“Aye.” He glanced from Colmac to Rona. “But I never got a chance at yer attacker thanks to my good friend here.”
“I heard ye were quite valiant on my behalf, Colmac.” She nodded once. “So I must thank ye once again.”
Valiant was not quite the word he would use. More like savage and ruthless. But he nodded graciously in return and again spoke words that could be misinterpreted. “I would lay down my life for ye, lass.”
Not surprisingly, chatter at the table quieted. Ears perked in their direction. Meanwhile, Rona took a sip or two of whisky and blushed prettily.
“As would we all,” Stuart added, coming to his rescue. It just so happened, he was the only one who knew Colmac’s true feelings. His friend looked at Rona and moved the conversation along. “Ye’ve been with the Sinclairs a long time, aye? Nigh on four winters now?”
“Aye, as ye know I’m of Sinclair blood too so ‘twas only supposed to be a summer or two whilst Bróccín battled,” she said. “Then he visited betwixt the battling, so I stayed on. The countryside was far too perilous for traveling at the time anyway. When he...” She swallowed hard. “When he passed on I wanted to come back but ‘twas still so dangerous...”
Her words might have trailed off, but he knew what she would have said. She had not been ready to face burying Bróccín alongside so many others. Saying goodbye to those she had known well. He did not blame her, either. It had been a truly difficult time.
“Aye, lass, the country’s not been well,” Stuart agreed, clearly trying to alleviate any guilt she might feel. “The Sinclairs are as mighty as the MacLomains so ‘tis good ye remained there.” His brows shot up. “Now that ye’re here, though, will ye be staying on with us for Hogmanay? ‘Twould be so nice to hear yer laughter in this hall again.”
“I...uh...” She glanced at Colmac, both hope and resolve in her eyes. “Though ‘twas my fondest wish to be amongst my clan again for the holiday, I see now ‘twould be unwise to push on.” She glanced at the table where the Sinclairs and her men sat. “My men dinnae deserve to face another battle so soon but deserve a good rest.”
Colmac glanced at the Sinclairs who eyed a few MacLauchlin lasses and agreed that at least some should stay. Mayhap more alliances were on the horizon. Unfortunately, he had little to offer in the way of their dowries, but one never knew what could be worked out.
Yet he did not need to be here to see such relationships take root.
“There is only a short distance where trouble might be afoot betwixt here and the loch,” Colmac said. “Once across the water and on MacLomain land ‘tis much safer.”
“Aye,” Stuart agreed, knowing full well where Colmac's mind was. What he intended to do. “But based on the sky ye’ve only a small window of opportunity betwixt storms. Ye’d need to leave on the morrow at the latest which would put ye at MacLomain Castle just in time for Hogmanay.”
“Aye.” He nodded. “I will get Rona there safely.”
“Och, I couldnae ask such of ye,” she said to Colmac. “Do ye not wish to remain with yer clan for the festivities? And surely, ye dinnae want to leave yer good ma behind?” She shook her head. “Because I cannae see her traveling well.”
Nor would she yet he found himself eager to give Rona her heart’s desire for the holiday. To enable her to be with her kin once again and say goodbye to Bróccín as she’d intended. Help her find closure.
“I have warriors enough to watch over things in my absence,” he said. “And a clan that would prefer to see ye amongst yer kin again if that is yer desire. I will speak with ma, though I cannae see her objecting. She doesnae leave her chambers to join the festivities as is.” His eyes lingered on hers. “We will get ye home for the holiday, aye?”
Only intending to show friendly support, he rested his hand over hers, but the feel of her soft skin caught him unaware and sharp lust coursed through him. He pulled his hand away abruptly, not missing the pink staining her cheeks. Had she felt it too? He knew naught her level of experience with men but assumed her virginal. His brother would have waited until they were married.
The conversation resumed, and everyone spoke of idle things. Happenings at Sinclair Castle, things going on here and what they knew of recent events at MacLomain Castle.
“I heard rumor Tiernan is chieftain now,” Rona said. “That Laird Adlin wished his son to take the reins so he could enjoy his later years with Mistress Mildred.”
“Aye, ‘tis true,” Stuart confirmed. “As far as we know, it has been a good transition, and Tiernan is leading well. He and his brethren stop in on occasion.”
“’Tis good to hear.” Rona nodded. “What of the Hamiltons and MacLeods?”
“We see them occasionally too,” he replied. “All have come at least once to pay their respects for our loss even though they suffered their own.” He shook his head. “’Twas a bad illness indeed.”
“’Twas,” she agreed before they talked of other things.
After they finished eating and everyone enjoyed one another’s company a while longer, Colmac looked to Rona. “Are ye ready then, lass?”
He could tell by the sadness that flashed in her eyes she remained unsure but resolve notched her chin and she nodded. “Aye, ‘tis well past time.”
“Do ye want me to come with ye, lassie?” Brighid looked at Rona with concern. “I surely will.” She glanced at Aaron. “Both yer uncle and I will.”
“Aye,” Aaron said, equally concerned.
“’Tis sweet of ye both but nay.” She glanced from Colmac to them. “’Tis best I say goodbye to him alongside his brother.”
“All right, then, dearest.” Brighid regarded Colmac while he helped Rona into a fur cloak. “Keep a close eye on her, aye? She’s been through a lot as ye well know and—”
