“Your kinsmon is verra fond of England,” Balreaves said.
“My kinsmon is verra fond of England’s money, sir.”
Jennet did not like the way Balreaves kept telling everyone that she had been found in England. Sir Douglas’s dark face was expressionless, and she could not tell how much weight he gave Balreaves’s sly insinuations or how favorably he judged her defense.
“Of course.” Balreaves smiled faintly. “Ye must have been weel pleased with Sir Gillard’s miraculous resurrection and safe return from Ireland.”
A chill went down Jennet’s spine. Balreaves stressed those last six words in an ominous way, heavily weighting them with suspicion.
“Any wife would be pleased to have her mon back safe and hale from the war.”
“And where is your mon now?” asked the Douglas.
“Actually, sir, he said he was to meet with you.”
“Ah, the meeting I called for. I wish you well, m’lady.” Douglas nodded in lieu of a bow and strode away.
When Balreaves did not immediately follow the man, Jennet frowned. “Is there something ye need, Sir Balreaves?”
He was frowning into her eyes. It made Jennet very uneasy. Her father had always told her that the unusual green of their eyes made people remember them. She prayed that this time her father was wrong and that Balreaves would have no recollection of her.
“I still feel we have met before, m’lady,” he said after a long moment of silently staring at her.
“Nay, ye are wrong. I am certain of it.”
“Are ye now? We shall see.”
She watched until he disappeared into the crowd of soldiers. Then she saw Dugald waving her over to the spot he had chosen for them. Jennet made a swift and firm decision not to mention the confrontation with Balreaves to anyone, especially not to Hacon. He was already aware of Balreaves’s sly campaign to blacken his name. There was no need to add to his concerns. She would use the time until Hacon returned to camp to put the chilling meeting with Balreaves out of her mind.
It was late before Hacon joined her. She was just beginning to think she might as well go to bed alone when he appeared at their campfire. Ranald had bedded down near the fire, Murdoc sleeping peacefully at his side. The other men from Dubheilrig were scattered amongst the surrounding trees, not easily seen yet close enough to answer if called to arms. Only Dugald remained awake to greet Hacon with her.
“I begin to curse my title,” Hacon murmured as he sat next to Jennet and warmed his hands at the low fire. “Suddenly I must attend all the huddled talks. It wouldnae be such a burden if they always spoke of important matters, but I fear they are oftimes given to repeating rumors and gossip.”
“Some of that can be of interest.” Jennet sidled closer, seeking his warmth, for the October night was chill.
“Aye, but they often chew it to death. England has raised the siege of Berwick. Scotland still holds the city.”
“Mayhaps what happened by the Swale prompted England’s retreat,” suggested Dugald.
“Mayhaps.” Hacon shook his head as he put his arm around Jennet. “Though I shouldnae like to believe any good was born of that shame. I but pray it doesnae taint Walter the Steward’s fine work in holding fast to Berwick for the Bruce.”
“I doubt it will. His driving back of the English is a prouder tale,” murmured Dugald. “’Tis on to Dubheilrig on the morrow?”
“Aye, toward home.” Hacon looked at Jennet. “Do ye wish to stop at Liddesdale to see your kinsmen on the way?”
“If it willnae cost ye many days of travel—aye. They may have gotten some word of my father’s fate.”
“’Tis but a day added, mayhaps less. It will be weel worth the effort if it can ease your worry.”
“Thank ye, Hacon, ’Twill be good to see my aunt and uncle again too.”
“Did the Douglas or Moray ask ye to stay with them?” Dugald asked,
“Nay. I didnae need to go against their wishes, if that is what troubles you.”
“Aye, though it also troubles me that ye havenae been asked to join them at court.”
“I was thought dead until this summer and was but newly made a baron when we took that fateful journey to Ireland. Scotland has more barons than it probably needs. ’Twill be a while until I am drawn to court.”
