Amanda Forester Read Free Page B

approved by the Grants as well.
    “Ye may read it,” Campbell offered to Grigor, but the man shook his head.
    “I am certain it is as it should be,” Grigor replied.
    Campbell opened the inkwell and brought forth a quill. Elyne’s heart began to race and her hands were cold and sweaty. Had she fallen ill? Campbell crossed his arms in front of his chest, and Grigor followed suit. Did she wish to marry this man?
    “I would like a moment alone with Grant, if ye please,” Elyne requested of her brother.
    Campbell gave her a short nod and left the room.
    Elyne took a deep breath and faced her intended. He was not an unattractive man—once you got past the glower—and was undeniably muscular and fit. He was not much of a conversationalist, but he would be what her nurse would call good breeding stock. He would produce healthy lads by the bushel, of that she had no doubt. He would inherit the position of Sheriff of Inverness, which was not an insignificant title.
    At the heart of her decision, Elyne wished to be mistress over her own home and raise children. Grigor, she was convinced, would no doubt do that much. However, there was only one way to make those bairns she coveted. And that was in bed with Grigor Grant.
    “I hope ye had a pleasant journey.” Elyne broke the silence. She had hoped that if she remained quiet, Grigor would speak first. It was not to be.
    Grigor grunted in response. “Took long. Got wet in the river. I hope ye dinna mind travel. We live a long distance from here and I dinna wish to be slowed down on the return.”
    “I can ride sufficient enough for ye, I trust.” Elyne swallowed and tried to funnel her nerves into words. She was not generally at a loss to speak. “I hoped we could get to know each other before signing the contract. Make sure we would suit.”
    Grigor frowned. “The contract has been prearranged and agreed upon. Ye wish to change the terms?”
    “Nay, ye mistook me. I would like to know if ye wish to be married to me.”
    “Aye. I would’na have traveled clear across Scotland if I dinna plan to marry.”
    “And do ye like what ye see?” Elyne pushed harder than she would normally, but with Grigor she could see subtlety was not going to be a winning strategy.
    Grigor looked her up and down, as if seeing her for the first time. “Ye look hardy enough to bear children.”
    “Is naught else important to ye?”
    “I like a well-organized household and I dinna tolerate fractious nonsense. Most o’ the time I will likely be away, so I dinna wish to have a wife too dependent.”
    Elyne nodded; she thought she understood. He did not want to have emotional attachments with his wife. It would only make him or her unhappy to tolerate long separations. “I understand. I have managed my brother’s household at times while he has been away.”
    Grigor gave a terse nod. “We should suit well.” He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “I am not a man accustomed to dealing wi’ the fairer sex. Ye’ll get no wooing from me, but I swear, as my wife, I will honor and protect ye wi’ my life if need be.”
    Elyne did not doubt it. Grigor Grant was a hard man, but honest and true. There would be no sweet talk, but he would treat her fairly. She had received from him all the encouragement she was going to get. It would have to be enough.
    Elyne took a deep breath and grabbed the quill. It was time to take a chance. She dipped it in the ink, and before she could succumb to nerves, she signed her name on the bottom of the contract. She held out the quill and Grigor took it from her hand.
    “There ye are!”
    Both Grigor and Elyne turned at the interruption. Mistress Douglas stood at the door, her hands on her gilded hips. She swept into the room as if on wheels, her silk bejeweled gown trailing behind.
    “Did ye need something?” asked Elyne. Could this woman not see she was interrupting a private meeting?
    “Aye. I am retiring to my chamber