Now, it was old Duncan’s turn to respond.
“So, what will convince ye that this lass is nae spy?
Kenneth gave a short laugh. “I cannae prove she is nae spy.” He acknowledged. “Yet, I cannae prove sheisa spy. If it is truth that her ship was on its way with a letter from Laird Halvard, and he verifies this, then I have nay proof and nay reason tae hold the lass as a spy.”
Duncan subsided into his seat, grumbling and shaking his head.
“I ken that we are nae on ideal terms wi’ Laird Halvard, and although it is true that there has been some conflict between his fishermen and ours over the waters of the Sound of Sleat, I cannae condemn the lass as a spy merely because her ship had nay colors. If Halvard confirms she was bound tae us wi’ a letter and thence tae proceed tae Raasay, where her sister is wife to the Laird, I will accept what she says as truth.”
“And in the meantime?” Fergus spoke up.
Kenneth shrugged. “In the meantime, the lady is confined tae the castle until this matter has been resolved. I have alerted meguards and should she attempt tae leave the castle, she will be locked in the castle dungeon.”
Around the table there was a ripple of laughter and a nodding of heads. It seemed the Council was well satisfied with Kenneth’s actions.
He got to his feet. “I thank ye all fer yer attendance in such inclement weather and I bring the meeting tae a close.”
The men filed out, on their way to breakfast in the great hall.
Kenneth nodded to Callum who joined him. “I’m fair famished, more than ready tae take me breakfast.”
Selene was seated beside Maureen at the giant refectory table, smiling as the two women chatted animatedly. She was clad in a simple blue woolen gown with a wrap of a similar color across her shoulders. A soft pink had returned to her cheeks and her light-blue eyes sparkled. She looked up, smiled, and took his breath away.
All smiles, the two lasses appeared to be getting along surprisingly well. Selene’s fiery temper, which she wielded so freely onhim, was nowhere in sight.
Kenneth frowned and Callum, smirking, murmured, “I fear she likes Maureen better than she daes ye, me laird.”
Kenneth growled, a low warning sound.
Selene glanced over, raising a challenging brow. “Is there something wrong?” she asked pleasantly enough.
He felt heat in his cheeks as her eyes raked over him and he sensed her disapproval. Her blue-grey eyes met his and she held his gaze. Something crackled in the air between them like a lightning flash and a simmering warmth coursed through his veins.
Suddenly it was difficult to draw breath. And, to his chagrin, he felt a twinge in his groin that seemed to have a life of its own.
God help him. He was in trouble.
And trouble had a name.Selene Montgomery.
He looked over at Callum, who seemed to sense his discomfort and hastily changed the subject of their conversation away from the lady.
“The lads have already departed for the Laird Aidan’s territory on the mainland. They’ll keep their heads down when they enter MacLeay lands, but they will talk to the villagers and see what local gossip will reveal.”
Kenneth appreciated Callum’s distraction, yet he was still uncomfortably aware of the Lady Selene seated opposite. Her manners were charming, and she had a graceful elegance about her as she poured tea, and daintily consumed her breakfast.
From time to time, he glanced up at her, and caught snippets of her conversation with his sister.
Maureen appeared to be all ears, attending to Selene’s every word and curious about life in far off England.
When he and Callum finally took their leave, Callum bent his head and addressed both Kenneth’s sister and Selene. “Perhaps ye ladies would care to observe the training ground later, where our lads are sparring and honing their battle skills.”
As they left the hall Callum chuckled. “I saw the way ye were looking wi’ cow eyes at the lady. She is quite lovely, so I dinnae blame ye fer yer fascination.”
Callum had hit a nerve, but Kenneth had no intention of giving him satisfaction.
“Nonsense lad, ye’re havering. I’ve nay interest in the lady.” He offered a rueful laugh. “Yet I dinnae ken yet if I should suspect her of spying. ‘Tis well kent that King George has set his spies among us tae test our loyalty.”
Callum pshawed. “And tae fatten his nobles wi’ our confiscated lands.” He grimaced. The King was none too popular in the Highlands. “But, dinnae fash. Word will come about the lass soon enough from Halvard.”
