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“Try very hard, Papa,” Joseph called back as Eden led him from the hall.
Logan raised his eyebrows at Angus. “You can go with them.”
“Nae, lad. Someone has to look out for yer interests. That Gilbride is a crafty one, ye ken. Not that we don’t want ye gettin’ everythin’ ye deserve, lass,” he hastily said to Donella. “But these marriage negotiations can be tricky.”
“Good God,” Logan muttered.
Donella shared the sentiment, but when Angus gallantly offered his arm, she sighed and took it. Her erstwhile suitor fell in behind.
As they trooped to the library, she had the unnerving notion that she was being led to the gallows. But when she glanced over her shoulder at Logan, he gave her a wink and a reassuring smile.
“I won’t let anyone pester you,” he said.
She couldn’t help but return his smile. Whatever else might happen, she knew he would always protect her. It was an incredibly comforting certainty.
“About time,” Alasdair said as they entered the library.
Donella took one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Preparing to read us another lecture?”
“I’ve been working on it all morning.”
“Very well, but I’m warning you. I am not in the best of moods.”
“We’re just going to have a sensible little chat, Donella. There was too much commotion last night for that, you must admit.”
“Most of the commotion was caused by you.”
Logan flashed her a grin as he took the other chair. “Speaking of that, why isn’t my brother here to deliver his besthead-of-the-clanspeech, as he glowers like a bear with a sore paw?”
“Victoria decided we only needed one bear to glower,” Alasdair said.
Logan snorted. “I give it ten minutes before he barges in here.”
Angus, who’d dragged a padded bench over to join them, shook his head. “I told Nick I’d take care of everythin’.”
“You mean you told him you’dtellhim everything,” Logan sarcastically replied.
“He is yer laird, laddie. He deserves to know.”
Donella clenched her hands in her lap. “This issoembarrassing for me. I hope you all realize that.”
Logan reached over and covered her hands. “I’m truly sorry for that, love. I would have spared you this silliness, if possible.”
Angus scowled. “And if ye hadn’t been dallyin’ with her last night, ye would have.”
“Can we please not rehash last night’s events?” Donella asked. “Once was quite enough.”
Alasdair gave her a sympathetic grimace. “I hate to pile on, but we do need a plan. There’s already too much gossip making the rounds, and it’s damaging your reputation.”
“I don’t give a hang about my stupid reputation.”
“I do,” Logan said. “And I won’t have you hurt by my actions, Donella.”
She yanked her hands out from under his. “So, that’s what this marriage proposal is truly about? Your wounded honor?”
Logan recaptured one of her hands. “You know it’s not, daft girl. But the honor of both our families is a consideration we can’t ignore.”
“He’s right, Donella,” Alasdair said. “There’s a general expectation about the two of you, now that Logan has made his intentions quite clear.”
