“I guess I should welcome ye to the family,” Galen said with a smile, then added, “That is if my brother would introduce us.”
Siena could tell Galen wasn’t as serious as his brothers. He actually smiled at her and there was a wicked twinkle in his eyes and adorable dimples.
Roderick peered around her. His brow arched. “Siena, let me introduce ye to my youngest brother, Galen, who always seems to be in a hurry to get anything done. Somehow, we never have been able to teach him patience.” Roderick nodded to his left. “On his other side is Angus, he is next to the oldest, and supposedly has the wisdom of the family.”
“And wiser,” Angus said with a grin. “’Tis nice to meet you, lass.”
“On my side is Gillard who is stubborn and Patrick who is very resourceful.
“And as ye ken, our brother claims to have all of these traits,” Patrick said. “He thinks he is perfect.”
They all laughed.
“’Twould have been nicer if we had met ye before the weddin’,” Galen grumbled.
“I don’t think there was time,” Siena said.
“My God, she’s a Sassenach!” Gillard bellowed, having recognized her accent.
Siena brow arched. “I take it you have a problem with me being English?”
“Everyone kens we have no love for England,” Patrick said. “They try to rule us in everything we do.”
“I believe ye missed it today, when Siena said yes to me and she became a Scott like the rest of ye,” Rodrick pointed out.
“That’s true,” Gillard said.
“Well,” Siena said, drawing everyone’s attention. “I believe you should judge the person and not by where they were born.”
All the brothers laughed, then Galen said, “I see the lass has a mind of her own.”
“Aye, she does,” Roderick agreed and squeezed her hand under the table.
“Did ye hear?” Angus asked Roderick. “Those damn Elliot’s stole some of our coos.”
“‘Tis not the first time. They can no seem to remember where their borders are located and probably need remindin’,” Roderick said. “What’s the plan?”
“We’re going to take them back,” Angus said. “Ye interested?”
“Aye.” All the brothers chimed in.
While the men talked and made plans, Siena ate her dinner. The roasted chicken was perfect for her empty stomach. She watched the crowd who seemed to be having a grand time, then she spotted Agatha who was dancing with Duncan. Since Agatha didn’t know the steps Duncan was laughing and swinging her round and round.
Agatha appeared so much younger than she normally did. Maybe she was happy at long last, thought Siena. Agatha hadn’t had it easy when they lived at Berwick castle. Siena’s brother had been just as mean to Agatha especially when she tried to protect her.
Siena reached for her cup and took a sip of the delicious red wine. A room flashed before her face and she glimpsed a small church near Edinburgh. Just as suddenly the great hall had replaced her vision leaving her puzzled as to what she had just seen.
“Are ye all right?” Roderick asked.
Slowly Siena turned to him as she tried to calm her racing heart. Evidently, she had gasped, drawing his attention.
“I—I’m fine. Perhaps a little tired.”
“Why dinna ye go ahead and retire for the night, lass. I’m sure everyone will understand.”
Siena nodded then rose to her feet. She bid the brothers good night.
“I’ll help her,” Galen said as he started to get up.
