Broc thought about that bit of information. “It makes a lot of sense,” he said with a nod of comprehension. “Whoever suggested that is a wily bastard.”
Colin nodded soberly. “I suggested it.”
Broc smiled at him. “Figures.”
Colin smiled back. “We’ll be heading out about noon, I think... if you should care to join us.”
All the while, Seana watched them, her expression growing more curious yet. Broc determined it was best to leave before they inadvertently gave something away. As it was, he had involved Colin far more than he’d intended to, far more than his conscience allowed. Guilt pricked at him.
Broc turned to go, and Colin followed him out, leaving Seana staring pensively after them.
“I owe,” Colin murmured at Broc’s back.
“You owe me nothing,” Broc assured him, without turning. They walked out the door.
“Aye, but I do,” Colin argued, once they were outside. And then he added, “You saved my life once, Broc.”
“I did no less than any friend would have done.”
Colin nodded. “I have no notion what has happened, but I do know you, my friend, and I know you better than to think you would attack an innocent girl.”
Broc’s shoulders tensed. “I would never.”
“I realize that,” Colin acknowledged. “But I canna promise you anything more than a little time.”
Broc halted abruptly and turned to face him, his gut churning. “I didna ask ye for even that, Colin.”
Colin smacked him on the arm. “You dinna have to.” He handed Broc the cloth filled with food. “Dinna say anything more. The less I know, the better. Just go.”
“Thank you, Colin.”
“I know you would do the same for me” was all Colin said.
Broc turned one last time to go. “Without question.”
“Oh, and by the by,” Colin added. Broc cast him a glance but kept walking. “I know where you can find a lonely hound tonight.” Broc turned to face him but kept walking—backward, toward the woods. He clutched the food for Elizabet tightly in his hand, lest it spill. “Montgomerie’s stables,” Colin disclosed. “That is... should you find yourself lonely for Merry.”
Broc swallowed his response, so great were his emotions. He couldn’t speak even to thank Colin. No man had ever been blessed with truer friends—and he repaid them all by endangering them by his duplicity.
Without a word, he turned again and bounded into the woods.
CHAPTER 16
“What was that that about?” Seana asked her husband when he came back into the hall, slamming the door behind him.
He went to her and placed his arm about her shoulders, his jaw taut as he coaxed her toward the staircase. “Naught, my love. Dinna worry about it.”
“That wasna like Broc at all,” she remarked, hoping he would elaborate. But she knew Colin well enough to know he would never reveal whatever Broc had come to tell him. She respected his faithfulness but was hurt he wouldn’t share with her.
They reached the stairs. “I’m weary,” was all he said, stepping back, urging her to go on before him.
Seana lifted her skirts and climbed the stairs. “It has been a long day!”
“Aye,” he agreed, “and tomorrow should prove just as tiresome.”
She reached the top of the stairs to find her brother-in-law’s wife standing there, taper in hand. “I heard voices,” Alison said, “and Leith is fast asleep. I didn’t wish to wake him.”
“It was only Broc,” Colin reassured her, “come to ask about the search efforts.”
