Page 79 of Claimed Highland Brides

For the first time, the laird smiled. “Ye’re a poet I see.”

“Not so much a poet, but a reader of poets. I must also say that aside from all the suspicion I have encountered due to my English heritage, the people are very friendly and welcoming. I feel quite fortunate to have been stranded here.”

Laird Campbell barked a laugh but his shoulders relaxed and he said no more about it nor questioned Delwyn further. The Englishman heaved a sigh of relief, glad to have convinced the laird that he was not a hostile threat. He knew full well that he was not out of the woods yet. He still would be called upon to prove himself time and again. His mother had warned him of that. He could not relax his vigilance. Not until he had obtained what he needed—either his sister, safe and well, or else the gold to buy her. Whatever it took, he was ready.

* * *

They arrived at Braenaird Keep just before sunset. Both Fiona and Aileen stood waiting at the front door, together with the twins.

“Da!” the twins shouted as soon as Daividh came into sight. Jamesina could not help but smile at their joy. They struggled against their mother’s restraining hold, trying to get to their father. He jumped off his horse, even as his groom reached for it and ran to his children, enveloping them in his arms.

“It’s only been three days,” Fenella pointed out.

“A lifetime at that age,” a voice said from behind them. Jamesina refrained from turning around, not wanting to look the Englishman in the eye.

“Aye weel, since the rest of us do not have open arms tae fill, let us empty the wagons,” Jamesina said.

“Go on wi’ ye,” Mrs. Fitz, the housekeeper, said, waving them into the house. “I shall supervise the emptyin’. There’s soup and bread awaiting ye in yer chambers along wi’ some hot water if’n ye want tae clean up.”

“Ye’re a godsend, Mrs. Fitz!” Jamesina jumped down from the carriage and reached back for Ùna’s hand. Fenella and Maisie followed behind, bickering about who would have the first bath. Jamesina stopped by Fiona, accepting the hug her sister gave her.

“Did ye have a good time?” Fiona asked anxiously.

Jamesina rolled her eyes. “If ye’re asking did I manage tae see the wise-woman, the answer is no. There was a bit o’ a stramash. I’m sure Daividh will tell ye all aboot it.”

Fiona immediately frowned. “Ye were no hurt were ye?” She began to search Ùna as well. “None o’ ye?”

“We’re fine. Simon and his men shielded us plenty.”

Just then Fiona caught sight of the Englishman. “And who is yon man?”

“A Sassenach,” Ùna piped up before Jamesina could explain. “He asked Daividh for work and he said aye.”

Fiona met Jamesina’s eyes, asking for confirmation. Jamesina shrugged. No doubt Daividh would tell her all about it later. “I should take this girl tae her chambers and turn her over to her maid. We’ll talk later, alright?”

Fiona nodded, still looking concerned. Jamesina did not envy Daividh his task of explaining it all to her.

* * *

The laird and his wife sat together on the same side of the table in the library, flanking the large bay window. With the setting sun in his face, Delwyn could not really see their expressions well.

“Read this, would ye?” Laird Campbell tossed him a folded piece of paper. He reached for it and unfolded it, finding that it was a letter written in French. He could feel their eyes on him even as he started to read. Being quite fluent in French, it was not difficult for him to rattle off the contents of the letter in no time.

He saw the couple exchange glances.

“Very well done. Ye are clearly well-read in French...and English?” Daividh said.

“And Latin too,” Delwyn added just to be boastful.

Daividh nodded. “We do have a fair bit o’ trade going on wi’ the French. My wife can read and write in the language but she is often busy wi’ the running of the keep and the bairns.”

Delwyn inclined his head. “I should be glad to take that burden away from her. I am good with numbers and translation too. I had some education.”

Delwyn saw the confusion in Daividh’s eyes so he explained.

“My family used to be wealthy when I was young so I was able to get some education.”

“Aye. Well...ye will be working wi’ me wife to begin wi’. Just until she’s satisfied that she kens wha’ ye’re aboot.”