Page 253 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Nineteen

The postern door opened and Rhoslyn jerked her head up from the wine she stared at on the table before her. St. Claire entered the great hall.

At last.

She forced herself to remain seated.

When he reached the table and lowered himself into his chair, she said, “Who was the woman you met this afternoon?”

He frowned. “Do you have spies watching me?”

“I have a window. Who is she?”

“A window? Ah, yes, the solar.” He motioned a nearby lad for wine.

“Well,” Rhoslyn said.

“She is no one,” he replied.

“Is there a reason ye are hiding another woman from me?”

He laughed. “If I intended to bed a woman, I would not meet with her in the village.”

“Are ye saying you intend to bed a woman?” Rhoslyn winced. Sweet Jesu, she sounded like a shrew.

“That is not what I said, as you know.”

She knew it was jealousy that spoke, but couldn’t halt the next words. “What I know is that ye met with a woman and will no’ tell me who she is.”

The postern door opened and Ross entered.

“St. Claire, I warn you,” Rhoslyn said. “I will have my answers.”

Ross reached the table and halted. “Good evening, Lady Rhoslyn.” He looked at St. Claire. “Lady Taresa sent this back for ye.” Ross held up a small, black velvet pouch.

“Lady Taresa Baliman?” Rhoslyn blurted.

St. Claire looked sharply at her. “You know her?”

Rhoslyn realized her mistake and shook her head. “Nay. I know of her. She hasna’ visited this part of Buchan since I was a child. What did she want with ye?”

“She claims my father knew her daughter.”

Rhoslyn stared. Sweet Jesu, was it really possible?

He nodded to Ross. “You could have waited to give me that. Return it to the lady with my thanks. You deliver it, Ross. It is irreplaceable.”

“What is it?” Rhoslyn demanded.

St. Claire abruptly rose and strode to the stairs. She watched until he disappeared up the staircase, then looked at Ross to ask what was in the pouch, but he turned and strode toward the door.

* * *

Rhoslyn saw Lord Lochland enter the gates two days later and made sure she was in the great hall when he entered.

“I have come to see St. Claire and will have no argument from ye,” he said without preamble.

“As ye wish,” she replied. “But the men at the gate must have told you he isna’ here.”