Dark Passions

67.

Later in the morning, as the household buzzed with last minute wedding preparations, Derek strode through the corridors, his mouth set in a grim line. He pushed the doors to the library open, and took a fast look around. His gaze found Rory in a wing chair, feet up, a glass of whiskey at hand. "Stand up!" he said forcefully.

"What?"

"You heard me, MacLeod..."

"Aye, m'lord, I heard you, but I'm not sure what I've done tae to deserve such anger," Rory said nonchalantly, staying put in the chair.

"You insulted my wife, and frightened her. No gentleman stoops to such behavior. I don't care if you're Alex's family, or if you've been in the Highlands so long you forgot how to behave around a lady, you need to learn some manners now." Derek shoved Rory's feet to the floor. "Now, stand up. Do I have to repeat it again?"

"Nay, I'm standing," Rory replied. "I dinna mean to scare Lady Meredith, Your Grace. But perhaps my Highland ways are rougher than she's accustomed to." He nodded casually, as if his actions were nothing to be concerned over.

Derek grabbed Rory's jacket, and pulled the younger man closer. "Never, EVER, come close to my wife again, do you hear me? Or you will regret it, is that clear?" His voice was steel and ice, and his eyes were dark with suppressed anger. "This is my sister's wedding day, and I'm loathe to do anything to ruin it, but by god I will if I have to." Derek's disdainful gaze made it clear he would do anything to protect his family. "So, do we understand each other?"

"Aye, we do." Rory's eyes dropped to the floor.

Derek heard the library door open again and he looked over his shoulder. "Alex, you're just in time to keep me from beating on your cousin..."

"He's only a step-cousin, and by all means, go ahead. He needs some lessons in humility," Alex smirked, crossing his arms over his chest, making no effort to help Rory. "I can even hold him if you want."

"That won't be necessary. You need to get ready for the ceremony. But I believe you are right - your cousin here needs one more lesson in humility..." Without pausing, Derek turned back to Rory and punched him in the face. Rory backed away, as much as he could, while Derek still held him easily. Groaning, holding his nose, Rory struggled to get away.

"Aye, you've made it clear..." he muttered, "forgive me..."

"Apologize to Meredith later," Derek said quietly, dropping his grip so suddenly that Rory fell to his knees.

Derek turned on his heel and joined Alex. "Time for you to get married, my friend. Are you ready?" He clapped Alex on the back, and they headed into the corridor, leaving Rory to staunch the copious bleeding, swearing to himself.

"Ready and willing," Alex laughed. "Except for the kilt. God help me, but this is insane. The wind is picking up, and we may have rain yet this afternoon."

"We will persevere," Derek assured him.

"I'm sorry about MacLeod....is Meredith all right?" Alex asked in concern. "He's always been wild, that boy. After Aunt Edwina married his father, she did her best to raise him, but he resisted every effort."

"Meredith is fine now, but he gave her a scare. I think he understands my kind of persuasion, and won't be so rude in the future," Derek grinned, as they headed up the curved staircase to dress for the wedding.

⚜️⚜️⚜️

Meredith peeked into Kate's bedroom. There was a flurry of activity, and the hum of voices. Maids flitted to and fro, Eleanor and Edwina stood face to face, and Kate sat at her dressing table, looking worried. "Meredith! Thank goodness..." she said, jumping up. Her dark hair was only half pinned up, and he maid attempted to finish the job, combs and pins in her fingers.