“Well, Sheena, how do you like Castle Kinnion?”
The question eased her, as he had meant it to. Whatever she had expected from this harsh laird, it wasn’t such a casual, hospitable question.
“’Tis a fine castle, to be sure.”
“One you wouldna mind living in?”
She should have known better than to relax her guard so easily. Was he already deciding to make her stay, without even hearing her wishes?
“I would mind,” she said firmly.
Jamie chuckled and sat down opposite her. “Well then, we had best settle this. First, I’m sure you know my brother’s no’ sorry he brought you here. You’ll be getting no apology from him.”
“I dinna expect one. I just want to leave.”
“So you have said. But I hope you will understand my position. You are here, no’ of your own design, but here nonetheless. And being here, you are my responsibility.”
“But I dinna hold you responsible,” she assured him quickly.
“I do.” His tone was inflexible. “But that is no’ the issue. The fact is, my brother has given sound reasons why you should settle here and make your home with us.”
“To marry him!” Sheena gasped, suddenly furious over the way the interview was progressing.
“His reason has naught to do with that. He is concerned with your welfare, lass.”
“I didna ask for his concern—or yours.”
“Your attitude is unusual,” Jamie said thoughtfully. “Another in your position, alone and penniless, wouldna hesitate to accept the security offered here. Why do you refuse?”
“I’ll no’ be forced into marrying.”
“You misunderstand, Sheena,” Jamie replied patiently. “’Tis a home, a clan to belong to I am offering you, whether you marry my brother or no’.”
Sheena grew uncomfortable. From what he believed of her, thinking her a homeless beggar, what he offered was very generous. But if he knew the truth, he would not wonder at her refusal. To settle among her clan’s enemies was unthinkable. But he was being kind, the last thing she would have expected. And that made her seem so ungrateful.
“I…I’m a Lowlander,” she said at last, jumping to any reasonable excuse. “Though I thank you for your offer, which is very kind, I canna settle here.”
“Are we such a terrible lot as you’ve been raised to believe?” Jamie asked with a smile. “Is it savages you see in this hall?”
“I’ve no’ seen much of your people here, so I canna judge,” she returned evasively.
“You disappoint me, lass. Will you no’ think about my offer for a time?”
“Nay,” she said firmly. “I canna fit in here. ’Tis better I leave now.”
Jamie was vexed, and he couldn’t keep it from her. “To return to what? The streets? Begging? You’ll be giving me a valid reason, lass, ’afore I’ll relinquish my responsibility.”
Sheena stiffened. He was growing angry again. But then, so was she. By what right did he demand a reason? By what right did he take away her freedom?
“I wish to return to what I know. That is enough reason,” she said coldly.
“That is a beggar’s life. It appears you dinna know what is good for you.”
“So you think!” she snapped, losing her temper under that hard gaze. “The fact is, I’m no’ a beggar, nor have I ever been. ’Tis only what Colen assumed.”
“Is it now?” Jamie asked smoothly. “Then why have you waited till now to say so?”
“I didna feel the need to tell you.”
