Page 53 of Fire in his Highland Heart

Blake’s jaw tightened at this. “Aye, I ken.”

“How will ye...” James began. The laird cut him off.

“I dinnae have an idea yet. But I thought. Since I’m considerin’ this, I ought tae ask permission, should I not?”

James was utterly confused. “Aye, but…from whom? Isnae she orphaned?”

Blake nodded. “Aye, bless her soul. But Douglas is alive. Surely, he can say somethin’.”

“So…what do ye need me for?”

“Pay Bruckstone Castle a visit. Invite Douglas tae visit here for the season. Arguen ought tae be reunited wi’ her family for such an occasion, nay?”

James nodded. “But...forgive me, m’laird, how do ye reckon she’ll accept?”

Blake smiled gently. “Believe me, I ken.”

James shrugged. “A’right, I suppose. Could ye not just send a letter?”

“A visit would be quicker. An’ I dinnae want the letter tae fall intae the wrong hands. An’, such news should be delivered in person. Just...be discreet about it. Arguen is still in danger at Bruckstone. As long as she stays here, she is safe. Dinnae mention tae anyone else her whereabouts.”

James narrowed his eyes. “This is all seeming suspicious.”

Blake sighed. “Do ye not trust me?”

“Nay, of course I do. I just dinnae want ye gettin’ intae trouble.”

“I understand. But this isnae trouble. Just ask Douglas tae come here, an’ dinnae mention Arguen’s whereabouts to anyone who isn’t Douglas, aye?”

The piercing look in Blake’s dark eyes was enough to convince James to agree. He could be a commanding, intimidating presence when he tried. It was a good thing he was seated. If he’d drawn himself up to his full height, James might have worried for his own safety. Whatever Blake had planned was obviously important, and he was not going to be the one to muck it up.

“Ye can count on me, I promise ye that,” James said, putting the most sincerity possible into his voice.

“Braw,” Blake said, exhaling in relief and leaning back in his chair. “Now...how an’ when tae tell Mirellain...”

James chuckled. “I cannae do that for ye. That’s on ye.”

“Och, I ken. I only tease.”

“I’m happy for ye, Blake. I mean it.”

Blake smiled tenderly. “Thank ye. I havenae felt this way since...” his voice trailed off. He didn’t have to finish his sentence. James knew what he was going to say…since the incident.

“I ken. I’ll go taenight. Should be...what, a three day’s ride?” James asked.

Blake nodded ambivalently. “It took her ten days tae reach us on foot. If ye ride fast, it’ll take three. Ye ken where tae go?”

James nodded. Back when he and Blake and Douglas spent more time together, before Blake had responsibilities as laird and Douglas had been appointed Chief of Laird Morgan’s guard, they rode and raided everywhere. They all knew the Scottish Highlands like the backs of their hands.

“Ye can trust me,” James added once more.

“I ken,” Blake answered before clearing his throat. “Ye should go as soon as ye can. I dinnae want tae wait until winter.”

“I’ll be back quick as I can. Have a pint ready for us, aye?” James said with a wink, rising from the chair and striding across the room.

“I’ll have a feast in yer honor,” Blake answered sarcastically.

“Och, I tried,” James quipped. With that, he was gone, ready to do his duty.