Page 32 of My Highland Love

Marcus gave a short laugh. “I needn't do much of anything, Father.”

Cameron gave a single nod. “Your marriage to Jenna wasn't one of love.” His mouth turned down wryly. “You always were the politician. You should have told King George to go to the devil when he insisted you marry the wench.”

“I have no regrets,” Marcus replied. “And I shall have none now.”

“Tiring of the demimonde?”

He gave a slight smile. “'Tis not the same.”

Cameron grinned. “I thought you would want the lass, but I hadn't realized how badly.”

Marcus exhaled. “No one is more surprised than I.”

* * *

Marcus and his men dismounted in the outer bailey of the MacLaren holding. He tossed his horse's reins to a MacLaren guard and waited. A few moments later, Declan entered the bailey.

Marcus stepped forward and caught Declan's hand in a firm grip. “Good of you to allow us entrance.”

Declan's eyes twinkled. “Aye, considering your treatment of me when last I visited Brahan Seer.”

“I recall your night ended well.”

Declan grinned. “Aye, a fine night it was. What brings you here? Have I ruined the MacGregor lasses for you? Josephine cried when I left.”

“I heard she got rather feisty,” Marcus remarked.

Declan laughed. “Aye, she's a sassy one, but nothing like your Ceasg.”

Marcus gave a rueful grimace. “Elise's temper is much like the Highland mermaid's.”

“A resemblance? If the lass were a Highlander, she could grant the mythical three wishes.” He gave Marcus a shrewd look. “Perhaps she has already granted yours, eh?'

Marcus snorted. “I suspect granting any wish I have is the furthest thing from her mind.”

“Ahh,” Declan intoned. “You haven't exactly endeared yourself to her?”

“Not quite.”

“Mayhap, you should have let me teach her a lesson after all.” His brows lifted. “Break her in, so to speak.”

“I would have had no sympathy for you when she broke you.”

Declan grimaced. “Aye, well, 'tis best, then, that I leave you with the taming.”

“God help me,” Marcus said under his breath, then gave him a serious look. “I hear you have had Campbells on your land.”

“Aye.” Declan led Marcus toward the great hall.

“Elise was kidnapped by the Campbells six days ago,” Marcus said.

“Kidnapped?” Declan gave Marcus an appraising look. “You don't look broken up like you were with Katie. Is the lass…?”

“She is well, though only by the grace of God. We need to talk.”

Marcus shook his head at the serving girl who offered to refill his dinner plate, and she moved to the man sitting to his right.

“They never touched her?” Declan asked.