Page 255 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Perhaps not. But neither do I have the power to force Baxter to give up his wife.”

For an instant, Rhoslyn expected the earl to leap to his feet, sword drawn.

“In fact, ye do have the power to force Sir Baxter to give up Lady Andreana,” Lord Lochland said. “I will send fifty men to Castle Glenbarr. Ye will accompany them to England and bring her back. I expect her here in a week.” With that he left.

Rhoslyn waited until the door closed before saying to St. Claire, “He is right. Ye do no’ have the power to defy him.”

“I am gratified at your confidence in me,” he replied.

“Dinna’ be a fool. He has twice the men you have, even with my grandfather’s men.”

“Winning is not always about how many men you have, Rhoslyn.”

They were interrupted when the postern door opened and Ross entered. His gaze locked with St. Claire’s and he started across the room. Uneasiness prickled at the back of Rhoslyn’s nape. Something was wrong. Dear God, was there no mercy from heaven?

Ross reached them and said to St. Claire, “One of our scouts spotted two hundred of Jason Boyd’s men north of Colliston Gorge.”

Rhoslyn drew a sharp breath and she couldn’t halt her hand from going to her belly. The babe was but a month inside her. If Castle Glenbarr was attacked, she could be killed along with her unborn child. Her grandfather, too, she realized with horror. He was in even greater danger, for he could not defend himself.

“Take fifty of my men and escort Lady Rhoslyn to Dunfrey Castle,” St. Claire said to Ross.

“Nay,” she interrupted.

“Rhoslyn—”

“I would be no safer there than here, and I will no’ leave my grandfather.”

“She is right,” Ross cut in. “Men are riding in the direction of Dunfrey Castle as well.”

“Take her to the convent, then,” St. Claire said, but she was already shaking her head.

“There is another way,” Ross said.

He frowned, then understanding spread across his features.

“Enough men-at-arms to ensure a victory can be here in an hour,” Ross said. “Ye need only ask.”

Rhoslyn looked from one to the other. “What men? Ye have two hundred men of your own, St. Claire, why can you not defend us?”

“I can,” he said. “But I do not want you here.”

“I will no’ go,” she said.

“Aye, you will.”

Panic raced through her, but she forced a calm voice. “We must send Lady Saraid home before the men reach the castle.”

“Ross, come with me,” he said. “You, too, Rhoslyn.” He didn’t wait for her compliance, but grasped her arm and hurried her to the stairs.

Minutes later, they reached his chambers. He ordered her to sit at the bench near the fire, then sat at the table where his pen and seal were, and began writing. He quickly finished the letter, then sealed it and handed it to Ross.

“If anything happens to me, you know what to do with this missive.”

Ross nodded.

“Lady Rhoslyn and her grandfather are to be protected at all costs,” he said. “Send fifty men with Lady Saraid. Make sure they are back here within the hour.”

“Aye,” Ross replied.