“Are you serious, Colen? Do you mean to tell me your brother spent the entire day locked in his room with his mistress? He didna even come out for food?”
“She’s a new one,” Colen tried to explain. “He often does that with a new one.”
“How much more of this am I to take? First he’s busy, then he’s no’ to be found, then he’s angry, then something else. And all the while you keep me locked up. Well, I’ll no’ stand for it anymore!”
“Sheena, please—”
“Nay, no more excuses. I agreed to give you time because I wanted to leave here peaceably, withoutmaking a fuss. Yet you put it off and put it off. It’s been six days!”
“I did tell him I was ready to marry,” Colen defended himself.
“But you didna tell him about me, about my being here. As soon as he asked what settlement was expected, you said no more.”
“He was no’ ready to hear that there would be no settlement. He must be in a good mood to be hearing that.”
“So I must wait for the mood of your brother to change? The truth is, you’re afraid of his answer. You’ve made too much of this, Colen. It has become too important to you. Do you no’ see that?”
“But itisimportant.”
“Aye. So important you’ll jump at any excuse no’ to talk to your brother.”
“I couldna bear it if he said I couldna marry you,” he replied, downhearted.
“How will you bear it when you can’t changemymind?” she asked, not unkindly.
“Women are fickle,” he returned. “They’re known to change their minds. It’s no’ you I’m worried about; it’s my brother.”
“Fickle! Who told you that nonsense? Nay, dinna answer,” she said dryly. “Your dear, sweet brother.”
Colen laughed. “I’ve never heard him called that “afore.”
“Is he so terrible?”
“At times. MacKinnions are known for their fierce tempers, but Jamie can be the worst.”
“MacKinnion?!”
“What’s the matter?”
She had gone deathly pale.
“You’rea MacKinnion? James—he’sTheMacKinnion!”
Colen became quite alarmed by her appearance. “What’s wrong, Sheena? I told you who I was, so that’s not it.”
“You never!”
“But I did. I must have. What’s wrong?”
“’Tis no’ possible!” She started to laugh hysterically.
Poor Colen didn’t know what to make of her behavior, but when she flew toward the door, he was right behind her. He caught her arm, and she shrieked wildly. “Dinna you touch me!”
He slapped her, and the sound was as loud as a whipcrack. She was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes flashed and she slapped him back just as hard.
Colen was shocked. He stepped back, a hand to his cheek.
“Youhitme!”
