Saving Grace

MacBain stood up, then hauled Nicholas to his feet. He shoved him backward so he wouldn't think the action had been an act of kindness, then folded his arms across his chest and demanded an explanation.

"And who is it you believe I would marry?"

"My sister."

"You're mad."

Nicholas shook his head. "If you don't marry her, King John will give her to Baron Williams. He's a mean son of a bitch," he added in a gratingly cheerful voice. "God help you then, MacBain. If Williams marries her, the men he'll send will make Marshall seem as good and just as the day is long."

The laird didn't show any outward reaction to that bit of news. Nicholas rubbed the side of his head in an attempt to ease the sting before continuing on. "You'll probably kill whoever he sends here," he remarked.

"Damned right I will," MacBain snapped.

"But Williams will only retaliate by sending more… and more… and more. Can you afford to risk constant war with England? How many more Maclaurins will die before it's settled? Look around you, MacBain. Marshall and his men damned near destroyed every building. The

Maclaurins turned to you for help and made you their laird. They're depending on you. If you marry Joha

"Your king approves of this union?"

"He does." Nicholas's voice was emphatic.

"Why?"

Nicholas shrugged. "I'm not certain. He wants Joha

"Why?" MacBain demanded again.

Nicholas sighed. "I believe my sister understands why John wants her settled so far away-he calls this place the ends of the earth-but Joha

"So you would also profit from this marriage."

"I don't want the holding in England," he said. "It will only mean more taxes each year, and I already have enough to do rebuilding my own estates."

"Then why did you ask for your sister's…"

Nicholas didn't let him finish. "John understands greed," he interrupted. "If he thought I was only protecting my sister from Baron Williams, he might have declined my suggestion to marry her to you. He did insist upon a large fine, of course, but I've already paid it."

"You're contradicting yourself, Baron. If John wanted Joha

"Because Williams is extremely loyal to John. Williams is his lapdog. He would keep my sister under control." Nicholas shook his head then. In a low whisper he said, "My sister was privy to some damning information, and John doesn't want his past sins coming back to haunt him. Oh, she could never give testimony in court against any man, not even her king, for she is a woman and, therefore, would not be listened to by any official. Still, there are barons ready to rebel against the king. Joha

"If what you guess is true, I'm surprised he hasn't had her killed. Your king is capable of such a foul deed."

Nicholas knew he would never gain MacBain's cooperation unless he was completely honest with him. He nodded once again. "He is capable of murder. I was with Joha

"Yet she's still alive."

"The king keeps her under close guard. She has private quarters and isn't allowed guests. She's living each day in fear. I want her away from England. Marrying you is my answer."

The laird was pleased by the baron's veracity. He motioned for him to walk with him and started toward the ruins he now called home. Nicholas fell into step beside him.

MacBain's voice was low when he remarked, "So it was you who came up with this clever plan."

"Yes," Nicholas replied. "And just in the breath of time. John was set to marry her to Williams six months ago, but she was able to resist."

"How?"

Nicholas gri

MacBain's surprise was evident. "Why would she ask for an a

"It was a clever stalling tactic," Nicholas explained. "There was a witness to her husband's death, but the body wasn't recovered. My sister told the king she wouldn't marry anyone as long as there was a shred of hope Raulf was still alive. He didn't die in England, you see. He was in a city built on the water, acting as John's envoy when the accident took place. The king wasn't going to be denied, of course, but because he's having so much difficulty with the church these days, he decided to go through proper cha

"Who was this witness to her husband's death?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," MacBain answered. "Do you know?"

"Yes," Nicholas answered. "Williams was the witness."

Gabriel stored that bit of information away in the back of his mind. "Why do you prefer me to the English baron?"

"Williams is a monster, and I ca

"What nonsense is this? It isn't her decision to make."

"I'm afraid it is," Nicholas said. "Joha

"Your king is a greedy man," MacBain said. "Or is this special punishment designed to gain your sister's cooperation?"

"The tax?" Nicholas asked.

MacBain nodded. "No," Nicholas said. "John can force widows of his tenants in chief to remarry. If they're determined to remain free or to choose their own husbands, well, then they have to pay him a sizable fine each year."

"You mentioned you already paid the fine. You're assuming then that Joha

Nicholas nodded. "My sister doesn't know I paid the fine, and I would appreciate it if you didn't mention it when you meet her."

MacBain clasped his hands behind his back and went inside. Nicholas followed.

"I must consider this proposal of yours," the laird a

Nicholas knew he was being insulted. He didn't mind.

The MacBain had proven his character during the battle against Marshall and his cohorts.

The laird might be a little rough around the edges, but he was also a courageous and honorable man.

"There's something else you should consider before you decide," Nicholas said.

"What is it?"

"Joha

MacBain nodded to let Nicholas know he'd heard him but didn't comment on the news for several minutes.

Then he shrugged. "I already have a son."

"Do you mean Alex?"

"Yes."

"I was told at least three men could be his father."

"That is true," MacBain countered. "His mother was a camp follower. She couldn't name the man who fathered Alex. She believed it might be me. She died birthing the boy. I claim him as mine."

"Do any of the other men also claim him?"

"No."

"Joha

"It will not matter," MacBain a