“That is what I would like to discuss with ye, Braither.” Finlay turned to the servant. “If ye would excuse us?”
The servant gave a deep bow before leaving to attend to his duties in the stables.
“I’ve spoken with Peter, who has reason to suspect that Laird MacGibbon is only biding his time until he can take Thalia,” Finlay began.
Caden nodded. “I saw the way he looked at her this mornin’. It wasnae pleasant. I cannae imagine how she feels.”
“‘Tis why I agreed to help her in the first place,” Finlay said. “I daenae trust him to be respectful while he remains here, and I want to give Thalia a respite from his attention.”
“Ye want me to invite Laird MacGibbon and Laird MacFinn to stay at me castle.” Caden grimaced, sensing the request.
“Aye, I’d be very grateful to ye.” Finlay placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just until the cèilidh. Then, they can both go back to where they belong.”
“I was plannin’ on headin’ back to MacCabe Castle tomorrow. I’ll speak to Laird MacFinn about it. He seems the more reasonable of the two,” Caden assured.
“Thank ye.”
Caden let out a breath. “And what are yer plans if Laird MacGibbon doesnae want to return to his castle empty-handed?”
Finlay stiffened at the question. These were all still speculations, but hearing the words come from his brother’s mouth made them feel more likely. He wanted to avoid that outcome, but he needed to be prepared.
“If that is the case, then I hope Clan MacCabe will come to our aid,” he said.
“Always, Braither.” Caden slapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder.
It warmed Finlay’s heart. There was comfort in knowing that his brother, a strong and powerful laird in his own right, would always be there for him. And he would always be there for Caden as well.
Finlay gestured towards the stables. “Would ye like to go for a ride, Braither? If I’m nae interruptin’ yer plans, that is.”
“Nay, a ride sounds grand,” Caden replied. “It’s been too long since we’ve had one together.”
“And who kens when the next opportunity will arise?” Finlay added, throwing his arm around his brother’s shoulders as they strode towards the stables.
“Perhaps we could try and hunt somethin’ for dinner tonight as well?” Caden suggested, a challenge in his eyes.
Finlay met his gaze, sensing a competition brewing. “Aye, I think me cook would appreciate that, considering all the extra mouths he has to feed. What do ye have in mind?”
Caden grinned widely and puffed out his chest. “I bet ye ten pounds I can get the biggest buck.”
Finlay threw back his head and laughed. “Ye think ye can beat me on me own lands?”
“I think I can beat ye anywhere, Braither,” Caden retorted. He slipped out of his brother’s hold and held out his hand. “Do we have a deal?”
Finlay looked at the hand, suddenly remembering a similar exchange with Thalia a bit earlier. His heart clenched as he took his brother’s hand, and he tried not to let his emotions show.
“It’s a deal.”
A hunt with his brother was exactly what he needed to put all thoughts of Thalia out of his mind.
CHAPTER 14
Thalia spentthe remainder of the afternoon in her room. She did not want a repeat of any of the incidents that had occurred earlier. The kisses, or the hostile exchange with Laird MacGibbon. They all swirled in her mind, such that she could not relax for a moment.
Eventually, she left her room and went to the library, where she picked out a few books that appealed to her. As she made her way back to her room, she saw Daisy and Rowena waiting outside for her. Daisy waved, and Thalia happily waved back.
“Lady Thalia!” Daisy greeted, her face bright with excitement. “I was lookin’ for ye!”
“Well, ye found me.” Thalia smiled, kneeling down before her. “Did ye want to spend some time together?”
