Page 66 of My Notorious Highlander

"That would be good," the older man said.

Torrin proceeded into the room, and Conall closed the door behind them.

"I have great respect for you as a chief and laird," Conall said. "'Twas clear to me today what a great leader you are."

Torrin gave a brief nod. "I thank you for that."

"You've generously helped this clan in many ways since you've been visiting."

"I'm more than glad to help out when I can."

"But… Jessie is my niece and… well, you were in her chamber this morn. Her father is no longer with us, and her older brother is away, so I felt it my responsibility to say something."

"Aye, well, I want you to know, sir, that I want to marry Lady Jessie," Torrin said, feeling almost as if he were speaking to Jessie's father. "I've offered for her hand twice. Dirk has refused each time because he says Lady Jessie refuses. I'm simply trying to change her mind. I think once she gets to know me, she will reconsider and accept my offer."

"Um-hmm," Conall grunted his response and nodded a wee bit, thinking that over. "Well, mayhap she is the one I should be speaking to about making this right."

"'Haps." Torrin was unsure whether Conall would help the situation or damage it further if he tried to pressure Jessie into marrying him. "Does she usually take your advice?"

"Aye, of course. All the young folks do."

Naturally, he would say that, but Torrin was still unsure. "She is stubborn, is she not?"

"Indeed. Most of the MacKays are," he said heartily.

"I care about her a great deal, and I truly want her for my wife. I have since the night I met her last winter." Torrin hoped the older man could see his sincerity, and how much Jessie meant to him. "If you can put in a good word for me, I would appreciate it."

"Aye. I'll do that." With a wee smile, Conall offered his hand, and Torrin shook it. "You're a good man, and I'll look forward to having you for a nephew."

"I thank you, sir. That means a lot to me. And I hope it comes to pass."

After he and Conall left the library, Torrin headed upstairs to Erskine's chamber. Several candles lit the room and the ancient, white-haired healer, Nannag, and her two younger helpers sat watching Erskine sleep.

"How is he?" Torrin asked, keeping his voice low.

"He has no fever and his breathing is strong," Nannag said in a paper-thin whisper. "The bleeding has stopped."

"Good. Send someone after me if his condition changes."

"Aye, indeed. I will, m'laird."

"I thank you." He exited the room and headed toward Aiden's chamber on the same corridor as his own but farther along and around a corner. Two burly guards stood outside the door.

"I've come to see Aiden," Torrin told them.

One of the guards knocked on the door.

All was silent inside. Anxiety slithering through him, Torrin frowned. Was he asleep, or had he slipped out somehow?

The guard opened the door and barged into the room. Torrin followed. Aiden sat before the fireplace.

"You scared the life out of me, Aiden," Torrin said.

"Why?"

"When you didn't answer, I thought… never mind what I thought."

The guard left the room and closed the door, giving them privacy.