“What is it?” He lifted his chin in the air, looking down his nose at Ewan.
“This came for ye early this morning, Me Laird. I had to see to a few things before I could bring it in,” Ewan said apologetically after handing the note to Daniel and backing away.
“It isnae usually yer job to deliver the mail.” Daniel became increasingly suspicious of the man.
“All of the maids are busy this morning, Me Laird,” Ewan hurried to explain. “I thought I would lend a hand by doing a small task that would otherwise only take up their valuable time.”
Staring the man down for a second, Daniel decided to let things be for the time being. “Laird Ramsay an’ I have some business to go an’ attend to. Send for a carriage, since yer so eager to do yer part,” he said and dismissed him with a wave of his hand.
“Aye, Me Laird.” Ewan scurried from the room as fast as he could.
“What was that all about?” Darragh looked over his shoulder with a frown. “Ye were always on good terms with yer man at arms ‘afore, were ye nae? He’s even been coming around me castle lately an’ lending a hand where it’s needed.”
“How long has this been going on?” Daniel gave him a concerned look.
“A few months,” Darragh replied with a shrug. “I thought ye sent him.”
“Ye may want to ensure that all of yer books an’ business dealings are in order,” Daniel warned his friend.
Darragh raised his eyebrows but didn’t ask any further questions as Daniel turned his full attention back to the note.
“Aye, mine says exactly the same as yers does,” Daniel added as he scanned the contents of the letter again. “Laird Hamish McTavish requests our presence as soon as possible to discuss the merging of our borders an’ allow the profitable overlap of crops wherever necessary.”
“I’ve already discussed the matter with Avery an’ come prepared to leave.” Darragh glanced over Daniel’s shoulder at Melissa. “That is if yer prepared an’ dinnae have any other plans,” he said to Daniel. “Ye seem to be a bit preoccupied this morning.”
“Nae, we can leave at once. I dinnae think we should let this opportunity slip through our fingers. McTavish has some of the best lands in Scotland.”
“Aye, I agree. I’ll be downstairs waiting for ye when yer ready.” Darragh gave Melissa a nod and left the room.
“I guess you will be headed out, then,” she said as Daniel turned around. Her arms were folded across her waist as she pursed her lips to hide her disappointed smile.
“I’m sorry, lass, if it were any other matter, I would stay. But this deal could mean a lot to the castle.”
“It’s fine, really, you need to go,” she said as she hugged her waist even tighter. “I’ll visit Beitris and help her with collecting herbs or go for a walk in the orchards.”
It warmed Daniel’s heart to see that Melissa struggled with the idea of him leaving her all alone in the castle. He was almost tempted to tell her that he’d never so much as even looked at another woman since they’d gotten married, but he couldn’t quite reassure her with his feelings just yet when he knew that he couldn’t give her the family that she more than likely desired.
“I promise that I’ll be back soon,” he said in an attempt to lift her spirits. “We can continue our self-defense lessons out in the orchards once I’m back.”
Her perfect lips tilted into a smile that couldn’t overshadow the sadness and uncertainty in her eyes.
“Ye dinnae have to worry about me getting into any trouble as well. Darragh willnae so much as allow me to sneeze without telling ye about it when we get back.”
“I guess that’s true,” she said with a more genuine smile.
“The man is worse than a watchdog when it comes to the people he loves.” Daniel came closer and used his thumb to wipe a small drop of cherry jam from her cheek. “Ye missed a spot.”
“Daniel!” Darragh’s voice carried up the window as Daniel shut his eyes and shook his head. “We dinnae have all day, ye great bampot!”
“Worse than a watchdog, I tell ye,” Daniel muttered and watched as Melissa laughed. “Ye can come an’ see me off if that will set yer mind more at ease.”
18
“I’ll be home soon,” Daniel promised as he oversaw the packing of cases onto the back of the carriage that he and Darragh would be sharing on their trip to one of their allies.
“I understand,” Melissa said in a slightly sulky tone, pouting like a child that had not gotten her way. She hated being alone, even more so now that she and Daniel and just begun to connect. His absence from the castle would provide her with far too many hours to brood.
“Ye can visit Beitris or even Avery while I’m away.” He laughed when he caught sight of the pout on her lips.
