“So that information is obviously being leaked,” Elise said. “Who knows what the shipping routes are going to be?”
Jamie shook his head. “And therein lies the problem. Those routes are known only to myself and the captain of the ships who sail them.”
“But that makes no sense. If only you and the captains know, then how are the pirates finding out?”
“Devilry, that’s what,” Albie rumbled. “There’s no other explanation. Witchcraft and dark magic!”
“That isnae helpful,” Jamie said, giving the man a flat look. “I willnae tolerate prattle about ghouls and phantoms.”
“And yet ye brought a MacFinnan spellweaver here to help us,” Albie snapped back.
The two men glared at each other and Elise felt the tension in the room go up a notch. Phillip stood up and spoke into the heavy silence.
“Gentlemen, please. Arguing amongst ourselves will get us nowhere. It comes down to one simple fact: We dinna have enough ships to patrol both the routes into Islayandthe crossing from the mainland. But we all know thereisa way to remedy that situation. Perhaps it’s time we discuss the other matter.”
Jamie suddenly stiffened. “I dinna wish to discuss that now.” His voice was low and dangerous, full of warning.
“What better time to discuss it?” Phillip countered. He pulled out a scroll and placed it on the table. It was crinkled and a little battered, as though it had been screwed up and tossed about a few times.
“Surely this latest attack only makes it more urgent to agree to the king’s terms?” Phillip said. “This bickering is putting us all at risk. If ye sign the contract, ships and warriors could be here within the month. Why do ye delay?”
Jamie glanced at Elise. “This isnae the time nor the place for this discussion, Phillip.”
Elise looked from Jamie to Phillip and back again. What were they talking about? Why did Jamie suddenly look like he was going to throw up?
“Forgive me, my lord,” Phillip countered. “But this isexactlythe time and the place. It is our duty as yer advisors to ensure ye make choices in the best interests of the Kingdom of the Isles. And what more important choice is there than yer marriage? Sign the contract, my lord. I’m sure Lady Margaret will make a fine wife.”
Elise felt her jaw drop. Wait. Had she heard that right? Jamie was gettingmarried?
Something seemed to punch her in the stomach and all the breath left her in a rush. With an effort, she sucked in a breath and struggled to keep her expression neutral as she turned to look at Phillip. “Who is Lady Margaret?”
“The king’s great-niece,” Phillip replied. “And our future Lady of the Isles. If”—he turned a scowl on Jamie—“our laird ever sees sense and agrees to the marriage.”
“Phillip,” Jamie snarled. “Leave it. I’ve said I will consider the matter and I will.”
“But—”
“Ye have yer answer!” Jamie thundered, slamming his fist against the arm of his chair. “Sit down, man!”
Phillip didn’t seem mollified but he said nothing more. Tucking the scroll back into his plaid, he resumed his seat. Elise stared straight ahead, not looking at anyone. Certainly not looking at Jamie. She would not be able to keep her emotions from her expression if she did. Married? Bloodymarried?
Why was she so bothered by that? She really shouldn’t be. After all, there was nothing between her and Jamie Donald except one evening where they’d enjoyed each other’s company. And this was the fifteenth century for pity’s sake! Of course, the Lord of the Isles would be expected to marry. Had she secretly been harboring a notion that he would be waiting for her? That the single evening they’d spent together would have left the same impression on him that it had on her?
Ridiculous! What the hell was wrong with her?
The conversation in the room started up again but Elise barely heard it. They discussed the fleet’s capability, ideas on where the pirate base might be found, how they might counter these attacks in the future, but she found it hard to pay any attention. Her thoughts kept flicking to the man seated beside her. Although she didn’t look at him, she couldfeelhim.
He was a silent, glowering presence, his displeasure throbbing in the room like the charged air before a storm.
She was relieved when he finally called the meeting to a close. As everyone pushed their chairs back, she mumbled her excuses and fled the chamber. She suddenly needed some air.
Chapter Six
Jamie rose fromhis seat, but he wasn’t quick enough to stop Elise from fleeing the room. Curse it all! This meeting hadnotgone how he’d wanted it to. They were no closer to finding a solution to their problems, and now Elise knew about the damned marriage proposal!
He began to follow her, but Phillip stepped into his path. “My lord, I think if we strengthen the lookouts on the south coast at Smuggler’s Head and Cengarn Beach, we might be able to get earlier warning of such attacks. Here’s what I propose…”
His voice turned into a low drone which Jamie barely registered. It was all he could do not to growl at the man and shove him away. Why had the fool man brought up the issue of the marriage contract in front of Elise?
