“And they are?” Elsie said with a determined glint in her eye, one that Selene recognized only too well. Once Elsie made her mind up about something nothing could stand in her way.
“Those two problems are Laird Kenneth MacDonald and Laird Halvard MacLeod. Two very stubborn men who are used to obedience.”
“Och, dinnae fash, Sister. If ye wish me tae travel with ye tae Duntulm, yer Kenneth will agree. I ken he will grant ye any wish.”
Selene chuckled at that. “I don’t know if that is so. But I can’t imagine your husband agreeing to let you sail with us.”
“Well, I willnae fret about all that until I’ve had me breakfast.” She got to her feet and extended a hand. “Come, let us enjoy some nourishment together before we assail these men of ours.”
Breakfast was a lively affair.
Elsie sat opposite Selene and Kenneth eating her porridge, poached salmon, and bannocks, with determined cheer, every so often casting him a speculative glare.
“I intend tae travel with ye,” she announced in a matter-of-fact tone, as though she was discussing the weather.
Kenneth paused mid-bite and raised a dark, questioning, brow. He turned to Selene. “And what dae ye say tae this scheme of yer wee sister’s?”
She smiled and placed a hand on his forearm giving it a gentle squeeze. “You know how much my sister means to me. I pray you will agree and invite her to your castle.”
He nodded, chuckling. “Lady Elsie, ye’re most welcome tae join us on our birlinn and sail with us tae Duntulm. But that,” he said carefully, “is nae up tae meself. It will be Halvard’s decision whether or nae he’ll permit his bonnie wife tae leave his side.”
“And ye think he’ll forbid me?” Elsie said in a small voice.
Kenneth nodded, reaching for another bannock. “If I were Halvard I certainly would,” was his honest reply.
Elsie huffed at this and pouted, but made no reply.
Just as they were finishing the last of their breakfast one of Halvard’s young squires approached the table.
He bowed gracefully from the waist as he addressed Kenneth. “The Laird Halvard is wishing tae speak with ye in his study afore ye go tae the landing place.”
Kenneth exchanged glances with Selene. He had planned to seek out Halvard before they sailed and now it seemed Halvard wished to speak with him.
He reached a hand to Selene. “I wish ye tae accompany me. We both need tae speak with yer braither-in-law.”
Turning, he addressed Elsie, who was watching their exchange with great interest.
“If ye’re tae join us on the ship, we sail on the tide and time is short.” He got to his feet, Selene joining him, while Elsie scrambled hurriedly out of her seat.
“Aye, Laird Kenneth. I’ll go now and pack me belongings fer the trip.”
Kenneth nodded. “We’ll speak now with Halvard and apprize him of our plans. I trust ye will speak with yer husband and be ready tae sail with us.”
He took Selene’s hand and together they headed out of the hall.
She looked up, smiling into his eyes. “Whatever Halvard says when he learns I am sailing with you Kenneth, nothing will change my mind.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Halvard was standing at his table, studying a half-finished wood carving of a deer when they entered. He did not look surprised to see them together.
“I know why you’ve come,” he said quietly.
Kenneth stiffened. Selene’s breath caught.
Does he know about last night?
“I’ve observed ye taegether,” Halvard continued, turning at last. To Selene’s surprise, he was smiling. “I am nae blind. Neither am I cruel. I will nae stand in the way of what is already bound.”
