Page 10 of Highland Spy

“What are ye boys doin’ here?” asked Callum.

“We’re escortin’ the king’s chronicler and his daughter to Hermitage Castle, to record the events of the Leader of the Lairds Competition,” Caleb told him, pouring himself a drink as well. Since they were from the MacKeefe Clan, Callum allowed them to eat and drink for free.

“Rhoswen’s here, too,” Logan told him, nodding as the women and Brigham walked into the tavern. “We’ll need some rooms for the night.”

“I’ve only got two that are unoccupied,” Callum told them. “Ye’re welcome to have them.”

“That’ll be fine.” Caleb took a drink of Mountain Magic, liking the feel of the burning liquid as it traveled down his throat and to his gut. “The girls will share one room and the men will stay in the other.”

“Like hell!” Logan almost choked on his drink. “I’ve recently gotten married,” he reminded Caleb. “I’m no’ goin’ to share a room with anyone but my wife.”

“My faither and I will need our own room as well,” said Bridget from behind them, having overheard their conversation.

“Ye two take one room and Rhoswen and I will use the other.” Logan pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her passionately on the lips, not caring that everyone was watching.

Caleb’s gaze drifted over to Bridget. Their eyes met and interlocked for a second and then they both quickly looked the other way. He cleared his throat to gain Logan’s attention.

“I think ye’re forgettin’ somethin’,” said Caleb.

“What?” Logan asked, kissing his wife again.

“What about me? Where am I goin’ to sleep?”

“No’ with us, that’s for sure,” said Logan.

Caleb’s eyes darted back over to Bridget.

She shook her head. “It would no’ be proper for ye to stay in the same room with me. I’m sorry,” she answered firmly.

“Well, I’m no’ givin’ up a pallet to sleep on one of these hard benches,” complained Caleb. “I’m tired and I need a soft bed.”

“If ye want somethin’ soft, then sleep out in the barn in the hay,” growled Callum, slapping a key to one of the rooms in Logan’s hand and handing the other to Brigham. “I dinna care where ye rest yer head, but get off the stool because ye’re takin’ up precious room for customers that actually pay. Now go!”

“Come along, Slink,” said Caleb, bending down to pick up his pine marten from the floor. “We can tell when we’re no’ wanted.” He grabbed a bottle of Mountain Magic off the counter and turned and headed for the door.

“Oh, Caleb, keep an eye on Jack for me while ye’re out there,” Logan called out to him. “And ye’d better bring him somethin’ to eat so he doesna try to make a meal out of yer weasel.”

“Slink is no’ a – och, forget it,” snapped Caleb with a wave of his hand through the air. It didn’t matter how many times he told his friends and the others that Slink wasn’t a weasel, they continued to call him that, and they would learn.

Bridget watched Caleb leave, feeling sorry for him in a way. No one should have to sleep out in the barn. That’s where the animals stayed. Still, she couldn’t allow him to share a room with her and her father either. It just wouldn’t be right. Not to mention, he might find out about their secret.

“Bridget, will you and your father join us for a bite to eat?” asked Rhoswen, holding her husband’s hand.

“There’s some fresh pottage and newly baked bread in the kitchen, so help yerself.” Callum picked up a wet rag and headed over to clean a table.

“I dinna ken,” she said, her eyes traveling over to the door. She didn’t see Caleb take any food with him – only a bottle of Mountain Magic. Suddenly, she felt cruel toward him and that she’d been unkind and unfair. The kiss they’d shared was imbedded in her memory and part of her hoped for another one. Mayhap Caleb wasn’t that bad of a person, after all. Was he?

The entire time they ate, Bridget could barely concentrate on the small talk that was happening at the table. Instead, her focus was on the door, hoping Caleb would come back into the tavern and join them.

“Bridget?” Rhoswen stared at her from across the table. “Is something wrong?”

“Nay,” she said, faking a smile. “I’m just tired.”

“Mayhap it’s time to get some sleep.” Her father stood and so did the rest of them.

Logan stretched and yawned. “Well, Wife, I think it’s time we turn in as well.” He pulled her into his arms, making Rhoswen giggle.

“We’ll see you two in the morning,” said Rhoswen as the newlyweds hurried away and up the stairs.