Highland Courage (Highland Brides) Read Online Free PDF

avoiding it; she had to get this over soon.
    Tadhg must have observed the shadow of concern cross her face because he leaned close to her, saying quietly, “What troubles ye, Mairead?”
    A hot blush rose in her cheeks. Does he notice everything? She gave him a small sad smile, saying barely above a whisper, “There is something I need to talk to ye about. But—but—we need to—to be alone.”
    He looked momentarily puzzled, but his expression quickly shifted to concern, perhaps even pity. “I think we can manage that. Cnocreidh is rather large.” He winked. Why did her heart flutter every time he did that? “If ye aren’t too tired, perhaps we can take a walk after dinner?” He took her hand in his and squeezed it lightly before letting it go.
    “That would be fine,” she whispered.
    When the meal was over, he instructed his servants to show his guests to their chambers and see to their comforts. He turned to her parents. “Laird and Lady MacKenzie please consider this your home and let one of my servants know if ye need anything at all. Now, I’m sure ye won’t mind if I take my bride for an evening stroll.” Leaving no room for objection, he clasped her hand and walked away with her. Her father’s mouth fell open, and her siblings exchanged nervous glances, but they said nothing.
    Tadhg and Mairead stepped out of the great hall into the now quiet courtyard. The night was cold and Mairead pulled her plaid over her head.
    Tadhg looped her arm over his. “It’s probably too cold for a very long walk this evening. Would ye like to step into the chapel so we can talk out of the wind?”
    “Aye, that would probably be best.”
    The dim chapel, lit only by the sanctuary light, was a peaceful escape from the noise and bustle of the great hall. He guided her to one of the benches and sat beside her. He took her hand and simply waited. He said nothing nor did he push her to talk.
    After a moment she said softly, “There is something I have to tell ye before things go any further.”
    “Ye can tell me whatever is on your mind, Mairead.”
    “I can’t let ye marry me without knowing—without knowing—I’m not—I’m not…” her voice trailed off. She shook her head in disgust. “I’m such a coward.”
    He gave her a searching look. “Nay, Mairead, ye’re not.”
    She started again. “I can’t let ye marry me without knowing I’m not—I’m not…” Several hot tears slipped down her cheeks as she struggled to find the words for what she had to tell him.
    ~ * ~
    He found her so enchanting, he had trouble taking his eyes off her during dinner. It took him a bit by surprise when she asked to speak with him alone. As bashful as she clearly was, he certainly hadn’t expected it. As soon as the moment of shock passed, instinct told him this had something to do with what had happened to her years ago. He could only hope whatever it was; she would be honest with him. Still, part of him dreaded to hear about what left her so frightened and brought the haunted look to her eyes now. If the worst had happened to her, how would he handle it? He asked himself the question that had troubled him ever since Flan told him about that day at the Michaelmas Fair. Had she been raped? Was she a virgin and if she wasn’t, did that really matter to him?
    Watching her struggle now caused his heart to ache. There was only one thing this shy, beautiful woman, sitting in the cold, dark chapel, could be trying so desperately to tell him. With this clarity, all doubts fled. Her maidenhood didn’t matter to him. At this moment, he only wanted to ease her pain. He squeezed her hands tightly, willing her his strength. “Are ye trying to tell me ye are not a virgin, Mairead?”
    She nodded; her chin quivered and tears spilled out of her silver eyes, slipping silently down her cheeks. Taking her in his arms, he pulled her close. He tucked her head under his chin and smoothed his hand gently over her hair. “It’s all right,