Page 80 of Claimed Highland Brides

“That sounds fair enough.”

Daividh nodded at him. “Very well then. Someone will take ye tae yer new quarters. We eat dinner at seven.”

“I shall be there.”

* * *

They all converged for the evening meal in the great hall. Now that the laird was back, there was to be music and storytelling following the meal. Jamesina was looking forward to it. Her mind had been in utter turmoil since the Englishman had joined their ranks. She could have done with some distraction.

To her annoyance, Daividh brought the Sassenach to the dinner table, introducing him to the family as his new steward. Aileen blinked a few times, staring at him with interest while Fiona looked noncommittal and Ùna smiled wide, pleased that her new friend would be staying a while. Jamesina looked up to find that the Sassenach lord was staring at her. She met his gaze, expecting him to look away, but he did not.

She was the one to look away first, much to her irritation. In fact, were it not to excite much comment, she might have gotten to her feet and raced from the room. Her heart beat erratically, beset with anxiety, and her hands shook. She did not know what it was about the Englishman that scared her so, but she did not want him there.

As soon as dinner was done, she made to leave but Fiona stopped her.

“Will ye no listen tae the bard? He informed me that he has some new songs tae perform for us.”

Jamesina opened her mouth to say she was tired but her eyes slid to the side, where the Lord was still looking at her with judgment in his eyes. “O’ course. I just meant tae refresh mysel’ before the singing starts.”

“Oh. Go on then. I shall save ye a seat.”

Jamesina smiled, knowing that her sister was concerned for her and probably anxious that she might be holding a grudge. They had not really had a chance to speak after she and Daividh had made the declaration about her need to be married. For Jamesina, her ill feelings were already forgotten. Her sister was right. As long as there was a possibility of obtaining her dowry, now that she was of age, she would be in danger. After the attack at the festival, she had seen it for herself. Those men who had attacked were not after cattle or sheep. They were after one of them.

She walked slowly down the darkened corridor, deep in thought. Most of the castle was gathered in the great hall to hear the bard and so nothing stirred around her. She stopped at the end of the corridor and leaned against the cold stone of the wall, eyes closed, breathing slowly in and out.

“What is it about me that troubles you so?” The deep baritone right at her ear made her eyes fly open as she jumped in shock, with a startled cry.

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you heard me following along behind you.” His hands were held out placatingly but all she could hear was the rapid pitter-patter of her heartbeat.