By God's Grace Read Online Free

crossed his arms. “I believe ye heard me. We think yer brother was killed. And we aim to keep ye alive, whether ye like it or not.”
    Duncan struck a similar façade. “I like yer alive idea. Ye can stick with me as much as ye like. But I have the elders to see to.” Duncan turned as he walked to the keep door.
    Grant yelled out, “Ye aren’t going to like what they’re about to tell ye.”
    Duncan twirled and stalked to Grant’s position. Nose to nose he didn’t flinch. “And what do ye know about it?”
    â€œI know the elders are expecting ye to produce an heir.”
    â€œThey generally do hope the laird will have an heir.”
    â€œAye, true. But I don’t believe they are in the mood to wait overly long this time.”
    â€œGrant Cameron, if ye know something ye wish to share with me, then spit it out. Otherwise, see to the men.”
    Grant bowed, a hearty laugh leaving his parted lips. “Aye, my laird.”
    Confused by the interaction, Duncan was left standing in the yard as his second went to see to the dispersal of the men.

 
Chapter Three
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    â€œJamus, I tell you nothing can be done with the girl.”
    â€œI don’t understand. Surely under all the grime was a beauty. Her mother was a stunning woman.”
    â€œAye, there is beauty aplenty, but grace is lacking. The girl can barely stand on her own two feet. She refuses to wear the corset, which helps accentuate — well, ye know, certain parts. And the slippers, well, let’s say it isn’t going well. I fear Duncan will never notice her as a potential mate.”
    â€œI’ll speak with her.”
    Jamus headed to Arbella’s quarters. The door was opened. With a glance inside, he found the lass pacing. Hands flew through the air as muttered words fell from petulant lips. Slippers lay against the wall in an awkward manner as if flung there. The pins used to hold a perfect chignon in place littered the dressing table.
    Jamus waited. With a causal stance, he leaned against the door facing. The minutes ticked by. Arbella spotted him. In stocking feet she ran, skidding to a halt.
    â€œOh, Jamus, it is hopeless. I tried to tell you,” she cried, accentuating every word with flailing hands.
    â€œYe did tell me. But it is never hopeless.”
    Her gaze shifted downward. “Why would Duncan ever pick me over the others?” She paced, a sigh escaping her parted lips. “I am afraid you must find another maid.”
    â€œAnnot and I were just discussing this situation. We have decided not to introduce ye to Duncan.”
    Dejected, her head hung. “I understand.”
    Jamus’s knuckle nudged her chin upward. “Nay, I don’t believe ye do. Ye see, there is another way.”
    Her hands flew to the air. “What other way? All the ladies are to be paraded in front of Duncan like sheep at an auction. He is sure to pick one of them.”
    â€œThere is always the possibility Duncan will be too stubborn to pick a bride. Ye see, if he fails to choose a bride for himself, then one will be chosen for him.”
    â€œBut why wouldn’t he choose a bride with all those lovely ladies to pick from?”
    Jamus laughed at Arbella’s innocence. “Ah, lass, ye know as well as I Duncan is a peculiar bird. I am betting he finds something amiss with every lass placed before him.”
    â€œLet’s assume you’re correct. How will his wife be chosen? I still don’t understand.”
    â€œThe tournament, of course. Each clan will be allowed to pick one member to represent them at the games. The winner gets to choose an available woman from their clan to be Duncan’s bride. That is, if he fails to pick one on his own.”
    â€œI can’t see Duncan going along with that.”
    â€œHe doesn’t have a choice. The elders refuse to risk losing another laird without an heir. Therefore he will receive a wife from