She pushed away from him and rose to her feet. Facing the door, she swiped her fingers beneath her eyes. "'Tisnaught, truly. I simply need to find some bushes for… you know."
Surely she didn't expect him to believe she was shedding tears because she needed to relieve herself. Ha. Did she think him daft? "Well, I saw some last evening that will be perfect." He rolled to his feet, grabbed her cloak and placed it over her tense shoulders. If she wasn't ready to trust him yet, he'd simply give her time.
Rebbie waited a few yards away while she made use of the bushes, then he took his turn. Glancing around, he spied what looked like an old, overgrown apple orchard a short distance from the castle, at the edge of the wood.
"Come," he said to her. "Mayhap we can find some fruit to break our fast."
She nodded, her tears now dry. Why had she been crying? He wished she would open up and trust him.
***
An hour later, they were again riding north when Rebbie spied a party of over two dozen plaid-wrapped men—and a few women—traveling on horseback across the moor toward them. At first, he considered hiding in the wood until they passed, but he and Calla had already been spotted, no doubt. 'Twouldbe best to not seem suspicious. Besides, if they had women with them, chances were they weren't looking for trouble.
Traveling closer, he recognized the dark-haired Highland chief at the forefront of the riders. Grinning, Rebbie turned his head and told Calla, "'TisAlasdair MacGrath, Lachlan's older brother."
"In truth?"
He nodded and drew up. Once Alasdair was close enough to hear him, Rebbie called out, "MacGrath!"
"Rebbinglen?" Riding closer, Alasdair eyed him and Calla curiously, then grinned. Halting next to Rebbie, he offered his arm in a warrior handshake. "Good to see you."
"Likewise." Rebbie nodded to Alasdair's wife, Gwyneth, who sat on another horse beside his, a swaddled babe bound to her body with wide strips of plaid. "M'lady."
Gwyneth smiled. "Laird Rebbinglen."
Various servants and clansmen rode behind them. He spotted Rory, Gwyneth's young son, riding with Alasdair's cousin.
"This is Lady Stanbury." Rebbie motioned to Calla and the three of them exchanged greetings.
"What the devil are you doing all the way out here?" Alasdair asked.
"Can we talk in private?" Rebbie asked, unsure he wanted to reveal all to the MacGrath clansmen.
"Aye."
Rebbie walked Devil ten yards away and Alasdair followed on his horse.
"Where are you headed?" Rebbie asked him.
"ToDraughonto visit Lachlan, Angelique and their newbairn."
"I thought as much. We were there earlier, and 'twas not my intention to travel this far north. Yesterday, inDraughonVillage, Lady Stanbury was attacked and almost abducted by a vile whoreson named Edward Claybourne. I rescued her and they gave chase, but we finally lost them. Because of the river, we were unable to circle back toDraughon."
Alasdair frowned. "God's teeth! I hope you weren't injured, m'lady."
"Nay. I thank you."
"I have a small castle several miles northwest of here, by Loch Tummel, where I'll let her stay until we can stop this blackguard," Rebbie said. "If you could let Lachlan know where we are, I would appreciate it. Mayhap he can send out some of his men to help us since we're outnumbered. Claybourne has just over a dozen men with him. And he could send for more."
"I hate to hear of the trouble you've had," Alasdair said. "You're welcome to travel with us."
"Nay, 'twouldinvite an attack from Claybourne. I cannot put your wife and children at risk."
Alasdair nodded and glanced back at his party briefly. "Well then, take half of my men with you. They'll guard you both well."
"I cannot ask that of you."
"You didn't ask, but I'm offering." Alasdair observed him with a deadly serious gaze. "What if Claybourne should catch up to you?"
