“Is she now?”
Jamie chuckled, a chilling sound. “That she is. And if she dares to enter the lion’s den, then let her. Whether she leaves it or no’ is another matter. Aye, bring them all to me here in the hall.”
“But the Fergusson lass may no’ be here at all, Sir Jamie,” Alwyn pointed out.
But Jamie had turned back to the fire. He was remembering his time in the Fergusson dungeon and the vengeful thoughts he had directed at Dugald’s family. He had almost been forced to marry one of Dugald’s daughters. Almost. And then he remembered the lad who had saved him from marriage, and he grew uncomfortable with his spiteful thoughts. It would hardly be fair for him to harm the sister whom young Niall had risked so much to protect, not after the lad had freed him.
Curse MacDonough for bringing her here andputting him in such an absurd position. To accept a Fergusson into his castle, and as a guest! He couldn’t toy with her, strike fear into her, couldn’t even ransom her—all because of a debt owed one small lad.
Jamie’s curiosity was keen. At last he would finally see what he had so very narrowly escaped being tied to. Well, not exactly the lass herself, but one of her sisters. How much difference could there be? The encounter should at least distract him from thoughts of the one who had implanted herself in his heart, the one whose image would torture him for eternity.
A voice called out, and Jamie turned to look at the bedraggled group of people making their way toward the fire. Besides MacDonough and four of his men, Daphne had with her three servants, two men and one woman. A party of nine. Jamie recognized the girl as a servant who had accompanied Daphne before. No Fergusson there.
“Is this all of you, then?” he demanded, kissing his sister in greeting.
“If ’tis Dobbin you’re looking for, he didna come.” Daphne spoke softly as she returned his kiss, then stretched her hands out to the fire. “He’s preparing to attend court at the week’s end, and as I wasna going to attend myself, he agreed I could come here instead—for an extended visit.”
“So soon after your last visit?”
“We stayed no time at all then, Jamie, as you know,” Daphne said stiffly. “Am I no’ welcome?”
“I’ve no’ made up my mind about that yet,” Jamie returned disagreeably. “If you’ve come on Jessie’s behalf—”
“Now why ever would I be doing that?” Daphne asked in surprise. “You know I’ve little liking for my husband’s cousin. If you’re worried I’ve come to take her home, you’ve no need. I like it better that she’s here. I only hope to see very little of her during my stay.”
“But I sent her home, Daphne. She should have arrived ’afore you left.”
“Och, well, she’s no doubt found another man ’atween here and there. She’ll make her way home in her own good time,” Daphne speculated. “But ’tis glad I am you didna fall for her and her scheming ways.”
Jamie flinched. Then his eyes narrowed as he looked more closely at his sister. Her blond hair was wet and matted, her face tinged with blue, her body shivering convulsively. He gave no further thought to Jessie. She must have convinced Black Gawain to let her stay with him. That bothered Jamie not at all.
“Get you to your old chamber, Daphne, and warm yourself ’afore you’re taken ill.”
“I’m welcome then?”
“Aye,” Jamie said, although his voice lacked warmth. “But we’ll discuss the matter later, for I’m thinking ’twas no your idea alone to come visiting.”
Daphne said nothing to that. He’s no’ angry at me, though, she thought as she hurried away with her servants in tow. She knew he was displeased byher foolishness in venturing out in such deplorable weather, but it was nothing compared to the anger she felt Jamie direct at Alasdair. No wonder the poor man had not wanted to come here alone.
She had done Alasdair a favor by letting him escort her here. But she had warned him that her presence would make no real difference to Jamie. He would be finding that out very soon.
Jamie made Alasdair wait while he summoned food and dry clothing for his guests. That much he would do in light of the clan friendship that had existed in their fathers’ day.
“Taken to hiding behind women’s skirts, have you?” Jamie said at last.
Alasdair MacDonough flushed crimson. They were still standing by the fire, Alasdair’s men partaking of food at the tables, away from them. He was thankful for that, for an insult could be ignored when not overheard by anyone. And he was here to renew his alliance with the MacKinnions, not tear it apart completely.
Alasdair decided to try for a little levity. “’Tis a pleasant enough place to hide, if one must hide.”
Jamie was not in the least amused. “I dinna like your dragging my sister up here, Alasdair, any more than I like anything else you’ve been doing recently. And I have to tell you, you’ve picked the worst time to be here, for I’m in no agreeable mood. At least you had the grace no’ to bring your wife.”
“But I didna marry.”
Jamie’s only indication of surprise was a slight raising of his brow. “The wedding was postponed?”
“Nay. I broke the betrothal.”
Jamie burst out laughing. “Did you now? Well, well,” he chuckled, his spirits greatly improved. “So if you’ve no’ come to plead a wife’s cause, why are you here?”
