“Most of the lairds from the isles are contemptible, no?”
Amusement reached his cousin’s eyes again. “Only when they’re attacking us from the sea.”
Jamie knew many of the isle warriors, men of honor who did as any Highlander would do when they grew restless, pick a neighborly fight with a worthy adversary for entertainment. “Which laird?”
“Baran Munroe.”
“Damn,” Jamie breathed. “Imagine wasting such a lovely lassie on a black-hearted devil like him.”
Alex’s eyebrows jutted upward. “But she’s a bloody Sutherland, remember?”
Jamie shrugged. “A matter of unfortunate birth—not the lady’s fault.”
“Nay, it isna.”
“How can I help?” Jamie asked, sounding too eager for his own comfort.
“Stay away from her.”
“W-what?”
“Clean yer ears,” Alex commanded. “I want ye to stay away from Helen Sutherland.”
Though he’d sworn allegiance to his beloved cousin as laird of the MacKays—by possessing lands, Jamie had the right to act in his own best interest, too, even if it went against Alex’s wishes.
“Ye doona trust me?”
“I remember the man who judged me before I married Keely—disapproved of my relations with foreign women, told me my Christian soul was in jeopardy if I dinna change.”
“Father Michael had much to say to ye, I am sure.”
Alex gaped at him. “I’m not talking about the priest, Jamie.”
“Och, aye. I remember now.”
“Do ye?” Alex slapped his back affectionately.
“How is Keely? The babes?”
“Resting.”
“Why are ye down here still?”
“Making arrangements for the lady.”
“I can oversee the accommodations,” Jamie jested.
But Alex dinna appreciate his humor. “If I must assign a guard to ye, too, I will.”
“A prisoner?”
“If that’s how ye wish to take it.”
Both of them watched as a maid came into the hall and invited Lady Helen to follow her abovestairs.
“It seems our problem has been solved,” Alex said. “I’ve instructed Miran to sleep in Helen’s chamber with her. Two guards will be posted in the corridor to assure her safety.”
“Have ye sent anyone to ride out and see if she was followed?”
