Page 52 of A Dangerous Highland Affair

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“C ome, ye shall dine wi’ us!”

Robbie’s eyes twinkled triumphantly as he led the pair of them through the shaded forest and into a small camp of low houses.

Teasag and Neacal followed on, in silence, as Teasag’s eyes flashed about, taking in the sights.

As much as she could make out, there were a dozen or so crudely built houses, a mishmash of wood, twigs, stone set off with a peat covering.

When she had first set eyes on it, Teasag had been dubious of its capacity to stay upright. Even by Highland standards, the masonry was haphazard. Despite her diminutive height, she had to bow slightly to pass through the lowered entrance.

But once through the narrow door, there was more space. Casting her eyes interestedly about, she squeezed Neacal’s hand for reassurance, then turned to look at Robbie in front of her.

“So, this place, it’s, all yers?” Teasag asked, curiously, as she looked around.

Inside the makeshift cottage was a roaring fire. However, as she looked up, Teasag could not see any chimney place for the flue. Instead, there was a hole in the center of the cottage to let the smoke out.

Of course, Teasag had seen such crude dwellings dotted about around the landscape, but this was the first time she had ever been inside one.

“Aye, this place is all ours,” cut in Neacal, his blue eyes shining to the brim.

“Yers,” Teasag said unsurely. She brought her eyes to meet Neacal’s; in an instant, his azure gaze met hers, head-on. Once again, he gave the impression that he was a part of this community—whatever that might be.

“Ours, aye, the laird an’ the deputy kens that. By an’ large, they leave us alone up here… so there’s nae need to fash,” Neacal guided her to the table, which was at the end of the tiny house.

Here Teasag was surprised to find yet more people, almost tucked away at the far end of the cottage.

When she looked, it was hard to tell who was the most concerned; her or the group of folk they had walked in on.

As Teasag entered, she was aware of every eye being on them again. Still, this time it was not the men in their company doing the staring, but a mixed gathering of local women.

A jolt raced through Teasag. She had not expected to come up against such a welcome committee.

“Good day,” said one of the women, sitting at the end of the round table. Scanning through the room quickly, Teasag counted a dozen or so women, either bringing in dishes of food or sitting down to be served.

“Yer just in time for pudding!” she continued, with a curious smile.

At a casual glance, it seemed as if she was the leader of the women. And when Teasag looked up, she noted her piercing green eyes and long, dishwater blonde hair.

She was about thirty-five years of age, with hair down to her waist.

On her fingers were many rings, and pinned onto the center of her plaid was a fine brooch, glinting out in deep shades of blue, making Teasag wonder if it was sapphire.

Glancing at her attire, she could see that the woman wanted for nothing indeed. She was much better dressed than most simple folks were. And a cursory look about revealed that the rest of the women were dressed as equally fine.

Now, Teasag noted the room was divided into male and female quarters, with a few of the men now taking their places at the far end of the long table.

Neacal was still deep in conversation with one of the men at the very edge of the room, leaving Teasag with the women—all of whom were beginning to glance over to her.

“Come an’ sit yerself down,” said the blonde woman, with a perfunctory smile. All the same, she beckoned over to Teasag to take her place at the table, which she did without delay.

Finally, the rest of the men filtered inside, assuming their places at the far end of the table. Teasag watched nervously, hoping that Neacal would not leave her on her own for too long.

“Here,” beckoned the blonde woman, rotating her arm towards Teasag. She indicated something to one of the women serving, and immediately, a bowl of broth appeared in front of her.

Teasag watched for a moment, looking about, before beginning to taste it. Noticing her pause, the blonde woman looked up from the table, giving a little wave of the hand.

“Sup up while it’s hot, lass - we dinnae stand on ceremony here!” she said, as a little ripple of laughter passed through the bottom of the room.