He realized, with dismay, that he was now saddled with the responsibility of informing Isla of her father’s death. No matter how evil the man was, he was still her father, and she was bound to feel his loss keenly.
But that was a problem for the future. Now, he was only interested in getting Emily home, divesting her of her sodden clothes, and warming her up.
“Time to return home,” he called over his shoulder, striding toward his horse, who stood inspecting the frozen ground.
He passed Emily off to one of the men, mounted his horse, and then took her back.
“We have to make haste, so the lasses daenae fall sick,” he ordered his men. “Half of ye will come with us. The rest of ye should comb these woods for the bastard’s minions.”
He needed to ensure that a skirmish wouldn’t break out and hinder their progress, though he pitied any man who would dare attack him now. With bloodlust in his veins, he wouldn’t be merciful in any way.
Emily whimpered softly, and he turned his attention back to her.
“Move out,” he called.
Looking around, he counted the men, ensuring that no one was forgotten under the water. Fortunately, no one was missing. He spotted Elize sitting behind Callum, clinging to him. Reassured, he pulled the reins and set off for home.
When they arrived, Mrs. Donnelly was waiting.
“Oh, ye found her!” she cried when they approached.
“Aye, I did. Thank ye for sending for me,” he replied.
“Ye are welcome,” she said, reaching out her hands. “We can take the young lady inside, if ye daenae mind.”
“Daenae bother, I’ll do it.”
He dismounted and carried Emily to his chambers, not bothering to slow down long enough to see her reaction.
At that moment, he did not care what they thought. He just wanted to keep Emily close, to care for her and protect her from whatever dangers might be lurking outside.
The possessiveness was strange, but it felt right.
Once they were in his room, he laid her on the bed and set about stripping her down to her chemise, before bundling her in his blankets. A smile curved his lips as she nestled into the warm fur.
Moving to the fireplace, he stoked the fire to a merry flame that chased the chill from the room. Then he returned to the bed and was glad to see her face gaining back color.
Reaching out a hand, he tugged the blankets over her shoulders and patted them lightly before leaving the room, hoping to clear his head. Alas, as soon as he stepped out of the room, he found Isla waiting, her hand raised as if to knock.
It would appear that he had to break the news to her now rather than later.
“Thank goodness that ye found them. I would never have forgiven meself if anything had happened to them,” Isla gasped, sagging in her seat.
The Great Hall was almost empty, except for a few men nursing their drinks. It was a perfect place for this conversation, especially since it was not one to be had standing.
“Aye. Thank ye for yer assistance. We truly appreciate it,” he said gruffly.
She nodded in acknowledgment.
“Something happened while we were trying to save the girls,” he continued. “Yer da…”
“He died,” she said deadpan, a pained smile on her face. After a pause, she asked, “How did it happen?”
“He tried to run across the frozen loch. The ice did not hold, and they all went under. We couldnae find him or the driver when we searched,” he replied quietly, sticking to the facts and doing his best to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
“It isnae yer fault,” she assured him. “Da allowed greed to consume him. He allowed it to kill him. I am just sorry that Emily and Elize almost met their deaths because of him. I amtruly sorry. I am even more sorry that I didnae recognize them earlier as me cousins.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
“It has been a long time,” he said, trying to comfort her.
