∞∞∞
Oh heavens!Seona prayed Keegan would be safe as he faced her father and his men.
“I’ll stand outside the door and alert you if anyone approaches,” Boyce said.
“Aye,” Fraser said. Once the cottage door closed behind the guard, Fraser turned to them. “Have a seat, ladies, and try to remain calm. All will be well, I’m certain.”
Seona led Talia to a bench by the fire.
“What was this about you being married?” Talia whispered. “I heard Father shoutmarriedjust before the clamorous noise in the tavern.”
“Aye.” Seona held out her left hand, the gold band gleaming in the firelight. “We said secret and private vows. Though Father may not recognize it as a legal marriage, Keegan and I do. And as soon as we can, we will marry in a church.”
“Oh, Seona.” Talia embraced her tightly. “I’m so glad you rebelled and followed your heart.”
“Aye, well, I couldn’t give him up. I love Keegan more than I ever thought possible.”
“He is a handsome man,” Talia said, then glanced at Fraser, pacing before the door.
“Are you talking about Keegan or Fraser?”
“What? Keegan, of course,” she hissed.
“Come now, sister,” Seona whispered in a teasing tone. “You must admit Fraser is a handsome man.”
“Well, of course he is, but… what of it? I’ve seen many handsome men before.”
“Oh, you have? I didn’t realize you were so worldly.”
“Cousin Genevieve had feasts and dances. I met a few handsome men.”
“Do tell.”
“There is naught worth telling.”
When Talia’s gaze wandered back to Fraser, Seona knew precisely what her sister was experiencing. Obviously, she was intrigued by Fraser, his tall, lean, muscular body. A blue-eyed, black-haired devil with a quick, charming smile. Any lass with eyes would be drawn to him.
Seona simply prayed her own blue-eyed charming husband would be safe.
∞∞∞
Keegan joined the MacKays and MacKenzie’s at the top of the hill, all of them on foot. Rebbie’s pistol glinted in the sunlight. Holding targes before them, all the men formed a line, awaiting the approaching Murrays. Keegan fully expected bloodshed.
“Archers, ready yourselves,” Keegan yelled. “They could have pistols.”
As the riders drew closer, Keegan recognized Chief Murray, traveling at the front and center of twenty other men. Their numbers were about even. Besides, each of the MacKays and MacKenzies could easily take out two men.
The Murrays halted a hundred feet away.
“What have you done with my daughters, you knave?” Murray shouted.
“They are safe from you,” Keegan yelled back. “You should be ashamed of yourself, abusing the young ladies, leaving their faces black and blue.”
“They are my daughters and I will deal with them as I see fit! ’Tis none of your concern.”
“I made it my concern.”
“We all have,” Rebbie said. “I’ll be reporting you to higher authorities for violently punishing your daughters for no reason. You will find yourself in the tolbooth.”
