Page 84 of Edge of Yesterday

“Perhaps,” she said. “But often you are gone longer than expected.”

He laughed softly and hugged her again. When they parted, he glanced at David, “David, lad, ye brought other men with you?”

“Aye, laird, eleven warriors.”

“Ye are a good man. You and your lads are free to do as you please until Julianna returns home.”

Julianna intended to remain with Lennox and Cailean. The guards would likely ride with them.

“Thank ye, laird.” David turned and left.

“Are you pleased with Reay, Father?” Julianna didn’t mention her concerns. “Were you satisfied with Farmer Muir’s ale and wine stores?”

“I was indeed.” He smiled. “No’ a soured cask to be found. All is well here in the village, too.” He cupped her elbow and guided her to a seat at the table. She unclasped her cloak and hung it on a wall hook, then sat to his left. Lennox and Cailean took their seats.

He flattened his hands on the table, looked to her. “If you wanted to see me, lass, why did ye no’ come with Lennox and Cailean?”

“Lennox didnae tell me they were riding out to meet you.”

“Nae?” Her father glanced at Lennox. “He will no’ make that mistake again.”

“She should have stayed at home.” Lennox shot her a glance that said he knew their father indulged her—but he wouldn’t.

Her father ignored him. “Have you eaten?”

“I am thirsty.”

“Have my wine, Lady Julianna.” Cailean picked up his goblet and set it on the table before her.

Warmth flooded her cheeks. She smiled. “Thank you.” Lennox’s gaze sharpened on her. She ignored him and kept her attention on her father. “Lennox told you what happened yesterday?”

His expression darkened. “He did. You have no idea why Hugh stole you?”

She shook her head. “None. I didnae even see him.”

“I shall deal with him.”

“Not for another sennight, Father.” Lennox set down his wine.

Julianna glanced from him to her father. “Why wait?”

“It isnae your concern.” Lennox remained stern.

A flicker of ill ease stabbed. “Papa?”

He patted her hand. “ ‘Tis nothing, sweet.”

So, they didn’t want to tell her why they’d rushed off to see her father. She sat up straighter. “Did they tell you how they knew it was Hugh who kidnapped me?”

Her father nodded. “Aye, Cailean knew.”

Was that why Cailean had accompanied Lennox? Did Lennox want her father to meet the man who had been such a help in saving her? Nae, that could have waited until he returned home.

“How long do you plan to stay in Reay?” She glanced at Cailean. “Have you taken a room here? Or at the Sleepy Abbot Inn?”

“Neither,” Lennox answered for him. “We leave today.”

“Only a few hours with our father.” She frowned. “It seems a shame to return home so quickly.”