Page 27 of Highlander’s Dangerous Gambler

Now, the pair tensely looked at McLeod. He was still thinking, with furrowed brow, as he paced up and down across the bedchamber rug.

Finally, he stopped.

"Alright," he said somewhat grudgingly.

Aileen's eyes flashed to Scott, beseechingly. A pang went through him. He really wished to help her, but she had to understand that McLeod was his laird.

"Alright, when the lass is well, ye will go," he said, coming to a sudden stop in front of them. "Until then, I will leave her in peace. But be warned: When she does go, I want a serious answer!"

Before Aileen could say a thing, McLeod turned to go.

"Och!" said McLeod, swinging back around. Scott tensed, and Aileen looked at him with what could only be described as open rancor.

"In the meantime, I suggest ye pen a braw wee missive to yer sister, telling her how well ye’re being treated at the McLeod estate, an' preparing her for yer joyful announcement!" he said. "Yer chamber has plenty o' paper an' ink!"

The laird's eyes brimmed with intent. Scott glanced uncertainly to Aileen and motioned to her to stay silent. Then, finally, the laird turned to go.

At the turn of his back, Aileen fixed Scott with hopeful eyes. This only made it harder for what Scott had to do.

"Lass," he whispered, as the laird was out of earshot. He was still in the room but retreating slowly. "Dinnae fash. We'll get ye well afore we leave."

Aileen nodded unsurely, and Scott knew she did not understand. Hesitating, he tried again.

"We will deliver the laird's message—an' will—to the Duncan clan, as he told us," he said firmly. Scott tried his hardest to keep his face neutral, but it was hard. He could tell her heart was erupting.

"What?" The look on Aileen's face said it all. Her wide blue eyes opened, flabbergasted. "But I dinnae—"

"I ken," said Scott, wishing desperately that there could be another way. "But McLeod is my laird, an' I must do his will. What Lady Duncan makes o' his proposal is nae my business."

He smiled, hoping to mollify her. It failed. Big time.

Aileen turned her cold blue eyes upon him. Glancing icily, she swept stiffly past Scott, marching firmly out of the bedchamber without another word.