Page 44 of His Forgotten Highland Bride

“Aye, I know well who ye are, and if you ever become laird, that will be the day I pack up my things and my family and move to bloody England,” the large smithy said.

“What’s the matter here?” Ronan cut in.

Ewan stepped back in surprise. That made two of them. Ewan had always been an amiable man, a person to turn to for a laugh. This belligerence wasn’t like him. Then again, neither was earning the ire of a woman like Brenna.

“Nothing for you to worry over, Ro.” Ewan smiled widely, cutting a look toward the smithy.

“I’ll decide what I should worry over. What’s going on?” Ronan turned toward the smithy, awaiting a response.

“I’m sorry, m’laird, but your heir has commissioned a sword. I made it to his request, but he’s trying to claim it with no coin.”

The same charge as the tavern owner as for the reason he’d kicked Ewan from his establishment.

“Does his name not earn him credit?” Ewan had been correct about being second in command of the clan.

The man let out a breath and rubbed his forehead. “Aye. It’s just that it’s the fifth sword he’s requested in the last two years, and I’ve not been paid for any of them. I have a family to feed, m’laird.” He brought out the sword, reluctantly holding it out to Ewan.

But Ronan took it and turned it over, noticing the fine artistry in the blade. The inlaid hilt held a fair-sized gem. “What do ye need such a fancy sword for, uncle?” he asked.

Ewan laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “You caught me out. It was to be a gift for you to commemorate your return.”

“I thank ye for the thought, but if you do not pay for it, the sword is not a gift from you but from the blacksmith.”

Ewan’s charm faltered slightly as the smithy chuckled.

“It’s the finest sword I’ve ever seen.” Ronan tested the balance as Ewan reluctantly pressed coins into the other man’s hand.

“Thank you, m’laird. I’m glad you like it. I hadn’t known it was a gift when I was asked to make it a few months back. It’s good to have ye home.”

Ronan wondered how many months ago it had been requested and if he had even planned to return at that time. He didn’t like doubting Ewan, but something was going on with the man.

“Thank you. It’s good to be home,” Ronan said. “Now that your business is done here, I’d like to have a word with you, uncle.”

“Of course.” Ewan wasn’t being his normally pleasant self. He was still frowning at the sword in Ronan’s hand. Ronan was more convinced the sword had not been intended as a gift.

This was yet another thing that made him uneasy about Ewan. Something was wrong, and Ronan was determined to get to the bottom of it. He didn’t like thinking badly of his uncle. But Ewan had changed.

“The cut on your face. Ye said it was Brenna’s doing.”

“Aye. Did she say differently?” His face changed at the mere mention of Brenna’s name. Hatred practically dripped from him.

“Nay. She admitted to it. But I’d like to hear why she drew a blade on ye.”

“Does there need to be a reason? I’m your blood.”

“I’m the first to admit I don’t know her well, but I’ve not heard from anyone else that she’s injured anyone. I’ve seen the opposite with my own eyes.”

Ewan laughed. “I see. She’s using her wiles to charm you into doubting me.”

“I wouldn’t say that. You do me a disservice by assuming I’m not wise enough to see the truth when it’s in front of me.”

“Have I ever played ye false?” It was a valid question and the reason Ronan believed Ewan without question initially. Ewan had never lied to him, which could only mean Brenna had.

“Nay. Never. But I want the whole story, and I’ll get it from you or my wife.” Ronan made a show of looking at Ewan’s scarred cheek.

“’Tis nothing.”

“Tell me how you got it. I’ll decide if it’s nothing.”