Her face turned even hotter. "Indeed."
Rebbie ignored Lachlan's grin and filled him in on the happenings of a few days prior, when Claybourne had tried to abduct her.
"Thank the saints you ran into Alasdair on his way south so he could tell us your location," Lachlan said. "We didn't ken where the devil either of you had gone. Neither the guard nor the coachman kenned where Calla had disappeared to."
"Some guard he is," Rebbie muttered.
"One of Barclay's. I suspect he'd gone for a pint at the tavern down the street."
"Did you see Claybourne?"Rebbie'stone was as dark as the approaching clouds.
"Alasdair did, just north of the village. Claybourne and his men approached and asked if they'd seen the two of you. Claimed you'd kidnapped his fiancée."
"What?" Calla gasped. "Why, that…" She clamped her lips shut before she blurted something unladylike.
"Bastard," Rebbie finished for her.
Lachlan raised a brow, his curious gaze shifting back and forth between them. "Alasdair didn't tell him he'd seen you, of course."
"Did Claybourne follow you?" Rebbie asked.
Lachlan glanced back at the well-armed garrison as they drew near. "If he did, we haven't seen him or his men."
"I'm glad to see you're safe and sound, Robert," his father,Kilverntay, called out in a commanding voice, his dark and disapproving gaze landing on Calla. She pretended not to notice and absently surveyed the other men and their horses. Themarquesswas a powerful man, but she would not cower before him.
"Father, I thank you for coming, but there was no need," Rebbie said. "Lachlan, Alasdair and their men could've easily handled the task."
"Contrary to what you believe, son, I'm not yet too old to sit a horse."
"'Twasnot what I meant and you ken it," Rebbie snapped.
"Indeed?"Kilverntayraised his dark brows.
"Alasdair, I thank you for delivering my message to Lachlan and returning with your men," Rebbie said.
Alasdair nodded. "I'm more than happy to help a friend. I'm glad you're both well."
"Come. I'm certain you're all tired and wish a rest and a meal." Rebbie headed Devil toward Tummel Castle.
Calla felt the men's gazes upon her back, burning into her cloak. Surely the lot of them, especiallyRebbie'sfather, suspected the truth of it—that she and Rebbie were lovers. Had they seen her and Rebbie emerge from the wood and guessed what they'd been doing? Would they tell Elena and Barclay of their suspicions? Mortifying heat drenched her. Even her palms sweated.
Their explosive lovemaking minutes ago had been the best yet. Each time with Rebbie was more profound than the last. But at the same time, she knew she was daft for falling for him and being drawn under his sensual spell. She simply prayed she would have the strength to walk away when the time came, just as she had years ago.
***
When supper began in the great hall, Rebbie noticed Calla hadn't appeared. He privately asked Mistress Hillman where she was and learned that Calla was tired and wished to eat in her chamber. Rebbie knew she simply didn't want to sit amongst so many men, especially his disapproving father. He couldn't blame her for that. He'd seen the stern and censorious looks hisdahad sent Calla's way on the moor and as they were entering the great hall earlier.
He was glad he'd told the housekeeper to have the kitchen staff prepare a great amount of food ahead of time. The tables were filled to bursting with the garrison made up of men from three clans. Even MacFadden joined them, sitting amongst the guards.
After the meal was finished, Lachlan indicated he wished to speak to Rebbie in private. Rebbie knew what he intended—teasing him about finding him and Calla emerging from the wood. They'd already discussed their strategy for evading or defeating Claybourne with the other men at supper.
"What was it you wished to speak to me about?" Rebbie asked, closing the door of the small meeting room just off the great hall.
"I have no doubt we can safely convey Lady Stanbury back toDraughon," Lachlan said. "We may have a battle in the process, but I'm thinking we'll outnumberClaybourne'smen and be more skilled fighters."
"Indeed." At the small table, Rebbie poured a dram of whisky for Lachlan and one for himself.
"I think she should ride with you. That way, you can protect her personally, whilst the rest of us focus on fighting off any potential threat."
