He didn't know what the hell was wrong withhim. He didn't know why he didn't just pick one of them.
He never deliberated this long over anything.Was he trying to make Da proud by not coming to a decision tooimpulsively, or was he waiting for something else—some sign orindication of which woman would be right for him?
"Alec Lindsay is a good man," Mairianablurted, glaring at him. She had no inkling how spoiled shewas.
"How does the rogue treat you?" Dugaldasked.
"He is no rogue and he treats me very well, Ithank you," she snapped.
"Does he love you?"
"Of course!"
"Has he told you of his feelings?"
"Aye, many times. As if you care."
"Well then, I'm glad to hear it." Indeed hewas, for even if things went sour with this situation, hopefullyAlec would treat his sister well and still wish to marry her.Dugald did not want to put his sister in danger but he had toreclaim the dagger somehow. "How long will the Lindsays stay herein Perth?"
"Two more days. The dowager Lady Lindsaywanted to rest from the travels."
Dugald nodded, knowing the chief's elderlymother would need rest. And no doubt the chief wanted to spend acouple of long nights in a soft bed with his nubile French bride."Meet me here at the same time tomorrow and let me know what you'velearned."
Mairiana scowled. "Very well," she saidbegrudgingly.
"Try to find out something. You must if youwish to marry Alec Lindsay."
***
Camille Bouchard sat in the common room ofthe White Ram Inn, eating her midday meal, even though it was wellpast noon. When the large, commanding Highlander in a belted plaidhad strode in earlier, bold as the brass studs in his leatherarmor, she had almost choked on her roasted lamb.Sacrebleu!What a striking and gorgeous man he was, with long hair, dark asmidnight. On second glance, she saw that his green eyes were angryas a stormy sea. What had riled him?
Not glancing her way, he sat at a nearbytable and was, at present, arguing quietly with a beautiful andwell-dressed, dark-haired lady. Camille wondered at theirrelationship until the man called her "sister." That explainedtheir slight resemblance.
Although Camille could not understand much ofwhat was being said since they were trying to keep their voiceslow, she found she enjoyed listening to the Highlander's deep,rumbling voice.
Camille's cousin, Angelique Drummagan,Countess of Draughon, had married a Highlander the year before.After a very rocky start, their passionate marriage had turned intoa happy one and they were expecting their first child in a fewweeks. Camille had come to Perth with a couple of servants to shopfor the supplies Angelique would need upon the arrival of their newbabe.
Camille sent another quick glance toward thebrawny Highlander at the other table. In truth, she could hardlykeep her eyes off him. Short beard stubble darkened and defined hisstubborn jawline. His shoulders were as broad as one of the distantCairngorms. His proud and confident bearing told her he was someoneof importance, perhaps a leader. A chief? His clothes did not looknew or expensive, however. Mayhap a war leader? Of a certainty, heappeared to be a strong warrior.
She glanced down at his plaid-covered thighsand muscular calves, sprinkled with dark hair. Good heavens, howshe loved Highland clothing customs which showed off a man's fineform. Her mouth suddenly going dry, she took a large sip of spicedwine.
The Highlander's sister shoved to her feet,her mouth dropping open. "I cannot believe what a brute you arebeing about this, Dugald!"
His fist clenched upon the table. "I am mostserious and determined in this," he growled.
With a huff, the woman stormed up thestairs.
Parbleu!What had the argument beenabout?
The Highlander—Dugald—arose and, with angrystrides, left the building. Was he truly a brute as his sister hadsaid? Why should Camille care?Oui, she had been searchingfor a Scotsman of her own for many months, and he was a mostattractive man. But she had no need for a brute.
Chapter Two
The next day, Dugald met with Mairiana in theinn's common room again, but she knew no more than she had the daybefore.
Annoyance bored through Dugald. "Damnation,you ken how important this is to me, sister." He spoke in hushedtones. "The Lindsays will be leaving at daybreak the day aftertomorrow. I must have the dagger before then."
At that moment, Dugald noticed Alec Lindsayand his men entering the inn's common room. Alec saw them rightaway and came forward alone. "Chief MacKerrick." Offering a fakesmile, he held out his hand and Dugald shook it. "What are youdoing here, my friend? Pray, tell me you have not changed your mindabout your sister marrying me."
