Page 295 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Granddaughter,” he said in a stern voice.

Steel clashed in a succession of blows as St. Claire and Dayton disappeared behind a tree. St. Claire stepped into view, retreating in quick steps as his brother drove him backwards with quick parries of his sword.

“Rhoslyn.”

She jerked at the harsh note in her grandfather’s voice.

“Is it the babe?” he demanded.

“She was in labor when they arrived,” Diana said.

Brent Carr cried out and Rhoslyn’s gaze snapped onto him in time to see him fall to his knees, blood gushing from his leg.

He threw his sword down. “I yield.”

“Yield?” Sir Derek snarled.

He reached down and yanked something from the man’s left wrist. Sunlight glinted off red jewels. The ruby bracelet Lady Taresa had worn. Sir Derek rammed his fist into the man’s face. Rhoslyn started. Brett dropped to the ground and Sir Derek drove his sword through his neck.

Bile rose in Rhoslyn’s throat as another wave of pain washed over her.

* * *

Talbot walked from the trees and he took in Carr lying on the ground face up, blood trailing from the wound in his throat. Sir Derek had killed him in almost the same fashion Talbot had Dayton. Derek hadn’t severed Carr’s head as Talbot had Dayton’s, however.

He caught sight of Rhoslyn leaning against Seward with the woman, Diana, clutching her arm. Rhoslyn’s gaze met his and her mouth parted in surprise. There was something else in her eyes. Was it relief? He crossed to the group.

When he reached them, he saw Rhoslyn’s tears. Before he could assure her he was well, she gave a deep groan and stumbled. Talbot lunged and caught her close to him.

“All is well, my lady,” he started to assure her. Then she tensed in his arms. He looked sharply at Seward. “What is wrong?”

“The babe is coming,” the woman said. “Quickly, bring her inside.” She hurried around the cottage.

“The babe is coming?” Talbot repeated.

He lifted her into his arms and carried her inside. Diana stood beside a bed separated from the rest of the room by a thin curtain.

He crossed to the bed and gently laid Rhoslyn on the mattress. “Why is the baby coming now? It is too soon. She is not yet eight months pregnant.” Unless he counted the two weeks between when bedded her and Dayton’s rape.

Diana pulled the blanket up over Rhoslyn’s belly. “Sometimes that is long enough.”

“How long has she been in labor?”

“An hour, maybe longer,” she replied. “She was laboring when they arrived. That is why they stopped.”

Talbot whirled to face Seward. “Why did you allow her to stay outside?”

The old man snorted. “Do ye know my granddaughter at all?”

“She might have—” Talbot broke off, suddenly at a loss.

Seward’s brow rose. “Might have what?” Talbot didn’t reply and he added, “Birthed the babe then and there while still ordering everyone about?”

“Sweet Jesu, St. Claire,” Rhoslyn said in a strained voice, “cease bullying my grandfather.”

Sir Derek appeared in the cottage doorway. “Keep a watch, Sir Derek,” Talbot ordered. “And bring our horses around. I do not want any unwanted visitors.” The knight nodded and Talbot sat on the mattress beside Rhoslyn. He took her hand and clasped it tight. “Are you well, my lady?”

She lifted her free hand and touched his jaw where Dayton’s sword had cut him. “You are bleeding.”