Page 120 of Claimed Highland Brides

OF COWARDS AND BATTLES

Delwyn was not one for torture. The whole process was terribly savage in his eyes but in the case of Jamesina’s abductors, he was willing to visit the Wrath of God upon them in a way they’d never seen before. He knew his emotions were in the ascendancy and so let Daividh take the lead.

He was impressed at Daividh’s ability not to let the men’s taunts get to him. The things they were saying about Jamesina made him want to slash every last one of them to pieces.

“Delwyn, take yer wife back tae the horses. I believe I have some fresh bread and hot cider in my saddlebag. Perhaps some cheese as well. I’m sure she can do wi’ more nourishment.”

It was only the reminder of how poorly Jamesina had eaten since she was taken that got him moving. He took his wife’s hand and prepared to lead her away but she dug her heels in. “No. I’m nae going. I need tae be there when ye finish this.”

She looked at Daividh and he looked back, his eyes thoughtful. “Very well then. Ye may stay. I will send some men for the horses because ye need to eat.”

Jamesina nodded her agreement to this plan.

Delwyn pulled her to his side, rubbing her arm soothingly and savoring the chance to hold her again. When Daividh went back to his interrogation, she turned her doe eyes to look at him. “I didnae think I’d see ye again.”

He nodded, consumed with guilt. “Yes, I can imagine why you would think that. Believe it or not, I am—usually—an honorable man. I do not go about lying to people for pleasure. This was not an easy thing for me to do. But my sister was relying on me and I could not let her down either. It’s cruel that fate chose this way for us to meet but I cannot regret it because we did meet and that is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

She smiled sadly. “Those are pretty words indeed, Lord Barton. I prefer actions mysel’. People can say anything when pressed.” She turned, looking towards the prisoners as Daividh slashed a line beneath one of their eyes. “He’ll get them tae tell him something. Will it be the true thing? Can we trust it? I daresay we cannae because he also sent oot scouts.”

Delwyn took a deep breath, accepting that she had the right to doubt him, but feeling the pain of it anyway like an open burn wound. “You’re quite right. I pray for the chance to show you that I am as earnest as a robin on the first day of spring, happy that the winter is over at last.”

She smiled, albeit slightly. “I do owe ye tha’. A chance. Because ye came for me. And…well...” Her lashes dropped to cover her eyes as her cheeks colored. “I am wi’ child.”

He put his hand beneath her chin and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. “I know. The wise-woman told me.”

Her eyebrows quirked. “Wise-woman?”

“Yes. Mistress Aifric. She said that you know her well.”

Jamesina nodded. “Aye. She kens much that happens that others dinnae see. Some say she’s a witch, but if she is, she’s a guid one.”

“I have no doubt. After all, she led me to you.”

Jamesina startled, remembering the reason Delwyn had left. “An’ yer sister? Did ye get her back?”

“Yes, I did. I left her in Drumacree when Aifric told me you were taken.”

She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Ye left her alone?”

“Aifric promised to keep watch. She said that Maegan would be alright.”

Jamesina nodded. “If she said so, then ye can believe her. But…wha’ happened, Delwyn? Why did they come for me?”

He sighed, holding onto her arms, his head bent in shame. “They came for you because they wanted the deed to the goldmine. Jamesina, I am so sorry. I don’t know how to ask for forgiveness. I brought this trouble to your door. I put my wife and child in danger. I⁠—”

“Hush.” Jamesina put her finger to his lips. “The Hunters have coveted our mines long before even I was born. This isnae yer fault.”

He looked up hopefully. “It’s not?”

“No. Ye were just another pawn in a very long game they have been playing.”

“Well…” He swallowed, thinking hard. “I never thought the fact that I was insignificant would fill me with so much relief.” He huffed a little in laughter as he said it.

She squeezed his hands where they rested on her arms. “Never insignificant,” she whispered gently. “At least not to me.”

He sighed in agitation. “I want to get you home and tuck you into bed. Rub your feet and attend to your every need. I cannot wait to be done here.”

She giggled. “Tha’ sounds lovely. But I expect Daividh will keep ye too busy tae wait on me all day.”