The Ladies MacGreggor

Part I - Leandra

"I’m going to have difficulties with you always, am I not?"

Leandra shivered at the sound of his whispered, angry voice in the darkness, "I'm not trying to be difficult, my lord."

"Oh yes, I think you are, Lady MacGreggor.  I think you’re playing a game with me.  I think you’re seeking to change my mind about you and your father but I don't believe you’re doing these things because you want to or care about me or the people of MacGreggor Castle."

Leandra kept her back to him, "How can this be, my lord?  I had no way of knowing you would come home this evening.  We were just having some fun.  I intended nothing more than to celebrate our marriage today and my birthday and to get to meet the people of MacGreggor Castle."

"You probably weren’t going to tell me about the party when I returned."

"Not true, my lord.  I had every intention of telling you.  Besides someone would report it to you if I didn't, therefore, I wanted to be the first to tell you."

Ian squinted his eyes and took a silent step forward, "I can't decide about you, Lady MacGreggor.  I believe you’re just a very good actress.  There's a purpose to your scheme and I will figure it out, believe me."  He said this standing so close she could feel his clothes against her gown, his breath on her neck.

Leandra whispered, "I have nothing to gain by tricking you or scheming against you, my lord."  She hesitated before continuing, "Have you always been so suspicious of people?"

"I've never had to deal out justice before like I have done to you and your father.  I would suspect anyone's motives after that.  I don't trust you and now that I've seen how easily you’ve won over the people of the castle, I wonder if I can trust anyone, including my long-time best friend and Captain of my guard.  I noticed the hidden words behind your glances.  I may find a dagger in my heart one day."

"None deeper than the one you’re pushing into my own heart, my lord, with these accusations."

"Ha, we'll see, Lady MacGreggor."

"What do we do now, my lord?"

"I watch and wait.  All will be known in time."

"May I go to my room now, my lord?"

"Yes."

She hesitated before moving forward, "Thank you for not ruining the party in public, my lord.  I believe the people of MacGreggor Castle needed some merriment.  There's been too much sadness here."

"Of your father's doing," he answered bitterly.

"Good night, Lord MacGreggor."  Leandra's eyes had focused into the dark and she was able to see her way to the door.  She was grateful she didn't make a fool of herself and trip and fall over anything.  She quietly shut the doors leaving Ian in the solitude of the night with the picture of his late wife and son looming in the darkness.

Part II - Lucinda

She smiled and a rosy tint highlighted her cheeks, "Gillian, promise me you’ll always be my friend."

He reached out and took her hand in his.  He raised her delicate knuckles to his lips and placed a whisper upon them causing chills to run rampant up and down her body, "I will always be your friend, brother, and uncle to your children, Lucinda.  I wish you and Darius a hundred years of happiness, earnestly and irrevocably."

Tears welled in her eyes and a few spilled over, "Life isn’t always fair is it?"

"No, my lady," his voice cracked slightly.

She looked deeply into his misted emerald eyes. "I’m going to love him, aren’t I?"

He swallowed hard, the moment of truth facing both of them. "Darius is fine man.  He’s handsome and strong," he leaned toward her teasingly, "not maybe as handsome and strong as me..."

She smiled then as more tears rolled down her face.

"...but he will be a good husband and father.  He will never let you down.  His sense of responsibility and bravery are awe-inspiring.  He isn’t a hard man but one of deep passion and caring for his family and things that are important to him.  He would give his life for you, as I know father, my brothers and I would.  If you don’t fall in love him, Lucinda, it would be a disservice to both of you.  Make room in your heart and put your feelings for me behind you and I guarantee that you won’t be sorry."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently, "Thank you for everything, Gillian."

"We better get moving then if I’m to deliver my brother’s bride to him before the day is over." 

She memorized the smile that he gave her as he turned and walked away.