Everyone ate in silence for a few minutes until Lucia looked askance at Slade. “When do you think we’ll arrive? And have we decided whether we’ll stop at your home, Garraidh Castle, or Phoebe’s home Eileanach castle first?”
“We are closer to Garraidh and should reach there by the end of the day tomorrow,” Slade said, picking up his spoon.
His answer brightened Lucia’s expression.
Just then, fresh air from the outdoors flowed in and candleflames flickered as the entrance door swung open. Boots clicked against the wooden floors, and resting weapons rattled against moving limbs. A familiar tall and formidable monolith of a man confidently strolled into the dining room. He was followed by two other men similarly dressed and rugged looking. They all wore emerald-green, royal blue, and burnt umber tartans, the colors of the Dunbars. As the redcoats had alluded to earlier, the Dress Act, part of the Act of Proscription, had recently declared Highland dress to be illegal. But change was slow to come to the Highlands. Then there was the fact that Egan Dunbar was a proud Scotsman and, like the Mackintosh clansman, didn’t give a shite about English law. Warmth suffused Slade’s chest as he stood up, a wide grin tugging the corners of his mouth.
But it was Fifi who shot up from her seat and spoke first, a warm and surprised gleam in her smiling eyes. “Egan!”
Seconds later Egan had reached their table and grinning, enveloped Fifi in a hug. “It’s so good to see you, sister. Welcome back to the Highlands.”
Egan twirled Fifi around as if she were still a wee lass. Slade was taken aback by her smile shadowed with a deep indecipherable emotion. He recalled how full of giggles, open, mischievous, and luminescent she’d been fifteen years ago. An intense urge to see that freedom in her smile again struck him. His eyes stayed on her lips for a breath longer than it should.
Slade caught Egan eying him, as he eyed Fifi. Egan released Fifi then grabbed Slade in a back-slapping embrace.
Slade laughed. “It’s good to see you, but if you twirl me around like you just did your sister, we will have words.”
Egan released him, a chuckle brightening his handsome, ruddy features. “Well now, if memory serves, the last time we had words, it took me but two minutes to knock you on your back. But seeing as you are now an army man, it could take me three.”
Slade snorted, recalling their endless training sessions years ago under the watchful eye of the MacDonell warlord. “Yes, it could. But I guarantee they’ll be the most painful three minutes of your life.”
Egan laughed then sobered as puzzlement crossed his features. He eyed Fifi then Slade again. “I didn’t realize you two were traveling together or that you were returning to the Highlands.”
Cool caution sparked Slade’s insides.
Fifi was the first to speak. “I encountered Slade in Birmingham, and as he was returning to the Highlands, I solicited his escort, to which he graciously agreed. Lucia and Peter have served as chaperones throughout our entire journey.”
Slade ignored the question forming in Egan’s eyes and proceeded to introduce Peter and Lucia. Slade and Egan had been inseparable during their youth and days of fostering. Egan was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved, especially his little sister. But he was also brash and pigheaded. Slade loved Egan like a blood brother and would give his life for the man without a moment’s hesitation. And Egan would do the same for him even though they fought like barbarians when they were younger. What would Egan do if he found out Slade had kissed his little sister? If he found out Slade itched to do a hell of a lot more to Fifi than just kissing?
CHAPTER 32
Slade eyed Egan as he introduced Keith, his right-hand retainer, and Duncan, Eileanach’s new head herder, caring for the cattle and sheep. Slade remembered Keith from previous encounters; Egan trusted him implicitly. Duncan, on the other hand, he’d never met before. From the man’s beetle-brows and narrow eyes, he appeared to be in a perpetual foul mood.
Their group called for an extra table and chairs and additional food for Egan and his men. As they started to take their seats, Slade moved to slide in next to Fifi, but Egan abruptly pushed his way in between. It forced Slade to move over one seat. Peter, who sat next to him, and Lucia who took the seat across from Peter, seemed oblivious to Egan’s actions. Egan’s men sat across from them and appeared too interested in guzzling down ale to notice anything else.
Disquietude hit Slade at Egan’s actions, but he set it aside. It had been months since he’d seen his sister; of course he wanted to sit next to her.
After taking a drink of his ale, Slade eyed Egan. “What brings you to this part of the Highlands?”
Egan tilted his head. “After returning from Coll, we had to meet with the Sutherlands about our grain supply. And I take it you are on a permissionnaire from the army?”
“No. In fact, I’ve sold my commission,” Slade said.
Egan’s head tipped back in surprise. “You are a civilian now? What are your plans?”
Slade fingered his mug absently. “Lachlan and my father are expecting me to take up the post of warlord at Garraidh.”
Egan scrutinized him closely. “Garraidh? You couldn’t wait to leave the place when we were growing up.”
Egan, more than anyone, understood how difficult it had been for Slade and Lachlan to grow up without a mother while having a father who had been cold and withdrawn. Chisolm, Slade’s father, had been devastated after losing his wife. Some say he’d been obsessed with her before her death, after which, he’d become hard and unyielding. Then there was the fact that Slade had wished Egan was his brother instead of Lachlan. Lachlan, six years older than Slade, had been an arrogant bully when Slade was a lad. And they had gotten into violent fights as boys.
Slade now shrugged in response to Egan’s question. “There’s no other place like the Scottish Highlands, and I’ve traveled quite a bit with the army. Besides I’ve grown immune to the … ah … more disagreeable sides of my father’s and Lachlan’s personalities.”
Egan laughed at the sarcasm. But then Slade realized he did indeed miss the Highlands and his father and brother, even though they weren’t the easiest men to get along with. Egan took a drink of ale then put down his tankard; a smirk lifted the left side of his face as he eyed Slade.
“You know, if it doesn’t work out for you at Garraidh, we’ll find you a place at Eileanach. We can always use a man with yourskills. It will also be the perfect opportunity to introduce you to my betrothed.”
Slade’s eyes widened in surprise, even as his lips curved into a smile. “You are betrothed? This is the best news! Felicitations.Slàinte,” Slade said laughing and raising his tankard.
