Page 47 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Before breakfast, Benedict had spoken to Killian in Audor’s study about the attack. There needed to be another council meeting, but more importantly, he realized that Laird Sinclair had to be informed about what had happened to Evelyn.

“He has a right tae ken,” Killian had agreed, “but we lied tae his face yesterday.”

“And I will have tae apologize fer that, but he needs tae ken that his daughter is in danger. Fer all we ken, Laird Keith’s men might be here fer them all. Donald has a right tae protect himself and his family.”

Killian had agreed, and they had both left the study in search of the laird.

They found Donald in the library, where, Benedict had heard, the man spent much of his time.

When he had finished explaining the truth of what had really occurred the day before, Benedict had said, “I think it best fer ye and yer family tae remain inside the castle until further notice, me laird. I highly doubt Laird Keith’s men would attempt tae enter the castle grounds, and thus, ye and yer family are the safest if ye remain within these walls.”

Still looking bewildered and terrified at the news that his daughter had been attacked, Donald had started towards the door. “I need tae go and see her.”

“Me laird,” Benedict had said quickly. “Please be gentle with her. She was terrified tae tell ye because o’ the loss o’ yer wife. She didnae want ye tae be upset ‘afore her wedding.”

He had to say something to protect Evelyn. In hindsight, he wished he had gone and spoken to her first, but it was too late for that.

“Aye, o’ course,” Donald had replied quietly.

With a nod at them, the laird had then opened the door and left the room.

The council meeting only reaffirmed what Benedict already knew. They still had no idea how many of Laird Keith’s men had managed to infiltrate their clan lands, or where they were located. It was agreed that larger groups of scouts were to be sent out, and a more thorough search done. If camps were found, the scouts were not to engage, and to return to the castle to report their findings.

With little more to be done until those facts were discovered, the council meeting ended with Benedict feeling less than satisfied, although he agreed with the decisions that had been made.

“Ye’re frustrated,” Killian stated when the older men had left the room.

“O’ course, I’m frustrated,” Benedict grunted. “Ye saw what I saw, Killian. In fact, ye were injured. Those men were nae here just tae scout out the land. They were sent tae take Evelyn.”

“And now ye’re worried that they’ll try again.”

“If they dare, they’ll have me tae deal with.” He hit his fist against his chest. “I’ve already told Evelyn that she’s nae permitted tae leave the castle. She agreed wholeheartedly. Yesterday frightened her half tae death, even if she tried nae tae show it.”

Killian nodded. “Ye’ve done all ye can dae, fer now. I cannae see them trying tae attack the castle. We are too many. It would be a pointless sacrifice.”

“I agree. Yesterday was an opportunistic attack. Clearly, they’ve been watching the castle. They probably couldnae believe their luck when they saw Evelyn leaving with only two guards.”

“Everything will be fine, Benedict,” Killian said, turning toward the door. “I’m going tae organize the scout parties. I’ll keep ye informed if I hear anything untoward.”

When Killian left, Benedict settled himself back at the desk. What had started as him hiding away in the study had become much more than that, and out of boredom, he had been going through the paperwork his brother usually dealt with. It had interested him so much, he had found himself, on occasion, rather intrigued by it all.

But as he read the leases and war plans in front of him, he found his mind wandering. He couldn’t help but wonder what Donald had said to Evelyn, and even more so, how she had reacted to him knowing she was attacked. He imagined she would be angry that he had not warned her that her father might be coming, but it had not occurred to him that the laird would go directly to see her.

Fool!

Donald had been right yesterday when he had mentioned Benedict not having children. Not only did he not know how Donald must have been feeling yesterday when Evelyn had been missing for so many hours, he also had not known a father’s love. Donald had been clearly pained earlier, but his first thought had been Evelyn. As distant as the older man might have been with his daughters, it was evident he loved them very much.

An hour had passed when Benedict heard the study door opening. It had to be Killian. Anyone else would have knocked.

“Did ye send the scouts?” he said, without looking up.

“And what scouts would they be?” Audor replied.

Jerking his head up, Benedict could hardly believe his eyes, and yet, it was indeed, his brother standing there before him. Jumping from the chair, he rounded the desk with open arms.

“Och, ye have nae idea how good it is tae see ye, braither,” Benedict exclaimed, embracing him with a strong hold.