Page 219 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I am tired,” she admitted. “It has been a trying week.”

“And you are no’ pleased to be married to St. Claire?”

“How could I be? He is Edward’s vassal. He has no affection for Scotland.”

“Yours is no’ the first marriage between Scot and English.”

“These are particularly dangerous times, Elizabeth. Edward is determined to claim Scotland, even if he must take it a piece at a time. And St. Claire is capable of giving it to him. Perhaps even singlehandedly.”

Elizabeth laughed. “He is a large man and a skilled warrior, but he is no god.”

“I am no’ so sure,” Rhoslyn said. “You didna’ see him in battle. He must have killed half the enemy himself.” At the raise of Elizabeth’s brows, Rhoslyn added, “Think what ye may. I do not exaggerate. St. Claire is no small ally for Edward.”

“Edward would not trust a fool,” Elizabeth said. “It is true, he has his eye on the crown, and will pay for the fight from Scottish coffers. But we will no’ simply bow down to him.”

“He already controls our noble’s castles,” Rhoslyn said.

Elizabeth waved a hand. “A political tactic. If he dares march an army across the border those same nobles will meet them with drawn swords.”

“While St. Claire attacks from the rear.”

“He does no’ strike me as fool enough to fight a losing battle,” Elizabeth said. “At worst, he will encourage the nobles to follow Edward. You must admit, many already favor Edward.”

“They are only looking out for their interests in England,” Rhoslyn muttered.

“True,” Elizabeth agreed. “But we speculate. The most important thing is that Sir Talbot seems kind, and he protected ye against your attackers during the hunting party.”

And his brother, Rhoslyn heard the thought. Rhoslyn could hide nothing from Elizabeth.

“He knows how to protect his own,” Rhoslyn said, and wished she could accept him based on that fact alone.

* * *

“‘Tis good to see ye, Lady Rhoslyn,” Malcom said.

Talbot swung the axe down against the tree that had fallen in front of the storehouse door, then yanked it free. Boyd stood opposite him and swung his axe onto the same spot. Talbot flicked a glance at Rhoslyn as she halted beside Malcom, then again swung his axe. This was the first he had seen her since the yesterday’s evening meal.

Rhoslyn nodded. “I see last night’s wind did some damage. Why was I no’ told?”

Talbot swung the axe again. “I was told.”

“That doesna’ mean I should no’ be informed,” she said. “Even when Alec was alive I was aware of all that went on in Castle Glenbarr. Why are you chopping the tree, St. Claire? Should you no’ have the lads do that?”

He laughed. “Are you saying I am too old to chop up a tree?”

“I am saying ye might have more important things to do, like no’ keeping Angus Gair waiting.”

“Angus will have plenty to drink while he waits,” Talbot replied.

“Alec never made him wait.”

Talbot brought the maul down on the tree again. “Perhaps he did not keep as much ale on hand as I do.”

She opened her mouth to reply, then her attention fixed on Malcom, who was busy studying the ground, and she closed her mouth. So, the lady was accustomed to having her way. And, Talbot thought with no little surprise, Harper had sheltered her as much as he could. She was strong and courageous. He wouldn’t have thought her naive, especially in regards to men. Her gaze shifted past him and a moment later Angus Gair came strolling into view.

Angus stopped beside her and crossed his arms over his massive chest. “I might have known.”

Talbot glimpsed a smirk on Rhoslyn’s face before he slammed the axe into the tree trunk. “A man must prioritize, Angus,” Talbot said as he worked the axe free.