“I would like that.”
And he liked that they would be spending the day together. He could make certain she stayed safe that way and besides he wanted her no other place than by his side.
CHAPTER 15
Heather sat on a bench while Nessa slipped her boots on. Heather could very well do it herself, but her husband had insisted. Rhys stood a distance away speaking with Pitt, and it was a good thing since Seamus saw her and wandered over to her.
“Your mum often went barefoot. You are the exact image of her. Beautiful and kind,” Seamus said.
“You knew her well?” Heather asked just as Nessa finished and took her leave.
“Well enough.”
“Please sit and tell me more.” Heather patted the spot beside her on the bench.
Seamus sat. “She was a good friend to Mary McComb long before you were born. They would often spend time in Mary’s solar stitching and talking. Your mum cried along with her with every babe Mary lost. Sometimes it is just not meant to be.” Seamus nodded his head toward the Dragon. “Your mum would not be happy with you married to the likes of him.” He scrunched his brow. “Though, I do recall overhearing your mum telling Mary one day that you would marry a good man who loved you deeply and you and he would have many children and have a long and good life together. She had a knowing about her, and I do notremember her ever being wrong. She had even mentioned to Mary that she would not be here to see it and that saddened her.”
Heather remembered how her da always took his wife’s warnings seriously. “I have a few good and happy memories of my mum, others have faded with time, though I wish they hadn’t.” Heather cast a glance toward her husband. “I believe my mum was right. My husband is a good man, though most do not believe him so.”
Seamus snorted. “Do not be blind to the devil’s ways, lass. The Dragon is not a man to trust, and I have heard not a kind man to women. Your mum would not want you to suffer with a man such as him.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Run if you get a chance.”
Heather took the opportunity that presented itself. “How can I when he keeps an eye on my every move?”
Seamus shook his head and whispered. “There is a secret way out of the keep, but Fane never did tell me where it was. The only thing he mentioned to me was that Mary knew the way and that was all that mattered.” Seamus scratched his head. “I would not be surprised if she confided in your mum, they were that close.” Seamus shook his head again. “Here I am talking away when I should be asking how you are feeling.”
“I am doing very well.”
“The Dragon did not harm you, did he?” Seamus asked, his voice remaining low.
“No, it was an intruder and the Dragon saved me from him.”
“Intruder you say?” Seamus said questioningly. “How can an intruder sneak past all the ghost warriors without being seen? It would seem more likely that it was one of the Dragon’s own that was the culprit.”
“I never thought of that, but why ever would one of his warriors do such a thing?” Heather asked.
Seamus shrugged. “My guess is a mighty sum of coin was involved. The Dragon does have more enemies than friends. You need to be careful, my lady. You should keep your distance from the Dragon. You do not want his fate to accidentally become yours.”
“Daaaaaa!”
Seamus winced. “That daughter of mine never lets me be. I say if the Dragon is going to do me in, I will go down fighting like any honorable Highlander.” He stood and bowed to Heather. “Lady Heather, it has been a joy talking with you. It reminds me of the days your mum would come and visit.”
Heather smiled. “Until next time, Seamus.”
He grinned. “I look forward to it.”
Heather’s smile faded as Seamus walked away. She may not have learned what she wanted to about the secret passage, but she did discover something she had not expected to and it would explain how the intruder got into their room. She could understand her husband not wanting anyoneto know about this, for if it was made known the culprit would know his time was limited. The Dragon would find him, and he would suffer dearly for it.
“Heather, are you all right?”
Heather looked up and it was not the Dragon she saw standing there...it was Quinn. How had she missed it?Fear.She had been so afraid of the prospect of being wed to the Dark Dragon that it had blinded her to what was right in front of her. Years, though, had seasoned him. He was no longer a young lad on the verge of manhood...he was now a man.
“Heather?”
Concern had grown heavy in her husband’s voice, and she was quick to smile, reach out, take his hand, and tug him down on the bench beside her. “Seamus spoke of my mum. It brought back memories.”
He squeezed her hand. “Good memories.”
It was not a question he asked, for he knew the answer. She had spoken often of her mum to Quinn, but she made no mention of that. “What few memories still linger in my mind of her are very good ones and Seamus gave me more good ones to enjoy.”
