Surviving Scotland by Kristin Vayden Page B

because he wants me ta marry inta money?” A nagging thought tickled my mind. It seemed strangely familiar, the marriage for money idea. I tried to focus on it. In a moment of clarity I saw people dancing, flirting, and milling about a beautiful room. A woman gave me a smug grin as she tapped a gentleman with a fan. The man was well dressed, but overweight and balding. He leered at her and followed her out of the room. Another woman, much older than the first watched their progress with a smirk. She walked over to another lady and began to whisper about money and catching an earl. She glanced over at me — Ioan’s hand snapped in front of my face, bringing me back. I shook my head and stood, confused at what just happened.
    “Elle, are ye alright?”
    Ioan followed me in standing. He took my hand carefully and gave me a concerned look.
    “Yes, I mean, aye.” I shook my head once more.
    “Ye were silent fer a while. I was afraid ye were angry.”
    “No,” I said distractedly, still wondering why I would have such a vivid memory of something that could have never taken place.
    “Let’s finish this later, we best—”
    “Nay. Please, Ioan.” I gazed at him imploringly. Ioan breathed out heavily.
    “Aye. ‘Tis best we get it done with an’ ye can make up yer mind.”
    “Me mind?”
    “Patience, Elle.” He laughed softly at my unamused expression but sobered, continuing his explanation.
    “Ta shorten the story, I left shortly after he discouraged me once again, this time when I was about eighteen. ‘Twas the second hardest thing I’ve ever done, Elle. Ta walk away from ye. I dinna even say good-bye, knowin’ me heart would be in me eyes, an’ I couldna stand ta see yer reaction, be it of affection, friendship, or indifference. I joined the Black Watch and succeeded in pushin’ me love fer ye ta the back of my mind. ‘Twas hard ta think o’ ye and fight ta live another day.” Ioan chuckled, but I glared back, horrified at the thought of him in any type of danger.
    “Then ye got hurt an’ returned back ta Carnasserie Castle,” I finished, putting a few of the puzzle pieces together myself.
    Ioan glanced down and I grew suspicious.
    “What did I miss?”
    “There’s a bit… more ta the story than that.”
    “What?” I asked dubiously.
    “The injury was a farce. I’ve no injury, lass. Yer uncle was facin’ terrible oppression from the Jacobites. Ye see they wanted, still want, ta put a garrison at the castle, but yer uncle has remained loyal ta the Covenanters. They continue ta threaten him, fight against his men and such. The last straw was when they sent a missive, threatenin’ ta take ye. ‘Tis why yer uncle doesna like ye ta leave the keep. He dinna want ta ask fer help, but a friend o’ mine notified me o’ the increasin’ pressure from the Jacobites, so I approached me commander an’ explained the situation. To appease yer uncle’s pride, we came up with the story of me injury, so that I could return an’ help protect the castle. A few times a month I’d meet another member o’ the watch ta update them on the threat. If the threat escalated any more, yer uncle would have had the men o’ the Black Watch at his gates quickly. Carnasserie Castle is in a grand position fer Covenanter support, yet all I was concerned about was you. ‘Twas a terrible blow to me own pride ta feign injury, but ‘twas worth it. Yer uncle wouldna have accepted me back if I came on me own accord, especially suspectin’ me affection for ye. ‘Twas the perfect solution.”
    “So ye came back fer me?” I whispered, his revelation still sinking into my mind and heart.
    “Ach, Elle. Donna ye know by now that I’d follow ye anywhere?” he chuckled but sobered immediately. His eyes implored my own. “Even ta me cousin’s castle ta watch ye marry him.” Ioan’s voice dropped to a whisper.
    “I never intended ta marry Cullon.” I gazed into Ioan’s green eyes.
    “‘Twas what yer uncle said to me