“Dammit, John, the invitation was for her father.”
“And well aware of it, I am. But Master Keane had important business in a few days’ time that could not be put off. Audrey wouldn’t hear of staying in Edinburgh.” Muir grinned again. “Your inheritance must have motivated the man to a greater extent than you’d hoped, Tav. Not only did he give his blessing for Audrey to journey to Roscraig, he took it upon himself to send along her dowry in anticipation.”
Tavish turned his face toward John. “What?”
“Staking their claim on the realm’s newest laird. Niall must be eager to be quit of her. I’d be wary, were I you.”
“My letter didn’t ask for Audrey’s hand,” Tavish said. “Naught was agreed upon.”
“I doona think your protests shall be too great,” Muir said, his tone containing just enough humor to suggest he didn’t believe a word Tavish was saying. “I’ve a trunk below with five hundred pounds Scots and the deed to a tenant farm west of Dunfermline.”
“Five hun—” Tavish broke off, running his hands through his hair and turning away from Muir to walk to the port rail and lean his forearms on it, looking out over the roiling waves.
He heard the captain’s footfalls approach behind him. “I’d planned to deliver the good news to you myself, along with the trunk and a bottle of brandy that somehow escaped its crate. But something tells me you’re in no mood to celebrate.”
“Five hundred pounds, Muir,” Tavish mused.
The captain’s tone was incredulous. “Is it not enough?”
Tavish turned his head to look at the older man. “I’d have taken two. It’sAudrey. Remember when the two of us would compete for her attention? Her father threatened me with the stocks more than once.”
Muir chuckled. “Aye. And he threatened to have me thrown from his ship in the middle of the ocean. I believe I was ten and three, the first time.”
“You eventually came to sail for me any matter.”
“I wanted to carry something other than wool and hides. Niall Keane was too concerned with kissing the burgess’s arse to take on cargo worthy of a voyage.”
“Always was a bit of pirate in you, Muir.”
“Bah. Hauling wool and hides has made Niall Keane fat and complacent. Meanwhile, look at us.” Muir reached across and slapped Tavish’s flat stomach so that his breath left him in a huffing laugh.
“Fat and complacent, maybe. But most certainly safer. And richer.” Tavish stared out over the water with a sigh. “Now he supposes I’m good enough to marry his daughter. A farm, as well, you say?”
“Dunfermline. Three hundred acres. Master Keane is eager to sign it over to you once you’ve your da’s title. There’s a small manor house for an overseer, when there is one; mostly families growing wool for Keane. But if it should become a wedding gift for his son-in-law, the laird of Roscraig…” Muir paused for a moment. “I believe he’s of the mind that you might wish to go into business with him.”
Tavish hung his head. It was a dream come true—everything he’d ever wished for.
“This is all too soon. I can’t marry Audrey—I can’t marry anyone—until the king comes,” Tavish muttered. And Glenna Douglas—he needed time to explain to her. “I do not accept the dowry. You’ll have to carry Audrey back to Edinburgh on the morrow, Muir. With Keane’s trunk. The man assumes too much.”
“Nay, Tav,” the captain said on a laugh. “One voyage with the lass was enough—we’re nae pups any longer. Her father wouldna be pleased. Besides,” Muir straightened from the railing, “you need Audrey to prepare for your guests.”
Tavish stilled. “What guests?”
“The guests for the feasts.”
“What feasts?”
“The feasts Miss Keane has invited the guests to.” John slapped Tavish’s shoulder. “What do you say, laird? Shall we seek Poseidon together?”
Tavish waved his hand at his friend. As much as he would like to forget his own troubles in a drunken stupor, he must keep a clear head tonight. “I’m not fit company, John.”
The captain squeezed Tavish’s shoulder briefly. “With that I canna argue.”
As Muir’s footfalls echoed on the wood away from him, Tavish turned and leaned his back against the railing to stare up at the twin turrets silhouetted against the night sky. Several round-topped windows in each tower glowed from within.
He now found himself in the midst of a problem he’d not anticipated. Even if he wanted to help Glenna Douglas in her plight, he’d hinted to the wealthiest merchant in Edinburgh that he would soon be looking for a bride, and the man had enthusiastically charged ahead. Audrey was here now. She was his friend, and shewantedto be his wife. No matter what had prompted the stiff Miss Douglas to offer herself up to Tavish, no matter the even stranger urge he’d relented to in kissing her and turning the prickly woman—even temporarily—into a warm, pliable pleasure in his arms, he could not accept her offer.
There was no room now at Roscraig for Glenna Douglas, literally or figuratively.
