Page 29 of The Highlander’s Dangerous Desire

“She is, an’ I’ll see ye safely there as soon as I can. But two fires on me lands is a problem I must see tae, without delay.”

An’ if I show up at the keep alone, then there will be too many questions I cannae answer.

“Your lands?”

“I oversee the lands o’ Clan MacTavish fer me braither. The laird passed away, an’ I’m the Overseer until a new laird is chosen at the Highland Gathering.” He considered stopping there, but Grace needed to know what else was at stake. “Me braither conquered the previous laird, so as his younger braither, I have the chance tae become Laird MacTavish, an’ bring the clan under our own as a cadet clan.”

“I… is this a common practice in the Highlands?” Grace sounded confused.

“Only if the laird dies with nae heirs, an’ if another laird defeats him in battle, an’ the battle is part o’ a feud or other conflict, instead o’ bein’ an unwarranted attack.”

“That sounds very complicated.” Grace frowned.

“I ken. But tis what it is. An nae matter who becomes the next laird, I’m responsible for the lands until then. If there’s someone settin’ fires, then I need tae be present tae help end it.”

“Of course. I would expect nothing less.” Grace nodded.

Some of his startlement must have shown on his face, because she smiled. “I may only be a lady, but I do understand the responsibilities of a lord to his people. I want to see Niamh as soon as possible, but I’m certain she will understand the need for the delay as well as I do. And I trust you when you say that you will see me to my friend’s side as soon as possible.”

Ewan nodded. He was grateful for Grace’s understanding. “I’ll send the messenger lad with word tae Niamh an’ Alistair as soon as we’re done eating. If we ride hard, we can reach MacTavish Keep by nightfall, or shortly after.”

An I wonder, lass, if ye’ll be as understanding when ye ken everything me folk expect o’ me… and what they’re likely tae expect o’ ye as well. Especially after how angered ye were when I introduced ye as me lady tae the farmer without yer consent, and ye told me why it upset ye so much…

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MacTavish Keep was a moderately sized, and slightly forbidding looking structure, though Grace admitted that the impression was not at all helped by the fact that night was falling, leaving the dark stone shape barely visible against the gloom. The guards greeted Ewan at the gate, and by the time they reached the door, two more men were waiting.

Ewan dismounted, and helped Grace down, then led her forward. “Malcolm, see tae me companion’s needs. A room, an’ some food an’ drink after our journey. Devlin, come talk with me, an’ tell me what’s been happenin’.”

“Aye, me laird.” The two men nodded. Ewan smiled at Grace. “Get some food an’ a bath if ye want it, Grace, an’ I’ll come tae ye as soon as I’ve spoken with Devlin.”

It seemed strange that he wouldn’t at least introduce her to the two men properly, but at the same time, she was hungry, and the two fires had sounded serious. She knew a lord had to prioritize his time. “I understand.”

She saw both men stiffen slightly at her accent, but neither of them said a thing about her obvious English heritage. The one Ewan had addressed as Malcolm waved over a young woman in the simple and now familiar uniform of a Scottish serving maid. “This is Anne, me lady. She’ll see ye settled with whatever ye wish. I’ll send some lads tae gather yer things, an’ see tae airin’ out a room fer ye.”

“Thank you… Master…”

“Steward, me lady. Just Steward Malcolm.” The man tipped his head, then hurried off, calling for the servants as he went.

Anne offered her a curtsy and a small, shy smile. “Welcome tae MacTavish Keep, me lady. Would ye prefer food or a bath first? Me laird is likely tae be a while.”

“A bath please. Perhaps the food will keep until the lor-laird also has time to take some refreshment?” It was awkward, trying to pronounce the word as the Scottish did, but she made an effort.

“Very good, me lady.” The maid dipped her head. “If ye like, since yer room isnae ready, I’ll show ye tae the main bathin’ chamber fer the castle. Would ye like me tae have a lass bring a change o’ clothes fer ye?”

“Yes please. From my bags if you would.”

“Aye. Reckon yer clothes in this pack will be in need o’ launderin’. Beggin’ yer pardon, me lady.”

“No, it is all right. You are correct.” Grace nodded and smiled and the woman’s blushing cheeks.

“This way please, m’lady.”

Bemused, and not altogether certain whether she was being welcomed or tolerated, Grace followed the maid into the depths of MacTavish Keep.

“Yer lass is English?” Devlin’s voice was an odd blend of amused and almost disapproving as they strode toward Ewan’s study. “Nae what I would have expected.”

“Nae what I intended.” Ewan grumbled. “But that’s also nae why ye sent me two urgent messages, with messengers given orders tae watch for me on the road.”