She didn’t have to ask him. Somehow, she knew her brother had let The MacKinnion go. But why? She took a deep breath, steadying herself against the doorway. She knew the answer. It was William’s threat and her father’s decision. Rather than let her wed the cruel enemy, Niall had released him.
Astonishment and fear turned to relief, and Sheena wanted to rush upstairs and shower her brother with grateful kisses. She need no longer fear the savage Highlander! Just possibly, The MacDonough would be blamed, and she wouldn’t have to wed him, either.
She was smiling happily when the hall began to crowd and she met her father’s frowning countenance.
“Why are you so happy? There’s naught to be cheerful about,” Dugald said coldly.
“I’m glad he’s gone.” Sheena wasn’t afraid to admit that much. “You would have wed me to him, and I’d never have forgiven you for it.”
Sheena hadn’t seen William’s tall frame becauseher back was to him, but he moved to stand beside her father. “You wanted a reason, Dugald. Now you have it.”
Sheena looked from her father’s stern face to William’s accusing expression. “What do you mean?”
“Do you deny you were in the courtyard late last night?” Dugald asked silkily.
“I couldna sleep, Father, so I went for a walk. Where is the harm in that?”
“An easy excuse,” William replied, his tone deliberately dry.
“And what was your excuse for being there, cousin?” Her eyes shot sparks at him. “You were up and about at the same time. You failed to mention that.”
“I dinna need an excuse.” He glowered at her. “’Twas no’Iwho wanted The MacKinnion gone. You’ve already admitted that you did.”
Sheena gasped, his intention clear. “So you thinkIlet him go?”
“Either you or your brother did,” William said sharply.
Outraged, Sheena demanded, “How dare you accuse Niall? He was forbidden to go near the dungeon, and he wouldna have disobeyed.”
“She’s right,” Dugald said gravely. “The lad is no’ in question.”
“But I am?” Sheena turned to her father, incredulous. That he could even consider such a thing!
When he didn’t answer, Sheena began to panic. His silence accused her. But how could he?
Others had gathered around to hear the exchange, and Sheena could see herself being condemned. Even her betrothed had appeared, looking thoroughly appalled. How dare he? And why had her father not accused him?
Sheena’s temper had ignited. She pointed at her betrothed. “I want to know why I am accused ’aforehim?He had more reason than I!”
Alasdair’s gray eyes stabbed Sheena with their sudden intensity. “I’ll no’ answer that charge,” he said stiffly. “Nor will I marry a wench who turns on her betrothed and betrays her own family, as well!”
As he stalked from the hall, Margaret screeched, “He’s broken the betrothal! ’Tis certain she planned this!”
The faintest satisfaction reflected in Sheena’s darkly glowing eyes, but her father mistook it and growled, “Is that true, Sheena?”
She stiffened. “I didna want to marry him, as you well know, but I wouldna go to such lengths to prevent it. Now tell me why you’ve let him go without questioning him about this?”
“With such an important prisoner below, do you think I’d let an ally of his roam about freely?” Dugald’s reply was sharp. “MacDonough’s room was watched, and I am assured he didna leave it once all night.”
That left only her with reason enough to free theHighlander—her and Niall. But Niall wasn’t suspected, and she would keep it that way. He had done it for her. She wouldn’t let him suffer for that. She thanked heaven he was not there, for he would have spoken up. It hurt that her father was so quick to believe her guilty.
“Have you done this thing, Sheena?”
“’Tis too late to be asking me that, Father,” she said, her voice choked. “You’ve already found me guilty. I see it in your eyes. How can you believe this of me?”
“There, she canna deny it,” William said quickly. “She deserves hanging for the traitor she is.” He was thinking fast, knowing he mustn’t give Dugald time to consider.
“I’ll no’ be hanging my daughter for something she did in desperation,” Dugald growled. “She thought she was to marry The MacKinnion, and since I didna tell her so, only you could have told her. You’re as much to blame as she is, so I’ll thank you to stay out of this from here on.”
