Page 79

Gillian was the only one who actually ate. The others, it seemed, did not want to comply with the new arrival’s bidding. She cared only for her rumbling stomach.

“Talk, Reid.” Graeme was clearly becoming impatient.

“I’d not presume to discuss such matters now.”

Gillian addressed him directly. “Because of me?” Though she asked sweetly, there was nothing sweet about her mood. She didn’t like this man’s attitude, and was not afraid to show it.

“Precisely, my lady. Ahh, many thanks, love,” he said to the serving wench who handed him both ale and soup. When she turned, Reid stared at her backside, none too subtly.

“You can say anything you’d like in front of my wife.”

Gillian sat up just a bit straighter.

When Reid looked at her and smiled, Gillian did not smile back. He thought to seduce her favor? Poor luck to him. She saw him. Understood his game. Unfortunately, she was the only one. When the serving woman reappeared, she circled the table looking for imaginary items to pick up.

“Very well,” he said in a slightly different accent than her husband’s. “Word reached Brockberg that you’d traveled to England to speak with one of the men responsible for Blackburn’s release.”

“Aye, which is exactly what I’ve done.”

“That man is my father,” she added.

Reid looked at her as if she were daft. “Of course he is.” And then he turned back to Graeme.

Ugh. What a despicable man. And this was truly her husband’s ally?

“And?” Reid prodded.

“He will not be a problem in the future.”

Both men looked at her as if she might have further insight. If her father had truly been paid to speak on Blackburn’s behalf, then Graeme was no doubt correct. She just prayed Graeme kept the sordid story to himself.

She sensed everyone watching her.

With nothing left to say, she picked up the mug, forgot that she despised ale, and drank. When Malcolm laughed, she held the mug up in a silent salute.

Clearly confused, Reid turned back to Graeme.

She watched the two men as they stared at each other. Everyone at the table fell silent, all eyes focused on the silent standoff.

Finally, Reid slowly nodded. “Then there appears to be nothing more to discuss on the matter,” he said.

With that, they drank.

That was it? Reid would say nothing more about the matter?

Gillian finished her soup in silence. Something had passed between Graeme and the newcomer, something which she didn’t fully understand. It had been clear Reid was angered by Clan Scott’s lack of action after Blackburn’s release, but the attack had been on Scott land. Why should he care enough to challenge her husband about his own affairs? And why did Graeme look so concerned?

“Gillian?”

“Aye, husband?”

“Are you ready to retire?”

Some of the men had already wandered off, though their bowls remained on the table. No doubt the maid intended to wait until more people left so she could use the cleanup as an excuse to get to know Reid Kerr.

“I am,” she said, standing. Graeme rushed to her side and held her arm. “What are you doing?”

Reid chuckled, drawing a look from the serving maid. The poor girl looked as if she would swoon at any moment.