Page 244 of Wicked Highland Heroes

The housekeeper nodded. “I will let ye know if the men call for you.”

Rhoslyn started to sit down on the bed, then stopped. The men would not call for her. They would make their plans, then she would be forced to live with the consequences.

“Muira, wait.” Her heart was breaking. “Nay. I must go. If—when—my grandfather awakens and he learns I shirked my duty he will not forgive me. You stay. If you need me for anything—anything at all—you will call me?”

“Aye, my lady. But he is sleeping well. I dinna’ think you need worry. He is strong.”

Rhoslyn nodded and hurried from the room before she could change her mind. She reached the great hall and found Lord Lochland sitting alone at the table.

He rose as she approached. “Lady Rhoslyn.”

She reached him and dropped into a curtsey. “Lord Lochland.” She rose. “It is good to see you.”

“And you. How is your grandfather?”

“His breathing is strong. We are hopeful he will awaken at any time.”

He smiled indulgently and she wanted to scream. Instead, she said in a sweet voice, “Would ye like to come into the bower? We can speak in private there.”

“Nay, Lady Rhoslyn, I am here to see your husband.”

“Anything that concerns him concerns me,” she said.

“Aye, but I think it is better if he and I speak alone first.”

“If you fear that I will be upset when you speak of my grandfather, ye need no’ worry. I understand the situation.”

The postern door opened and frustration bubbled up when St. Claire entered. He strode to where they stood.

“St. Claire,” she said, “this is the Earl of Lochland. Lord Lochland, my husband, Sir Talbot St. Claire.”

St. Claire canted his head. “My lord, I am pleased to meet you.”

Lord Lochland gave a curt nod, then cast a glance at Rhoslyn. “I wish our meeting was under happier circumstances. Can we speak privately?”

“Aye. We can go to the bower.” He looked at Rhoslyn. “Will you have wine sent up?”

She nodded. “Aye.” Rhoslyn turned, and St. Claire led him toward the stairs.

She secured a tray of wine and two goblets, then took her time approaching the bower. As hoped, she arrived when the men were standing in front of the fire.

They turned as she entered, and Lord Lochland said when she crossed to the table near the hearth, “Lady Rhoslyn, as I said earlier, it is better if I speak with your husband alone.”

She set the tray on the table and began pouring the wine. “Why? He will only repeat to me everything you say.” That, she knew, was likely untrue. She looked up at the earl. “Surely, there is no need for that?”

Irritation flared in his eyes. “It will no’ be easy for ye to hear what I have to say. As much as I pray your grandfather lives, he may not, and I canna’ put aside my responsibilities because of sentiment.”

She angled her head in acknowledgment. “Of course not. I would not ask it of ye.” She picked up the two goblets, went to the men and gave them each a glass.

“Please sit, Rhoslyn,” St. Claire said.

He betrayed no anger in his manner, but she’d learned how apt he was at disguising his feelings. They hadn’t spoken since their argument. If he was angry with her wouldn’t he have ordered her from the room? She sat on the bench before he could change his mind.

The earl turned his attention to St. Claire. “As I was saying, I am hearing rumors that two of Kinsley’s enemies are plotting to take possession of his holdings.”

“They must know I would not allow that,” St. Claire said.

“Aye, they surely know, for anything they take is yours when he dies. But that doesna’ mean they will not try, and soon, for they will want to attack while he lies unconscious.”