‘Then perhaps we should speak with them,’ Peter suggested.
‘Even if they do disagree with their Clan chief, it’s unlikely they’ll go against him,’ Malcolm argued. ‘They’d be cast out. And that’s a fate worse than death in the Highlands.’
‘Aye, Malcom hae the right o’ it. Nae matter their private opinions, they’ll nae betray their clan. An it may be that the MacFarlane will send one o’ his lackeys on tae Sinclair land to find oot what they ken.’
‘Then we have to keep them from divulging what they know,’ Peter sighed. ‘We dare not simply dismiss them. That will drive them straight back to MacFarlane. And for all we know, every servant we employ could be traitors to Caerlaverock. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.’
Gifford shook his head. ‘Ah’ll stake ma life that the rest are loyal to Blackmore. The two ma lady is speakin’ of came only weeks ago.’
‘There be nae time tae lose,’ Brendon asserted. ‘Ah reckon the Reverend and ma da must be on their way tae the MacFarlane by the morra.’
‘Ah’ll dae ma best tae keep the two traitors busy,’ Gifford added. ‘By the time ah’ve finished wi’ em, they will’nae hae time fer anythin’ but sleep.’
‘Once we have the children away from that dreadful place, we must secure them somewhere MacFarlane is not likely to find them.’
‘Aye, somewhere away far frae Caerlaverock if the bampot comes sniffin’ aroond.’
‘From this moment, we say nothing that might be overheard.’
∞∞∞
By early evening, Dougal had managed to purchase a small boat which he secured out of sight near to the house. It was decided that Brendon would row the vessel up the loch into position as soon as it got dark enough to conceal it from any prying eyes.
The knowledge that they had two traitors in their midst kept the conversation at dinner stilted and anxious, and by ten p.m., those who had the luxury of retiring to their beds had done so.
After seeing his da home, Brendon headed straight towards the loch, Fergus at his heels. He knew roughly where Dougal had left the boat and knew he needed his full wits about him if he was going to get the small vessel up to Inveruglas without anyone the wiser. The midges had subsided, and the strange twilightthat passed for night during the summer this far north was further darkened by the clouds. Glancing up, Brendon grimaced. While the added darkness would undoubtedly help conceal him, it would also make finding his way much more challenging.
As he strode towards the dark body of water directly in front of him, Brendon found his thoughts turning to Jennifer Sinclair. What the devil had possessed him to say he found her attractive? No good could possibly come from such an admission. She was not for the likes of him. She’d be returning to England in less than a month, and he’d likely never see her again.
Sighing, he made an effort to change the direction of his thoughts, but the image of her pressed up against him refused to be banished. Infuriatingly, he felt himself go hard which made walking particularly uncomfortable. That her ladyship was ripe and ready for him, he had no doubt. She was young and clearly not well versed in the art of flirtation, but the way she looked at him spoke volumes
At three and thirty, Brendon was fully aware that women in general found him attractive, though he rarely took up any offers of a bed and much more. It always seemed to him that his outside appearance was more important to most women than what was inside. None took the time to learn abouthim. They wanted his body but had no interest in his mind. Brendon abruptly found himself chuckling at his grandiose musings. Likely they didn’t want to know because aside of his pretty face, there was nothing more worth knowing.
But deep inside, he knew that wasn’t true. After just two conversations with Jennifer Sinclair, he’d sensed her interest went beyond the obviously physical. And there lay the danger.
On both occasions, he’d actually found himself wanting to share things with her. Things he could not have imagined telling anyone before she literally fell into his life. And watching her compassion for the children being ill-used by the MacFarlaneand listening to her ideas of what they could do to put a stop to it, was eye opening to say the least. He would have expected a lady of her position to have little interest outside of parties and fripperies, but even her unexpected dip in the loch had not brought with it the expected histrionics. It was becoming very clear that Jennifer Sinclair was actually relishing the challenge.
The thought of her leaving Caerlaverock in mere weeks made him want to punch something. In less than a sennight, she’d somehow wormed her way into his heart. But he dared not act on it. If her father should get to hear of it, the Duke would likely do the stringing up himself.
∞∞∞
Once in her bedchamber, Jennifer was unable to settle, and as soon as Jenet had withdrawn, she climbed out of bed and went to stand at the window, pulling aside the heavy drapes. Had Brendon left yet? She peered towards the loch but was unable to discern any movement which she supposed was the whole point.
Sighing, she climbed back into bed and lay, staring at the ceiling. Although she wished with all her heart that her parents were here, Jennifer couldn’t deny she’d felt so much more alive since coming to Caerlaverock. The balls and routs of the last two seasons had faded from her mind, paltry and insignificant when compared to what she’d witnessed since coming here.
She wondered if Brendon was thinking of her, then berated herself for her foolishness. The steward had more than enough to think about without adding her to the mix. He’d told her he found her attractive, but she wasn’t naïve enough to believe that meant anything at all. Lots of men had told her the same in far more flowery language, though clearly most of them were thinking more of her dowry and connections than her eye colour.
Abruptly, she found herself smiling in the dark. Brendon had had no such considerations. Indeed, in the brief moments before he’d fled, he’d looked to be horrified by his admission.
What was it about the Scot that attracted her so? He was handsome, yes – possibly the most handsome man she’d ever met. But she’d never been one to be overly impressed with a pretty face. No, there was something about Brendon Galbraith – something that called to her on the deepest level. A connection she’d never experienced with anyone else – despite the fact that they’d met only days ago. And she knew he felt it too.
Jennifer was well aware that pursuing the connection to its natural conclusion would likely end in tears for both of them, nevertheless, she wouldn’t,couldn’tleave it be.
Even if it meant a broken heart.
Chapter Fourteen
In the event, Brendon’s journey to Inveruglas was uneventful. He managed to secrete the small boat against a little used section of the shore, buried amongst some reed beds.
