His expression softened, and his fingers brushed her cheek. “Do you know that’s the first time you have used my name without formality.”
“Jamie! Please!”
“Dinna fash yourself, lass,” he said gently. “I didna send for your father to kill him.”
“You sent for him?”
“Did I no’ say we would be wed soon?” he grinned.
He left her then. Suddenly it was all clear. He had not changed his mind, he had only been waiting, waiting for the one person who could force her to marry him—her father.
Jamie leaned over the parapet, getting the best view of all the horses at his gate, some burdened with two, even three men. It did indeed look as if every male Fergusson alive was at Castle Kinnion. Jamie was amused. His message to Dugald had been clear enough, stating that he was in possession of thejewel of Tower Esk. If the old man could afford to ransom her, he was to come alone to Castle Kinnion.
He certainly was not alone! But then, the only plaids Jamie could see were Fergusson plaids. No other clan was involved—yet. Of course, that was not to say the MacAfee, MacGuire, and Sibbald clans weren’t on their way. But Jamie doubted it. If he had thought it would come to bloodshed, he would never have sent the message.
Jamie saw Dugald moving to the fore, his son beside him. He was glad the boy was there. If Sheena wanted to disobey her father, the lad could help persuade her not to.
“James MacKinnion!”
“I’m here, old man,” Jamie called down, leaning over the battlements so Dugald could see him. “So we meet again. I must say I like this meeting better than our last encounter.”
Dugald glared up at him, and Jamie chuckled. Then Colen spoke from behind him. “So you’ve met him ’afore. How?”
“Dinna ask me questions now, lad. I’ve my life to settle here.”
“And I hope she makes it a miserable life indeed!” Colen rasped bitterly.
“Och, now, I didna expect you to be a poor loser, Colen,” Jamie replied, still talking over his shoulder. “You knew I meant to have her. You gave no objections then.”
“I thought you would be leaving it up to her. Ididna think you would be bringing outside influences into it. You’re forcing her, and that’s the truth.”
“To marry me, lad. That’s what this is about,” Jamie explained. “Marriage, no’ handfasting.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Colen’s face, then he turned and walked away. Jamie sighed. Colen had managed to prick his conscience, and he was very near to having second thoughts. But, well, Sheena felt something for him, he was sure of it. That wasn’t something a man could be mistaken about. If he weren’t sure, he would never have done this. Nor would he have pursued her against such terrible odds. He regretted his brother’s disappointment, but he was not going to let that deter him from having what he wanted.
“So, Sir Dugald,” he called down, “will you come inside, so we dinna have to be shouting at each other all day?”
“And have you take me prisoner, as well?”
“I have the only prisoner I want,” Jamie replied. “She’s worth more to me than you are, I vow it.”
“And who’s to say this is no’ a trap, MacKinnion?” Dugald called up.
“I am. Come now, man. I could kill you now if that was my intention.”
More than a dozen weapons poked over the wall at Jamie’s signal, demonstrating the truth of his words. He gave another signal, and the gate opened. He was no longer asking Dugald to come inside. He was leaving the older man no choice.
“I’m coming with you,” Niall said to his father.
“And let him have at his mercy all that is dear to me? Nay. You will stay outside his walls.”
“’Tis my sister he has in there!” Niall said angrily.
“And I’ll be getting her back!” Dugald growled. “Dinna argue. Och, but you’re getting as bad as Sheena. Disrespect, ’tis what’s wrong with both of you.”
Dugald rode through the gate, anger giving him courage to enter the enemy camp. Jamie had already left the wall and was waiting in the courtyard. Dugald rode to him and dismounted. There were no retainers nearby. If he had wanted to, Dugald might have drawn his sword. But that wouldn’t have been honorable.
“Come into the hall,” Jamie offered. “A tankard of ale will make bargaining easier.”
