The Other Highland Laird

The atmosphere was cheery at Bothwell, with a brightly dressed audience and eager contenders. William was there and so were Robert and Brice, and Marion leaned forward to watch them compete. It was a heady feeling – watching them ride at each other with lances poised; knowing that while they participated with a spirit of amity, there was also an underlying but nevertheless palpable sense of competition. Perhaps it was prophetic that Robert and Brice competed with each other. This particular part of the tournament had Marion’s heart thumping violently, so that her breasts rose and fell with unsettling rapidity, even as she fought for composure while attempting to convey the impression that the outcome did not matter to her as much as it did. Lady Murray leaned towards her. ‘You will see now, how much skill our Robert has with a lance.’

‘As does Brice, I am sure,’ Marion was quick to shoot back, stifling a cry as her mama’s elbow nudged her to be discreet with her remarks.

‘Yes, Brice is a worthy opponent, but Robert wins every time.’

‘Not this time, though,’ Marion breathed as Brice unhorsed his brother.

‘Well, this is quite unusual,’ Lady Murray said, smiling despite her obvious discomfiture.

‘Come,’ she said, nodding at Marion and Lady Buchane, ‘Let us go and join the feasting.’

There were tables laid out under the trees. Brice was there, divested of his heavy armor, and Marion tried to lock eyes with him, but he seemed not to notice her and her spirits plummeted. Robert on the other hand sprang forward, offering her his arm, and led her to the banquet tables where an array of roasted game birds and venison greeted them. Marion had no hunger for food, and poked at a slice of meat without enthusiasm.

‘Are you well, Lady Marion?’

‘Perhaps I am overwhelmed by the events of the morning,’ Marion answered, not meeting his gaze.

‘Do partake of the food and keep your energies up, for more is to follow. You do know that our betrothal is set for this evening.’

Marion looked at him aghast. ‘What did you say?’ she asked furiously.

‘We are to be betrothed…this evening,’ Robert said calmly.

‘And did nobody think it necessary that I should know about this?’

Robert looked surprised. ‘Oh, I thought you would have been well prepared for such an occasion.’

Marion looked wildly around, as if for some means of escape, and her eyes fell on Brice, pinning him down until he looked up and met her gaze. His eyes conveyed apology and sadness. He shrugged slightly, signifying helplessness, and looked away. Filled with righteous indignation and absolute despair, Marion stood up, breathing heavily, and hurried away from the gathering, not knowing where she should go in order to escape the ignominy of the situation.

‘Where are you going?’ Robert asked, rising from his chair.

‘I wish to visit the privy, if you please, so kindly do not attempt to follow me,’ Marion replied, her face strained and white. With that she walked rapidly from the grounds to the castle, out the side entrance, and to what Brice had described as a barn like structure near the Chapel. When she was inside, she gave vent to her emotion, striking her fists against the wall and choking out copious tears. A sliver of light briefly illuminated her trembling form as the door opened and closed, and suddenly there were familiar arms around her, holding her close and rocking her to and fro.

‘Oh Brice, how could you let this happen? Why didn’t you ask for my hand?’

‘Marion, I cannot do that to my brother. He has had his mind set on you from the moment your name was mentioned, and I cannot very well step in.’

‘Don’t I have any say at all?’ Marion repeated in frustration.

‘Hush, don’t cry Marion.’

‘Why are you even here comforting me? What good will it do?’ Marion asked, between racking sobs.

‘You looked dreadfully distressed and I couldn’t let you bear this alone.’

‘What do you care?’ Marion asked, looking up into his face and studying his expression.

‘For some strange reason, dear Marion, I do care – very much.’

‘Then do something about this, please.’

‘If I could, I would, Marion, but at this moment, I don’t see a way out for us.’