"Aye, Chief Hamilton brought both of his daughters who are old enough to marry."
"I don't care if there are a hundred ladies. I'm not marrying before spring. You've wasted these chiefs' time. They've come here at a great expense, all for naught."
Hugh frowned. "You used to like women."
Outrage blasted through him. "I still like women," Neacal growled, wanting to shout but forcing himself to stay quiet because the other chiefs were close by. "But that doesn't mean I want to marry now. Do you not ken these young ladies are terrified of me? They all think me mad."
"'Tis because you act mad," Hugh observed in an I-told-you-so tone.
"But you are not. Are you?" Bhatar smiled.
Ignoring that, Neacal asked, "How many more clans are coming?"
"That is all." Bhatar threw his hands into the air.
Neacal was glad to hear that, at least. "Good. When they rest up from their trip, I can send them on their way again."
"So soon?" Hugh grumbled. "But you have nay even danced with any of the lassies."
"Nor do I plan to," he snapped. "I have no interest in dancing. I need soldiers, not a bride."
"Lad, when are you going to learn? A bride can bring you soldiers." Hugh raised his bushy white brows.
"Aye, a few perhaps. But not a whole garrison."
"You will never know if you don't ask. A couple of the chiefs have hinted at possibly providing soldiers. The Hamilton chief said he might provide three dozen for two years. That would give you time to rebuild the garrison."
Damnation, he hated it when Hugh made a good point. Three dozen soldiers would strengthen their defenses a great deal.
Anna popped into his mind. Even if she hadn't shown up, he wouldn't want to marry some lass he'd only just met. But now that he'd kissed Anna, and couldn't get her out of his head, day or night, he truly didn't want to marry some stranger.
"You ken I'm right, lad," Hugh said. "'Tis why we've arranged this meeting. Find out which chief is able to offer you the most paid soldiers for the longest time. You may be able to negotiate even more than the amount Hamilton mentioned."
Although he'd sent for Colin, he likely could not provide such a large number of soldiers for any length of time. And when would Colin arrive anyway? What was he doing, scouring the countryside for mercenaries in need of work?
"Chief?" Hugh said. "Now is not the time to be wool-gathering. The clan's future is at stake."
Neacal blew out an annoyed breath. He hated the idea of marriage as a business arrangement. His own parents had loved one another and the match had been a good one. What if he and his future bride could not stand each other? A miserable life for both of them. Was the sacrifice worth it if the clan grew stronger?
"You don't have to decide now. Simply discuss it with them. What do you have to lose?" his great uncle asked.
"Very well. I'll meet with them. That is all."
When he entered the library, he tried to blank his expression. He didn't want the other chiefs to know how much he hated the position he was in.
"I want to thank all of you for being here. I'll be blunt and to the point. The elders are the ones who sent for you. I didn't. I need soldiers, more so than a bride. I won't be making a decision today. But I need to know if any of you would be able to provide manpower to strengthen my garrison."
"Aye, of course," Chief Hamilton said. "Two dozen soldiers if you marry either of my daughters. Both are beauties."
Neacal frowned. Hadn't Hugh just told him three dozen soldiers? So, he wanted to negotiate, did he? Neacal raised a brow. "That's it?" He glanced at the other chiefs.
"Three dozen," Chief MacGill said, smoothing his bushy red beard. "I'll pay their wages for two years."
That sounded better.
"That is, if you marry my daughter, and of course treat her well," he amended.
Neacal couldn't even remember which lady was his daughter. Oh aye, now he remembered; 'twas the ginger-haired lass. Not that any of the new arrivals could draw his attention the way Anna did. Her image sprang into his mind… and that kiss. Saints, he needed another so badly he ached.
