The Veiled Lass

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Elspet felt as if all eyes were upon them as Laird Alpine rose from his bow to shoot her a dazzling smile.

"Elspet my darling I present to you Grant Alpine, the new Laird of clan Alpine" Laird Douglas wrapped a firm arm around Elspets shoulder pulling her into his side as his voice dripped with empty affection.

"Grant Alpine? What of Sioann?"

Breac stood beside his father with barely contained rage in his eyes.

"I killed him"

Elspet's eyes snapped back at her newly betrothed with fear deep within her eyes.

" He killed his young wife nearly a year ago for nay bearing a son, Just as he did to my mother after she bore him my youngest sister" Then pain in the young laird's voice was evident.

"Apparently one son was not enough for Sioann, I am most grateful I received your letter Laird Douglas, and not my bastard father"

Elspet could say an amen to that sentence.

"The betrothal was meant for Sioann, that mean if you are not him Elspet is free to marry" Breac interjected quickly as he stepped closer.

Laird Douglas all but snarled.

"Actually the letter was addressed to Laird Alpine...a title I have the honor to hold"

The two highlanders stared each other down with ferocity.

"As lovely as this conversation is.. let us break our fast" Lady MacDonnell smiled cheerily as she wrapped a clawed hand around her eldest son and led him towards the large table in front of the raging heart.

Elspet stood stock still in her place as the other's began to drift towards their seats. She had never sat at a table to eat before and very rarely did she ever break her fast.

"Ye alright lass?"

Grant extended his arm to her.

Elspet looked directly at Breac's furious eyes before drifting over to the sharp eyes of her Laird then to the curious eyes of Laird Alpine.

She intertwined their arms slowly before trailing slightly behind as he lead her to the table.

She wished she could dig her heels in then run.