Keegan hesitated, wondering if this was a trick. Watching Malcolm closely, he sheathed his broadsword but kept his dirk and targe in his left hand, ready for use.
Keegan shook his hand.
“Are you the one who married Seona?” Malcolm asked, stepping back.
“Aye.”
“I admire you for standing up to him and rescuing Seona. Talia, too. For years, I feared that he would kill them before they ever married and escaped him. We all believe he killed their mother, though there is no proof. I tried to help the girls, but he wouldn’t allow me to live at the castle nor even visit very often. Needless to say, we didn’t get along. Where are the ladies, by theway?” Malcolm asked, glancing around.
Going on gut instinct, he believed Malcolm was telling the truth. “In the cottage.” Keegan motioned with his head.
“I’d like to have a word with them before they go.”
Keegan was again stunned. “You don’t mind if we take them?”
He shook his head. “Whatever they want. They’ve endured years of torture from that brute. They deserve some happiness. If they wish to stay at Gillenmor, they are welcome. Or they can go with you. Since you’ve married Seona, you will be glad to know she has a generous dowry, including land.”
Land?Saints!Keegan was almost afraid to believe ’twas true. Not that the land mattered; all he wanted was Seona. But he had never imagined being a landowner.
“Let’s go talk to them.” He and Malcolm moved toward the cottage. Keegan intended to stay close at hand in the event this was a trick and Malcolm meant the ladies harm. But he didn’t think that was the case.
Boyce stood outside. He banged at the door before Keegan arrived.
Fraser opened it and stepped out, eying Keegan and the newcomer. “Is the fighting over?”
“Aye,” Keegan said. “This is the ladies’ cousin, Malcolm Murray. He wishes to speak to them for a minute.”
Fraser frowned. “Is he trustworthy?”
“I believe he is.”
“Do you think I’m mad enough to try something with all of you so close at hand?” Malcolm raised a brow, appearing almost amused.
Fraser disappeared back inside, then brought Seona and Talia out.
“Malcolm! You are here? I thought you were away in Edinburgh,” Seona said.
“I was, but I returned a week ago.” He took each of their hands, his face solemn. “Pray pardon, ladies, but I have sad news. Your da is dead. His horse bolted and threw him. His head hit a rock.”
Their mouths dropped open. Keegan took Seona’s other hand, hoping to comfort her. But no tears welled in either lady’s eyes. And he could certainly understand that.
“You are chief now,” Talia said to Malcolm.
“Aye.”
“What do you intend to do with us?” Seona watched him warily.
He shrugged. “Allow you to do whatever you wish. You ken I never liked the way your da treated you.”
“In truth?” Seona asked.
“Aye. I understand you’ve already eloped with this unruly MacKay lad.” Malcolm grinned.
“I did.” Seona smiled at Keegan, her face turning pink. And his heart did a wee somersault.
“Well, then, congratulations.” Malcolm kissed both her cheeks.
“And you won’t make me marry that old Comyn chief?” Talia asked, her eyes wide with hope.
