Pulling the covers over Hamish, Ailsa gestured to Rory to follow her into the adjoining room. He did, watching as she partially closed the bedroom door. It was enough to give them privacy, but also enough to hear if Hamish woke. Feeling restless, Rory didn’t sit when she indicated for him to join her on one of the two chairs.
‘Why are you here, Lochmore?’ she said.
‘Rory,’ he said automatically. This room was too small to pace—with the barest stretch of his arm, he’d touch the ceilings and all the walls just by standing in the centre. ‘I need to talk to Hamish. We both do.’
‘You want to talk of who poisoned your friend.’
‘Talk is too light a word for what I want to do for my friend,’ he said. ‘Whoever did this needs to be found. Since we are married, it does no good if there is someone undermining it. This is a matter for McCrieff’s Chief.’
‘We’re not ma—’
Rory held up his hand and, after a stunnedmoment, Ailsa’s hand went to her belt. No doubt her shears were there. ‘You think to harm me?’
‘I should after last night. Do you think to shame me further by coming here today?’
‘Shame? I protected your reputation and have said nothing. Your honour is still intact.’ Unlike his own which felt frayed.
‘You’ll never claim me. And you’re a fool thinking I care for my reputation. I told you I’ve been around males. I’m a healer and have more freedom than many women in this clan.’
‘Then what is this about?’
‘So you ask questions of me. Do you know what marrying you cost me?’
‘It cost nothing. McCrieffs gained everything with our marriage.’
She pulled her shears and pointed them. ‘We. Are. Not. Married.’
Not married. It was the truth, but he wouldn’t say it out loud and it was best she didn’t either. Especially here. Hamish might appear to be asleep, and they kept their voices low, but who could truly tell?
‘Quiet, or you’ll sacrifice everything.’
‘Don’t talk of sacrifices, Lochmore. You aren’t the only one with conflicts or burdens.’
In the meantime, it was essential that everyone believed they were married, at least until theone who had poisoned Paiden was found. Until then, he had to remember they weren’t. If in the end it was her father who’d harmed Paiden, well... He’d address that if that time came.
For now, he knew Paiden was still alive and it appeared that Hamish was as well. He should leave to find Frederick, except Ailsa was here, and he found himself reluctant to leave her just yet. It didn’t sit well how he’d left her last night.
‘I should tell you my family received my message regarding our marriage,’ he said. ‘My mother sent her congratulations along with a trunk and I had it moved to our room. We could go open it if you wish. There would be gifts in there for you. I suspect something of great value, too.’
‘Gifts? Do you think me that simple?’
Simple, never, but what was between them warred with what must be. Conflicts. Betrayal. Treachery. He’d married her to gain control over his future, over his life—instead, he was even more powerless than before. He wouldn’t apologise for what he’d done because he’d done it out of loyalty and honour to his family and clan. However, this woman was his wife in name at least, she’d been working since his arrival and he knew she’d gotten little sleep.
‘Do you need food?’
‘I need to stay here.’
‘Won’t a servant return?’ When Ailsa shook her head, he asked, ‘What of your sisters? Do they not help?’
‘They’re young. Twins.’
‘I don’t remember seeing them at evening meal.’
‘They weren’t there,’ she said.
‘Because Lochmores were dining?’
‘What do you think?’
