqueline nervously scooted over, allowing Lord Wessex to sit next to her. She could feel the goose bumps form on her skin as he sat almost a breath away from her. Keeping her head bowed she dared not to look at him until he spoke.
    “I am not a man of many words. I know that an arranged marriage may not be what you desire and I do not expect this marriage to be one out of love; however I do hope that over time you will give me a chance to prove my loyalty and for me to earn yours as well.”
    “That is very gracious of you to say, My Lord,” Jacqueline said as she looked into the man’s large grey eyes.
    The color reminded her of the sky just before a storm. In this light, Jacqueline could see the lightly peppered grey within the thick mass of his black hair, indicating the signs of aging. But even with the two-day old scruff on his face, Jacqueline denoted that he was aging well. He had no wrinkles around his eyes or forehead and his skin was youthful looking and had a bit of a shine. Up close, he didn’t appear as unfriendly as she first thought.
    “I had hoped that this evening we could take this time to get to know one another before tomorrow.”
    “There is little to say about me, My Lord. I spend most of my days stitching and sewing new gowns and tapestries. I fear I would only bore you.”
    “Please. Tomorrow I am to be your husband. I would like for you to call me by my given name, Charles when we are alone. And I doubt there is little about you. From what your cousin and brother told me, you are quite gifted. They mentioned that you excel in horseback riding and of your teachings of the church.”
    “Yes, I once thought to devote my life to serve the church, but my brother refused my wishes.”
    “Well I must say, my lady, that I am grateful for his denial. A lady like you should not be hidden away in the confinement of the church and behind nun’s robes. You should be dressed in the finest of gowns to show off your beauty,” he said as he brushed his hand against her cheek.
    Jacqueline blushed from his words and unexpectedly smiled. Never had a man spoke to her in such a way, but James entered her mind and her smile quickly vanished.
    “Would you care to join me on our walk now?” he asked.
    Jacqueline nodded and Lord Wessex stood up and held out his hand to assist her. He placed her arm under his and began walking out of the