Page 204 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

"Captain?" he said, with a stare to her. Ainslee opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Malcolm leaped in.

"On the boat... I was at sea, Mister MacDonald, but nae by choice..."

Her father's eyes widened again, setting off the permanent furrows in his brow.

"Please believe me, sir, I had nae intention o' leaving, an' abandoning my clan..."

Here, his eyes met Ainslee's.

For a moment, she wondered if he would say anything about abandoning her. Sparking in the half-light, Malcolmconnected with her, reeling her in. Ainslee had forgotten the energy in his eyes.

"But... what happened?" asked her father open-mouthed.

"Bruce," said Ainslee, matter of factly. "He planned all o' this!"

Her father sat down, stunned and dizzy. Gently, Malcolm came closer.

"We need a place to stay Mister MacDonald, just fer a night until we can go an' pay oor Bruce a visit...Can I count on ye?"

MacDonald jumped up, ferocious. "O' course, sir, ye can stay as long as ye like!"

Then with a side glance to Ainslee, said. "Ye've given us all a wee shock, that's all lad, but tis naething to the shock Bruce will ha' when he sees ye..."

Grinning, Malcolm put his hand in Ainslee's, and held it there for one brief moment. It tingled and turned in hers, leaving her wanting more.

Then, McDonald sighed. "Och, to be a fly on the wall when he sees ye, sir!"

CHAPTER 14

"I dinnae ken, Malcolm, sometimes I think tis more simple at sea...!"

James brown eyes twinkled, the pair were settled down in the corner end of the smiddy shop. Ainslee and her father had gone to bed, taking Marisse with them, now it was only James and Malcolm, bedding down in the hay.

The last of the fire crackling in the grate, Malcolm huddled in the blankets and sighed.

"Aye, I ken, there's only the sea, the wind, the seacats, famine, rats, scurvy, disease, an' mutiny to worry aboot there. Och, an' shipwreck!"

"Nae forget cook's civet o' fish head pottage," added James, with a sideways glance. "Wi' the mystery special ingredient!"

Both of them grimaced.

"Och an' the beef in brine," added Malcolm, pulling a face. "The galley is the most deadly place on a boat!"

James laughed, "Och, we're most fortuitous to be here, on dry land, a braw wee dram an' a pot o' something gusty in oor bellies!"

Malcolm concurred, supping from his dram, a warm haze came over him.

It was true. For the first time in months he had had a dry bed and full stomach. Compared to what he was used to, it was luxury. Yet all he could think about was her.

Clinging to his cup thoughtfully, Malcolm shut his eyes.

"Ach, dreams o' yon sweet Ainslee haunting ye?" teased James, a crafty eye dancing straight on Malcolm. This brought Malcolm up hard.

"Och, whit, what?" he asked, half squinting. It was dark, Malcolm watched the flames chase shadows across the dusky barn. Suddenly he was tired. His head was heavy, and ached for her arms.

Watching him, James grinned. "Ye an' Ainslee, och, Malcolm, yer a dark horse. An' verra fast worker...She's quite a catch!"

James brown eyes twinkled in the dim light, but instead of feeling encouraged, Malcolm's heart plunged.