‘There is a chamber for her,’ Colum offered. The man nodded at one of the servants who scurried off to prepare it. ‘And the food and drink will be waiting for her there.’
‘I would like the chamber next to hers,’ Brodie said. ‘I have sworn to safeguard her and will not leave her alone until this is done.’ She thought him done, and thorough at that, but he had one more condition. ‘A serving woman of my choosing will see to her care.’
He’d just accused the Camerons of any number of deficiencies in their hospitality and their manners and insulted them, yet they simply nodded in acceptance.
‘Lord Mackintosh?’ A tall, young man stepped closer to Brodie then. ‘I am Davidh, Malcolm’s friend and Ailean’s brother.’
‘Davidh,’ Brodie said, nodding at the man.
‘Ailean is here if you would like her to see to the lady.’
Sorcha had heard Eva and Arabella mention the lady’s cousin Ailean who had served as her companion for many years before returning to Achnacarry recently to care for her ailing mother.
‘Aye, Davidh. That would be fine.’ The chieftain nodded.
Within a short time, Sorcha found herself in a comfortable chamber with a very nice companion who had much to discuss with her about Arabella and everyone at Drumlui Keep and in the village. But, tired and in need of rest, she bid the woman a good night and sought the comforts of the rope-strung bed with thick and warm covers.
She’d just fallen asleep when the door opened slightly, throwing the light from the corridor across the chamber. Sitting up, she pushed her hair out of her face and stared at the man standing there.
‘Alan?’ she whispered, fearing that she was awake and dreaming.
‘Aye, ’tis me, Sorcha.’ He closed the door quietly and crossed the chamber to her. He leaned against the bed and just looked at her.
He did not look injured in any way. As she’d watched the fight, she thought he’d been punched several times and once she swore that Gilbert’s sword sliced through his shirt, drawing blood. But now, he seemed hale and whole as he stared at her.
‘How? Why?’ He sat on the bed next to her, just watching her.
‘How? Brodie, of course. I wonder when the Camerons will realise he is manipulating them the way his bairns play with their toy horses and dolls.’ She reached out and touched his hand. ‘Why? I could not allow the man I love to die for my honour.’
There was worry in his gaze as he pulled free of her caress and walked away. In silence, Alan stood before the hearth with his hands held out to its warmth. She slipped from under the covers and walked to him, sliding her hands around him and leaning against his strong back. She’d never thought to see him again, let alone be able to touch him. The tension in him was something she could feel beneath the tips of her fingers as they lay on his chest.
‘What is it, Alan? Tell me.’
‘You heard it all.’
‘Heard what?’ Then she realised the issue. ‘About your parents?’
‘All of that. The way my life began.’
She moved to his side and touched the side of his face. When he gazed down at her, she saw the shame there.
‘You had no choice in it, Alan.’ She stroked his cheek. ‘Your mother is a strong woman to have survived her ordeal and she loves you.’
He smiled then and touched her face.
‘She said the same thing about you,’ he admitted. ‘That you are strong and that you love me.’
‘I am not certain about the strong part, but, aye, I do love you.’
He picked her up in his arms then and carried her to the bed. Standing there, he waited.
‘What about Brodie?’ she asked, knowing the chieftain was sleeping in the next chamber.
‘He is in the hall, holding up his reputation against all comers.’ She frowned, trying to think of what kind of reputation. ‘Chess. He loves a good challenge in the game.’
‘So his request for the next chamber was...?’
‘Simply a ruse to give us some measure of privacy as we discuss our plans.’
