Page 11 of His Runaway Bride
The threat was implicit but clear.His patience, already stretched to its limits, was at an end.
Lileas paled slightly but after a long moment, she gave a small nod."I...I understand."
As Lileas turned to leave, Ewan called after her."And lass?"His voice was determined."Whatever ye've heard about me or my clan, I want ye to ken this: I'll have a mind to yer care.I'll not be a tyrant to ye."
***
IN THE ABBESS'S PRIVATEchambers, Lileas paced before the narrow window.The room was smaller and more intimate than the main hall, with a simple wooden cross hanging above the narrow bed.
"He cannot simply demand this!"Lileas burst out, whirling to face the abbess with her hands clenched into fists."Marriage is not a transaction to be completed at a man's whim!I am not cattle to be traded between clans!"
"Is it not?"Abbess Bethóc asked quietly, settling into her chair with practiced calm."In the eyes of the Church and the law, yer father's consent makes this entirely legal.Ewan MacNeil has every right to claim ye as his bride."
"But ye said I was under sanctuary.That I must consent," Lileas's voice rose with desperation.
"And so ye must.But child," the abbess's voice grew gentle but firm, "ye cannot remain here indefinitely.This abbey is not a permanent refuge for frightened brides.It is a house of God, meant for those called to serve."
Lileas stopped pacing, her shoulders sagging as the reality of her situation finally sank in."So I have no choice at all."
Abbess Bethóc rose and moved to stand beside her at the window."Ye can choose to approach this marriage with wisdom and courage, or ye can let fear rule yer decisions."
Outside the window, the abbey grounds were bathed in the golden light of early evening.Sisters moved like dark shadows, going about their daily tasks with quiet efficiency.It was a peaceful scene, one that had brought Lileas comfort for several months.Now it felt like she was about to be released from a sanctuary into a cage.
"He's so...demanding.So certain he can simply order me about like a servant."Lileas's voice was small now, stripped of its earlier defiance.
"He is a Highland laird, accustomed to having his word obeyed.But I observed him carefully during yer conversation.Did ye notice how he spoke of yer work?He called it impressive.How many men would even acknowledge such things, much less show real interest?"
Lileas frowned, remembering.It was true that his reaction to her work had been different from what she'd expected."He did seem...interested, even though I blathered on."
The abbess turned to face her fully, her gray eyes serious and intent."Child, yer work among us has been of great benefit to the abbey, but perhaps 'tis time ye shared some of yer knowledge with others."
The truth of those words hit Lileas like a physical blow.She had been so focused on escaping an unwanted marriage that she hadn't considered the larger implications of hiding away from the world.Her work could benefit others.Perhaps she could even assist the MacNeils.But only if she was free to share her ideas.
"Ye think I should marry him," she said.
"I think," the abbess said carefully, "that Ewan MacNeil may be the only man of sufficient strength to protect a woman of yer talents.A weaker man would be threatened by yer abilities.This one seems intrigued by them.And he still wants to marry ye despite ye almost murdering him with a piece of pipe."
They both grinned before Lileas sighed and stared out at the cottage where she'd been so happy these past months."And if he proves false?If he becomes a tyrant?"
"Then ye will find a way to change his mind.Ye are far more persuasive than ye ken."Abbess Bethóc's smile was small but warm, carrying genuine affection.
A soft knock interrupted their conversation, and Sister Margaret peered around the door with obvious reluctance."Forgive me, Mother Abbess, but the MacNeil is asking if Father Benedict might be summoned from the village.He wishes to ensure everything is ready for the morn."
Lileas's face went white as parchment."Tomorrow?He really means to marry me so soon?"
"It would seem so," the abbess replied with that same infuriating calm."And it is a good thing ye have already made yer choice."
The choice, Lileas realized, had never really been hers to make.From the moment her father had signed that betrothal contract, her fate had been sealed.The only real choice was how she would face that fate: with courage or cowardice, with wisdom or fear.
"Aye, I'll do it," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the fear that still gripped her heart."I'll marry him."
The abbess nodded solemnly, as if she had expected no other answer."Then let us prepare ye for yer wedding, child.And may God grant ye both the wisdom to find happiness in this union."
As they left the chamber to begin the preparations, Lileas couldn't help but wonder if Ewan MacNeil was a man of his word.Either way, there was no turning back now.
***
