“I’ll wear the blue after all,” Sheena conceded absentmindedly.
She had to talk to Jamie. This was a reprieve, but maybe only because so many guests had been invited and he could hardly turn them away. But when they left? She had to know what Jamie meant to do.
Chapter 33
Jamie took a swig of ale, bracing himself against the turn in the conversation to his right. Colen and Alasdair MacDonough had warmed to their subject, and Jamie started to interrupt, but too late. At Colen’s prodding, Alasdair admitted why he had broken his betrothal to Sheena. Colen’s face reflected disbelief, then understanding, and finally humor. When Colen burst out laughing, it was more than Jamie could bear.
“I’m thinking you’ve said enough, MacDonough.” Jamie’s tone was sharp, surprising the older man.
“Och, Jamie, you dinna mean to say you’ve told no one of that time, not even your brother?”
“Never mind,” Colen interjected. “I’m wanting to hear more of Jamie’s stay at Tower Esk.”
“Nay, lad, you’ll have to hear that from your brother,” Alasdair replied uncomfortably.
“Well, Jamie?”
Jamie was scowling. As if enough wasn’t going wrong with his life, he also had to contend with his brother’s humor.
“There’s nothing to tell, Colen. I met with Fergusson hospitality is all. Leave it be.”
“In their dungeon?” Colen grinned. “And needing a lass to help you escape?”
Jamie’s mien got even darker. “’Twas only fitting she aid me, since ’twas her fault I was there to begin with.”
“But to end up in a Fergusson dungeon, Jamie?” Colen shook his head mockingly. “You must have been badly smitten even then, to play the fool so well.”
Jamie nearly exploded, but his brother-in-law Ranald Keith had overheard and clapped him on the back. “What is this about a Fergusson dungeon, lad? Is that where you met your bride, then?”
Jamie glared at his brother. He quickly told the humiliating story, except for the part Niall had played, for he was still obliged to protect the lad. More humor was had at his expense, Colen delighting in all of it.
“She risked a great deal to avoid marriage to you, Jamie,” Ranald said thoughtfully. “And yet she’s wed to you after all. ’Tis no wonder the poor lass willna come down to celebrate her wedding.”
“I wouldna call her a poor lass, Ranald Keith.” Thais stuck up for her brother. “She’s lucky to be having a man as fine as Jamie.”
“Soyouthink,” Ranald retorted to his wife. “But what does she think, eh?”
“Aye, Jamie,” Colen asked, serious then. “What does she think—now?”
Jamie sighed. “I could’ve sworn you werena going to hold a grudge, Colen. Are you still bitter over losing her?”
“No’ bitter, Jamie,” Colen replied. “But I did warn you no’ to hurt her.”
“And you think I have?”
“What happiness has she had since she wed you?”
Jamie smiled ruefully, remembering. “I’d like to think she had some, if only for a little while.”
Colen reddened, understanding perfectly. “That is no’ the answer to happiness, Jamie. She needs peace of mind. Can you give her that now, after all that’s happened?”
“Och, now, listen to you two.” Daphne came up behind Jamie and put her arms around his neck. “My two brothers fighting, and they canna even blame drink, early as it is. What is this fighting about? Tell me.”
“I do believe the reason has decided to join us,” Ranald said.
Across the hall, Sheena was making her way toward them, regal in her royal blue silk gown, with her hair swept back, the long tresses curling to her waist. Jamie’s chest puffed with pride.
“Och, Jamie, you said she was a bonny lass, but you didna say she was the most bonny lass in all of Scotland,” Ranaldbreathed in awe.
