“She doesna.”
“Then how can you make her happy?”
“Her objection is that we are enemies. Of course, if we are wed, that will no longer be the case. Will it?”
“Of course not,” Dugald agreed.
“Too, she does fear me a bit. But that is only natural after all the exaggerated tales she has heard of me. She will get over her fears quickly enough. I’ll give her no cause to fear me.”
“So I’m here toorderher to marry you?”
“Ask, order, plead, whatever it takes to obtain her compliance. Remember, ’twas you who wanted the alliance between us, an end to our feud. You’ll have it through Sheena.”
“And if she doesna agree?”
“I know you’ve raised a stubborn daughter. Sir Dugald. But I mean to have her,and I will, one way or another. I am a determined man. The lass will never leave this castle except as my wife. That is a promise I make you. You can relay it to her if she balks.”
Chapter 28
Niall sat by the fire, across from Jamie. After Dugald and Jamie had talked, the whole clan had been offered the warmth of the hall, and food. Niall knew what the agreement between his father and Sir Jamie was, for his father had come downstairs blustering over Sheena’s stubbornness awhile before. But one look at Jamie and he had gone back upstairs to try again.
Niall was not surprised that The MacKinnion wanted to marry Sheena. He wondered if Sheena knew that James MacKinnion had seen her in the glen, or that trying to find her again had got Jamie captured.
Watching the Highlander, Niall almost laughed. He was as nervous as any bridegroom, worrying over what was happening in the part of the castle where Sheena was staying, and throwing tantrums. He hadn’t spoken one word toNiall, didn’t seem even to know he was there, but instead kept his eyes turned to the end of the hall where Dugald had disappeared. It was just as well. Niall wasn’t eager to speak to Jamie. He was still in awe of the large man.
“’Tis well our father never lived to see our hall overflowing with Fergussons.”
Jamie turned and looked at Colen coolly. “If you’ve come to argue more with me, I’d rather no’ be hearing it.”
“No’ to argue, Jamie. But I canna contain my curiosity. Has it been settled?”
“Her father is still with her.”
“And who is this?” Colen asked.
Jamie noticed Niall then, and smiled at him. “Sheena’s brother, Niall,” he said to Colen. To Niall he said, “And this is my brother, Colen.”
Niall’s light blue eyes were huge. “Och, you’re as big as he is!”
Colen laughed. “So I am—almost. And did he tell you we were both wanting your sister?” He kept his voice light.
Niall looked from one brother to the other. “But you’re younger than she is,” he blurted innocently, not realizing what a sore subject it was.
“So I’ve been told—one too many times,” Colen replied curtly.
“You mean you’d no’ mind dancing to her tune? My sister has a knack for getting her way, you know. Even our father canna contend with her when her temper’s up.” Jamie chuckled, and Niall saidfirmly, “I wouldna laugh, MacKinnion. You’ll no’ have an easy time of it.”
Jamie grunted, making Colen laugh. “I suppose I should be grateful I’ve lost her to you, brother. I think I’d prefer a wife I can handle.”
Jamie lingered his cheek, remembering the slap. Sheena was indeed a lass to contend with. But she could be tamed. He had no doubt about that.
They went on, the three of them, swapping stories about the girl, until Colen left to visit Daphne. His sister had been in bed, ill, since her arrival.
“I’ll be telling Daphne the news, if Aunt Lydia hasna already done so. ’Tis all she can talk about, how happy she is Sheena’s a Fergusson,” Colen said in parting. Then he suddenly added solemnly, “Just never hurt her, Jamie. ’Tis all I ask.” He turned away abruptly.
Jamie stared after his brother, a frown creasing his brow. “Sweet Mary, my own brother thinks me a brute,” he muttered.
Niall heard him. “Then you really havena touched her? I mean…?”
