Rebbie frowned. Surely he'd misheard. "What?"
"Your horse will do as payment."
"Umm… nay." Rebbie chuckled without humor. "I'm afraid Devil is not part of any bargain. He's not just expensive horseflesh. I've become attached to him. How about a foal he sires?"
"Two foals."
Rebbie shrugged. "Very well.'Tisa deal." He stuck out his hand and after a long, tense moment, Barclay shook it.
Saints!He was glad that was over, and with no bloodshed.
"Elena will be devastated," Barclay said.
"I am sorry. Would you like me to talk to her?"Please, God, nay. He didn't want to come face-to-face with the lass again, but if he had to…
Her father grimaced. "'Twouldprobably be best if I break the news to her."
Relieved, Rebbie nodded, ready for another drink. Barclay and his father dropped into chairs before the fireplace, talking of horses, while Rebbie moved across the room toward Lachlan.
His friend must have read his mind for he handed him another dram of whisky. "That was easier than I expected," Lachlan murmured.
"Aye. Now, I have to deal with Claybourne."
"The man is a bastard, pure and simple." After Lachlan had refilled the two older men's glasses, he deposited the bottle on the table near Rebbie.
"That he is."
"What are you going to do?" Lachlan asked quietly.
"Pay him off… or kill him, if he draws a weapon. But first, I'd prefer it if Calla would bring her son here for safekeeping. I don't ken how strongGlenhaven'sdefenses are, but I know yours here atDraughonare impenetrable."
"Aye. Of course."
"I told her I'd take her to see the lad tomorrow. We'll simply take a coach and bring the lad here. That way, Claybourne cannot touch him."
"I'll go with you and take a couple dozen men to guard them both."
"I appreciate it."
"We'll leave just after we break our fast in the morn."
Rebbie nodded and started to leave the room behind Lachlan, but hung back to speak to his father. Barclay had already left to talk to his daughter.
"I thank you for supporting me in this decision, Da."
"Well, 'tis clear how you feel about your lady."
Rebbie frowned. "My lady?"
"Aye. Lady Stanbury… though it doesn't feel right calling her that, now does it?"
"I thought you disliked her, considering the way you interrogated her the other night at supper."
His father shrugged. Though he didn't smile, his expression was pleasant. "She's quiet, but I sense a deep strength in her. She's a wee bit like your mother that way. I can see why you're enamored with her."
Rebbie raised his brows. Mayhap his father was starting to like Calla, though 'twas doubtful he would say so.
"Once you find that one special woman, son, you must hold onto her as long as you can. I didn't get to keep my dear Katherine long, but hopefully you will have much better luck."
