"What?" Dugald opened the door enough toexit, then closed it again, hoping Geordie didn't see Camilleinside. He doubted he could since Camille had disappeared behindthe screen. "Jail?"
"Aye, Braden said they threw Mason in thetolbooth."
"Damnation! Where is Braden?" He started downthe corridor.
"In the great hall, m'laird."
Dugald descended the steps.
He spied the man pacing before the largefireplace and strode toward him. "Braden, what the devil happened?From the beginning!"
"Aye, m'laird. I scribed the missive to ChiefLindsay, just as you said. As we waited in the common room of theinn to give it to him, he exited with a lady on his arm. We thoughtshe was his wife and asked the inn's proprietor to be certain. And,aye, he said she was. So we did not ken who you had takenhostage."
Annoyance crawled through Dugald. He was notproud that he'd decided to take a woman hostage, but he'd felt hehad little choice at the time.
"And?" Dugald prompted.
"Well, we didn't give him the missive."
A bit of relief flowed into Dugald's veins."Good."
"Good?" Braden asked hesitantly.
"Aye, of course. You made a wise decision. Goon. How did Mason get arrested?"
"Well… we went outside and watched as theLindsays mounted their horses. One of their men, a guard, waslooking about suspiciously, then he slipped away and rushed downthe street. We followed him at a distance. By the time we arrivedat the shop, your jeweled dagger lay on the counter and the ownerwas dropping several gold and silver coins into the thief'shand."
Dugald released the breath he'd been holding,a spark of joy lighting within him. "In truth? You found it?"
"Aye. But when Mason declared the man athief, said the dagger was his chief's and grabbed it off thecounter, the thief fled with his payment. And the shop owner struckMason in the face with his fist. I joined in but so did two othermen. By the time the brawl was over, they had Mason's hands boundbehind his back and sent someone for the constable. I escaped outthe back door and watched from a concealed spot as they led Masonto the tolbooth. I did not want to leave him there, but I had toget word to you about him and about your dagger. I kenned you wouldwant to go and get it as soon as possible. I rode home as quicklyas I could."
"Aye, you did good, and I thank you." Dugaldslapped him on the shoulder and turned to William, his swordbearer. "Have a dozen horses saddled in addition to mine own, andfind enough men to fill those saddles. Tell them to be ready toride within the next quarter hour." He did not want to waste amoment. "And have Artair bring me a thousand merks." His treasurerwould likely think him mad, but he needed enough coin to payMason's bail and buy back the dagger. Though it goaded him to haveto purchase his own dagger. "You can stay and help Tòmas guardRornoch."
"Aye, m'laird." William hastened away.
Tòmas entered the great hall from outside andjoined Dugald, who explained the situation. "I'll leave you incharge here while I ride south again."
His brother nodded, then glanced toward thestairs. "And what are you going to do about your lovely ladycaptive?"
Camille waited at the base of the stairs, hergaze fixed upon him. What the devilwashe going to do abouther? Leave her here? Take her back to Perth?
He liked her… a lot. Too much. Their bedsporthad been the best he'd ever experienced. Not only that, she was abold and spirited lass, his favorite type. She was not afraid totell him the truth, as some people were. And strangely, he likedthat, too. He admired her bravery, strength and resiliency. Hewished he could spend all day in bed with her, getting to knoweverything about her, not just her body but her mind too. Althoughhe had no idea why, she fascinated him.
She offered him a wee mischievous smile, muchlike the one she'd given him in bed. His heartbeat sped up withexcitement. Damnation, but she was beautiful.
He strode to her, unsure what he wanted tosay. He only knew he didn't want her to leave. But how could hekeep her here? He respected her too much to ask her to be hismistress. And the clan would not approve of his taking her to wife.He had an obligation to the clan to marry another chief's daughteror sister to form a bond of alliance. Or a Scottish lady who couldbring a goodly amount of property and wealth to the clan. Suchthings were not taken lightly.
Much as he wanted to be selfish and keep her,he knew he could not. This realization struck his vitals like asharp battle-axe.
"Do you… wish to go back to Perth?" He forcedthe words out.
A small frown crossed her delicate blondbrows and disappointment reflected in her eyes. "I suppose. If myparty is still there. If they're not, could you take me toDraughon?"
He gave a curt nod. "I'll have a horsesaddled for you. Can you be ready to travel in a quarter hour?"
"Oui."She lifted a shoulder. "I haveno belongings to pack."
'Twas true, of course. He'd rudely snatchedher away from her normal day-to-day life without so much as anotherstitch of clothing.
