“I do not care what you think you have that proves Flora is your wife. She is not going anywhere with you,” Torin said with far greater authority.
“I do not want to go with you, Henry,” Flora said. “I am happily wed to Lord Torin, and I love him with all my heart. There is no way I will leave him.”
People had begun to gather around, many making faces when they heard Flora was not Lord Torin’s wife and smiling and nodding when Flora announced her love for her husband.
“It is not your decision, Flora. You are my wife and have a duty to me,” Henry said.
“Flora has no duty to you and if you persist to make outrageous demands, I will see that you are buried here in the Highlands,” Torin warned.
Henry stepped back, aghast at the threat.
“What are you doing here, Henry?” Walsh asked, walking over to him.
“Walsh!” Henry said, relieved. “Finally, a knowledgeable man who can explain the law to this heathen.”
Torin took a quick step toward Henry, sending him stumbling back in fright away from him. “I am the law here. And I can see you hanged if I so wish.”
Henry’s hand went to his throat, and he hurried a fearful look to Walsh. “You know how Ethan, Flora’s da, worried about his daughter if anything should happen to him. He saw to it that she would be taken care of by wedding her to me by proxy before leaving on his journey. Explain to this Highlander that Flora is legally bound to me.”
“I do not care what you say, or what legal right you think you have. The lowlander’s rules do not apply here in the Highlands,” Torin said before Walsh could speak. “
“Nonsense,” Henry argued. “The king’s rule applies throughout the country.”
“Try enforcing it,” Torin challenged.
Flora had stood silent listening to the exchange, trying to make sense of it all. She finally stepped around her husband to face Henry. “You waste your time here, Henry. I will not go with you. I will not be your wife. I declined your offer of marriage once and I decline it again. I will petition the church to annul our marriage.”
Anger jabbed at Torin hearing that his wife had rejected an offer of marriage to Henry once before this. She had never mentioned it to him, and he intended to speak with her about it.
“It would be easier to accept what is since you will need to go to Edinburgh to do that,” Henry said, keeping a calm demeanor while frustration showed on his face. “And there is no guarantee it will be granted.”
“Flora is not going anywhere,” Torin ordered, moving to stand beside his wife.
“Perhaps a magistrate could be brought here to confirm the documents Henry has and to see if the marriage can be absolved,” Walsh suggested.
“Whether it can be done or not, does not matter,” Torin argued. “My wife is not going anywhere.”
“Do you fear what a magistrate might conclude?” Henry asked.
“My husband fears nothing,” Flora said, her voice sharp to the surprise of all, even Henry. “He is a strong, courageous man who loves me and keeps me safe and there is no other man I will take as my husband. So, have a magistrate brought here for I will tell him the same thing I tell you. Not now nor will you ever be my husband.”
“I only do what your da asked of me,” Henry said, “but it appears obvious that you are adamant about remaining Lord Torin’s wife. Your da and mum wanted not only what was best for you but for you to be happy. They thought you might find that with me. I see that you have found it with Lord Torin. So, I believe it would be wise for all concerned if a magistrate was brought here and our marriage absolved, so we both will be free.”
“I always appreciated your wise choices, Henry,” Flora said, relieved. “If my husband grants permission, you are welcome to remain here until this matter is resolved.”
Torin was reluctant. He did not trust the man, but it was better he remained where he could keep watch over him rather than having him gone from his sight and not know what he might be plotting.
“He can stay. I will send someone to bring a magistrate here,” Torin said and turned to Kinnell. “Show, Henry, to a cottage, then see the Strathearn warriors fed and camped for the night. They can leave for home tomorrow morning.”
“They escort and protect me,” Henry protested.
“My warriors will see you returned to Clan Strathearn when we are done,” Torin ordered, leaving no doubt his word would be obeyed. “We will talk later at supper.”
Torin dismissed and commanded Henry in few words and having no other choice he followed Kinnell.
“How do you know Henry?” Flora asked Walsh as soon as the man was far enough away not to hear her.
“He was there, I believe, twice when I spoke with your da, though he thought me no more than an acquaintance of his. Your da held his tongue when it came to his missions.”