"A lot o' lasses would ha'e," he said solemnly.
Before Murine could respond, another knock sounded at the door.
"That'll be Saidh," Dougall said, getting up. He paused then, though, his gaze sliding from the door to the tartan she still had wrapped around her. Standing, Murine removed it and handed it over, then grabbed the top linen that was in a crumpled heap on the foot of the bed and wrapped it around herself toga style in the tartan's place.
"Ye go ahead and pleat yer tartan, I'll get the door," she suggested.
"Thank ye, love," Dougall murmured and caught her arm to draw her closer so he could press a quick kiss to her lips.
When he released her, Murine watched him kneel and spread out the plaid, then turned to continue to the door, a smile curving her lips. This marriage business was quite nice so far, she thought with a happy little sigh that died along with her smile as she opened the door and saw the sheet over the railing. It reminded her that Montrose would soon arrive, and she wasn't sure what he would do. Or could do for that matter. She suddenly wasn't so sure that Dougall's marrying her had saved her. Could Montrose have the marriage annulled? He was her guardian after all. He might be able to argue that it should be annulled because they hadn't had his permission and approval.
"I recognize that look."
Murine tore her gaze from the sheet to glance at Saidh, who was waiting on the doorstep.
"Ye're fretting again," Saidh accused, and then caught Murine's arm and dragged her out into the hall, lecturing, "Come along. We'll have none of that."
"Where are we going?" Murine asked with alarm, her hand tightening on the linen she was holding together around her chest as Saidh ushered her up the hall.
"To my room," she announced, then explained, "I decided 'twould be easier to bring ye to the gowns than to bring them to ye."
"Oh," Murine sighed, grateful when they reached the next door and Saidh ushered her inside.
Closing the door, Saidh urged her toward the bed where several gowns were laid out and said, "Now, stop yer fretting, Murine. Ye and Dougall are married. Montrose can no' do a thing about it."
Murine nodded and tried to remove the anxiety from her expression, but she wasn't at all sure Saidh was right about Montrose not being able to do anything about her marriage. And she was quite sure she wouldn't stop fretting about it until he arrived and did his worst.
"She'll make herself ill with worry."
Dougall grunted at Greer's comment and tore his gaze from where Murine sat by the fire with Saidh, sewing. The pair were silent as they worked, both of them noticeably tense in their seats, their gazes sliding toward the door with a frequency that suggested they expected it to burst open any minute.
Turning back to the table where he, Conran, Geordie, Alick and Greer were all gathered, he picked up his ale and took a long swallow before admitting, "All this waiting is beginning to fray on my nerves too."
"Aye," Conran said grimly. "It has been near a week. I expected the bastard to show up the morning after the wedding."
"We all did," Greer said dryly, and then shook his head. "Mayhap he decided there was nothing to do and returned to Danvries."
Dougall shook his head. "When he did no' show up here the second morning, I had Aulay send some men to watch Danvries Castle. They've been sending back daily reports and while most o' the men who rode out with Danvries to search for Murine returned two days ago, Danvries and six o' his men still ha'e not."
"Then mayhap he stopped at a friend's keep, or rode to London to gamble," Alick suggested.
"Mayhap," Dougall muttered, and then shrugged and said, "Whatever the case, it looks like he does no' intend to come here after Murine, so . . ." He turned to Greer and said, "We thank ye fer yer hospitality and patience with us, but we'll be getting out o' yer hair the day after tomorrow."
Greer's eyebrows rose and he glanced to the women by the fire. "Have ye told Murine?"
"Nay," Dougall admitted with a grimace. That was a chore he was not looking forward to.
Greer frowned. "Surely did Murine ken ye no longer expect Danvries to show up here, she would relax a bit."
"Aye," Dougall acknowledged.
"Then why have ye no' told her?" Greer asked reasonably.
"Because he's worried how she'll react when she learns where we are taking her next," Geordie growled before Dougall could respond.
"Carmichael?" Greer asked at once.
Dougall nodded. "MacIntyre wants to accompany us. His messenger returned with the news this morning. We are riding out to meet up with him the day after tomorrow and then will travel to Carmichael to demand to see the will." He smiled apologetically and added, "That is why we have to trouble ye with our presence for the added day."
Greer waved that away and picked up his own ale, only to set it back down untouched as he asked, "Is that why Aulay rode out with Niels and Rory this morning?"
"Aye," Alick said with a grin. "They're rounding up our soldiers."
"MacIntyre's bringing an army, and so are we," Dougall said, and then explained, "Just as a show of force. We want to ensure Murine's cousin shows us the will."
"Well," Greer said with a slow grin. "If it's force ye want, I'd be happy to bring me men along for the journey." Before Dougall could respond, he added, "She's my family too now, Buchanan. But more importantly, Murine saved Saidh's life and reputation at Sinclair. Had she not, I wouldn't now have my lovely wife. I will return the favor and stand up for her now she needs it."
"Well then, I guess ye're coming," Dougall said wryly.
"Damned right I am," Greer agreed and then got up abruptly.
"Where are ye going?" Dougall asked with surprise.
"To send a messenger to Sinclair," Greer explained. "He'll want to help too. Ye'll like him, by the by."
"Well, damn," Conran murmured as they watched Greer hurry away. "If Sinclair brings men too that'll be four armies riding up on Carmichael. Connor's going to piss himself when he sees us coming."
"Aye," Dougall agreed with a grin and got to his feet. "It's time I told Murine what we're planning."
"Good luck," Conran said quietly.
Nodding, Dougall turned and started toward the women by the fire.
"He must no' be coming."
Murine glanced up from her sewing at that frustrated comment from Saidh and raised her eyebrows.
"Yer brother," Saidh explained. "Surely if he was coming, he'd have been here by now?"
Murine sighed and set her sewing in her lap. She'd thought that herself several times, but the men were all so tense she suspected they had news they were keeping from her and Saidh. Like perhaps her brother was rounding up support and planned to lay siege to MacDonnell and demand her return so that he could have the marriage annulled.
Rather than say that, however, she offered, "I'm so sorry, Saidh. I ken we have overstayed our welcome, and--"
"Murine Buchanan," Saidh snapped, looking offended. "Ye can just stop what ye're saying right there and shut yer mouth. Ye have not overstayed yer welcome. We're happy to have ye here." She frowned and then added, "I just wish we were no' all so tense and worried and could enjoy the visit. This constant worry about what might be going on is exhausting."
"Aye, 'tis," Murine agreed with a sigh. The past week had been wearying. The days were spent stuck in the keep, trying to distract themselves from the ever-present worry that Montrose might ride up any moment and throw her life into chaos. Though the nights were not quite as bad. Dougall was usually able to distract her with his kisses and caresses, but afterward, she found herself lying awake, worrying. And she knew Dougall did too.
"I'm fair sick o' being stuck indoors too," Saidh announced suddenly, shifting restlessly in her chair. "I could do with a good hard ride about now."
"So could I," Murine admitted.
"Then I shall take ye for one."
Both women glanced around with surprise at that announcement as Dougall paused by Murine's chair.
"W
here's Greer?" Saidh asked, glancing toward the table where Conran, Geordie and Alick were sitting talking.
"He went to find a messenger. He should return directly," Dougall assured her, then smiled down at Murine and asked, "Ride?"
"Aye," she breathed with relief and set her sewing on the table next to her chair as she stood up. Noting that Saidh hadn't stood, she raised her eyebrows. "Are ye no' coming?"
Saidh hesitated, her glance shifting past her to Dougall before she shook her head. "I think I'll wait fer Greer."
"Mayhap we should too," Murine said, glancing to Dougall. "Then we could all go."
Saidh chuckled at the effect that suggestion had on Dougall's expression and shook her head. "I suspect me brother wants some time alone with ye, Muri. Go on. Greer will be along soon and I shall demand he take me for a ride too."
When Murine hesitated, feeling guilty at the idea of leaving Saidh behind when she'd been stuck indoors as well, Dougall scooped her up in his arms and turned to stride toward the door.
"Have fun," Saidh called with a grin.
Murine just shook her head and looped her arms around Dougall's neck. It wasn't until the keep doors closed behind them and he started down the stairs with her that Murine asked, "Does this mean we can stop worrying about Montrose coming to take me away?"
"There was never any chance of his taking ye away," Dougall assured her grimly as he stepped off the stairs and started across the bailey. "I'd ha'e challenged him to a wager of battle and killed him first."
"Like me father did to save me mother," Murine murmured.
"Exactly like that," he assured her, and then as he entered the stables, added, "But, aye, we no longer expect yer brother to come after ye."
"Half brother," she corrected, finding it irked her to have to admit even that much of a relationship to the man.
"Half brother," he agreed, setting her down outside the stall that held his horse. "Wait here."
Murine stepped back and then moved to lean against the stall rail as he walked over to collect his saddle. He was inside the stall, saddling his mount when she asked, "Is that why Aulay, Niels and Rory left this morning? Because ye'd all decided Montrose wasn't coming?"
Dougall paused briefly in what he was doing, and then continued as he said, "Part of the reason."
"What is the other part?"
Dougall was silent as he finished saddling his mount, then led the animal out of the stall and caught her hand in passing. After leading both her and the horse out of the stable, he quickly mounted, then leaned down to lift her up before him.
"I can ride, Dougall," she said quietly as he urged the horse to move.
"I ken. Ye rode most o' the way here from Buchanan," he reminded her. "I just like it when ye ride with me."
"Oh." She smiled faintly, pleased that he liked to ride with her. "I like riding with ye too."
"Do ye?" he asked, brushing a kiss by her ear as they passed under the gate and started across the drawbridge.
"Aye. I liked riding astride too, though."
"Did ye?" he asked with interest, and then said, "Here, take the reins."
Murine took them and then released a startled gasp when he suddenly caught her at the waist and lifted her several inches.
"Swing yer leg over," he ordered. "Ye can ride astride with me."
Murine swung her leg over at once and he eased her down onto the horse's back.
"Ye're wearing braies under yer gown," he commented with amusement.
Murine glanced down to see that her position had raised her skirts enough to reveal the dark braies beneath. Flushing, she shrugged. "I've worn them every day since the wedding, taking them off just before the sup. I thought I should be prepared."
"Prepared for what?" he asked.
"For anything," she said dryly. "In case ye ha'e no' noticed, me laird, I ha'e ruined quite a few gowns since fleeing me brother's castle."
"Aye, I had noticed," he said on a chuckle. "And I'm thinking I may ha'e to step up me horse breeding to keep ye in gowns."
"Or ye could just keep me naked," she suggested, leaning back against his chest.
"Could I?" he asked with interest, nuzzling her neck. "Ye would no' mind?"
"Nay," she breathed, squirming her bottom against him as he nipped at her earlobe. "Not if ye were naked too."
"Better and better," he growled, then caught her chin and turned her face back and up so that he could kiss her.
Murine sighed and then moaned into his mouth as excitement immediately burst to life within her. But then she pulled back and gasped, "Mayhap ye should take the reins. I fear I might drop them."
"Nay. I'm busy," Dougall argued and promptly let his hands slide up to cup her breasts.
Murine squeaked in surprise and glanced around, relieved to see that they had reached the woods surrounding MacDonnell and the men on the wall couldn't see what he was doing. Taking advantage of the way she'd turned her head, Dougall kissed her again, his hands continuing to knead her breasts for a moment as he thrust his tongue into her.
When she moaned and kissed him back, he began to tug fretfully at the neckline of her gown. He didn't have to tug much. Saidh was a little bigger than her and the tops of the gowns she'd given her were all a little loose on Murine. They'd spent the last several days altering the gowns, but this was one that hadn't yet been taken in. Within moments he had her breasts free and was squeezing and caressing them without the cloth between them.
Breaking their kiss now, Dougall muttered, "Muri?"
"Aye?" she moaned, arching into his touch.
"I like it when ye ride astride too."
Murine gave a breathless chuckle, but didn't point out they weren't exactly riding anymore. She'd lost her grip on the reins a moment ago and his mount had immediately slowed to a stop.
"Husband," she said breathlessly, "Mayhap we should--oh," she gasped, her body jerking with surprise as one of his hands suddenly dropped from her breast to cup her between the legs.
"Whoa," Dougall growled when his mount sidled nervously at her action. Releasing her other breast, he grabbed up the reins lying in her lap and took control again, of both of them. The hand between her legs was still there. His fingers now pressing firmly against the cloth beneath them, and moving up and then down, caressing her through the material.
"Dougall," she gasped weakly, grabbing for his hands to try to stop him.
"If ye were no' wearing braies, I'd turn ye around to straddle me, tug yer skirt out o' the way and--"
"Oh God," Murine gasped, interrupting him as her excitement jumped up several levels from the combination of what he was doing and the image he was putting in her head. She now really wished she wasn't wearing those braies. And she was suddenly desperate to have him inside her.
"Husband, please," she begged, twisting her head against his shoulder, her nails now digging into the hand between her legs.
"Please what, Muri?" he breathed by her ear, urging the horse to move faster even as his fingers moved faster against her.
"Stop the horse. I need ye," she admitted on a groan.
"Soon," he assured her, and then ordered, "Touch yer breasts fer me, lass. I can't."
Murine licked her lips uncertainly, but raised her hands to cup her own breasts.
"Oh, aye, that's it, love. Squeeze 'em," he instructed. The hand between her legs withdrew briefly to drag her skirt up, and then returned to touching her, this time with only the thin material of the braies in the way as he began to rub at her core again. Murine groaned and kneaded her breasts almost painfully as her hips moved involuntarily under his caress, her bottom rubbing against the hardness she could feel growing between them, and then he was reining in and she blinked her eyes open to see that they'd reached a clearing by a loch.
Murine had barely noted that when they were at a complete stop and Dougall was lifting her out of his lap to set her on the ground next to his mount. She grabbed at the stirrup to steady herself, then stepped back to get out of the
way as he dismounted. Once on his feet, Dougall immediately caught her by the arms and pulled her forward for a kiss. It was hard and demanding and she responded in kind, vaguely aware that he was backing her away from the horse.
She barely felt the bark of a tree press into her back before Dougall broke the kiss and dropped to one knee to catch the bottom of her skirt and flip it out of the way. It flew up and then dropped down over his head and shoulders and she stared down wide-eyed as she felt his hands begin to work at the ties of her braies.
"Should I--" She'd been about to ask if she should hold her skirt up, but lost the thread of the question as he started pressing kisses to the flesh revealed as he tugged her braies down. His lips slid over her hip, down her leg and then he caught her behind one knee, urging her to raise her leg. The moment she did, he tugged her braies off over her foot. He then did the same with her other leg. She saw them go flying out from under the skirt and then Dougall pulled back, straightened and caught the top of her gown and began to push that down over her shoulders.
Murine began to help then, pushing the material off her arms so that it hung about her waist. She then reached for the pin of his tartan as he gave the gown the last shove needed to send it to the ground to pool around her feet. Murine unsnapped his pin and his tartan dropped away. Dougall immediately jerked his shirt off over his head, tossed it aside and then pulled her into his arms.
Murine sighed with pleasure as his warm body pressed against hers. She raised her head for his kiss and he started to lower his head, then paused abruptly.
"Yer back?" he asked with concern. "Did I hurt ye when I pressed ye against the tree?"
She shook her head quickly. "'Tis fine. Rory says he'll take the stitches out tomorrow."
"Thank God," Dougall muttered and then swept her legs out from under her, and dropped to a knee as he lowered her to lie on their discarded clothes. He didn't cover her then and slide into her as she'd expected, but settled on his side next to her and began to kiss her as his hand glided over her body, running across her stomach, and then up to toy with first one breast and then the other.
Murine moaned into his mouth, and then clutched at his shoulders, trying to pull him over her. But Dougall resisted, instead sliding his hand down over her belly and pelvis to dip between her legs. Murine tore her mouth away on a gasp and cried out. Hips bucking and back arching, she clawed at him now, desperate for him to fill her and assuage this terrible need he was building in her.