Page 21 of A Highland Bride Taken
“Aye, Me Laird. And if he left any tracks, we will find them and find him,” Magnus reassured him. “Dinnae worry.”
Campbell wanted to say he wasn’t worried, but he would be lying. If a random person could sneak into his clan and wreak havoc, it wouldn’t be long before he would hear the drums of war again.
The Highland lairds were vultures circling prey at all times. There was always war over land and livestock. That was why he kept his borders fortified with soldiers—to dissuade any attempts.
He looked over his men, who were training hard so that if the need arose, they would be ready to defend their clan. He would do everything in his power to prevent anyone from considering his clan ripe for the taking.
However, before he could speak, James, one of his clansmen, came up to him. “We have visitors, Me Laird.”
“Visitors?” Campbell echoed warily.
“Laird and Lady MacLennan,” James clarified.
Campbell nodded, dusting off his trews. “Show them to me study, then,” he instructed. “I will only be a moment.”
“I guess the lass is finally returning home,” Magnus mused.
Campbell felt a pang of guilt for not telling his friend about his proposal to Mabel. He expected a thorough lecture about hasty and foolish decisions, but for now, he would wait until he had informed her parents before sharing the news with anyone else.
He nodded and headed to his study, squaring his shoulders.
It wasn’t often that he met other lairds, but now that he was to meet one, he had to make sure to leave no room for perceived weakness.
“Laird Muir!” Laird and Lady MacLennan cried, rising to their feet quickly with matching nervous smiles on their faces. “‘Tis a pleasure to make yer acquaintance.”
Fear and apprehension radiated from them in such palpable waves that he wanted to smile. This would be an easy conversation.
9
Campbell didn’t know what to expect when he had invited the lass’s parents, but the nervous wreck of a laird and lady were almost funny, if he were a man to find humor in such things.
He could see Mabel’s resemblance to her mother, and it irked him that he cared to notice something so trivial.
“We apologize for our daughter’s behavior, Laird Muir.” Laird MacLennan cut a glare at his daughter, who stood to the side with her head bowed. “The lass wasnae impulsive before now; ‘tis why we didnae keep a closer eye on her. But we’ve learned from our mistakes now. We are sorry for the inconvenience she posed for ye.”
“Stealing away like a thief, riding across the Highlands without yer maid or protection?” Lady MacLennan shrilled, turning to her daughter. “I never raised ye to be so thoughtless, Mabel. What was the business that had ye riding to Muir Castle without any care for yer safety?”
“Do ye nae ken how dangerous the Highlands are? Even men wouldnae dare do what ye did,” Laird MacLennan added. “Ye could have been hurt or worse.”
“Faither, Maither, I didnae mean to be so reckless. I had good reason to leave the way I did.” Mabel said, trying to defend herself. “I didnae think of the foolishness of me decision, and the Laird made me see reason. He has been a most gracious host and most respectful. He assigned me a maid, and we havenae been alone together.”
Campbell knew she was lying to prevent her parents from accusing him, but he had been unprepared for it. A smile threatened to break out. He shot her a look that made her cheeks redden.
She no doubt remembered howalonethey had been and how she had very nearly been ravished by him. If she were unaware of that fact, he would have to remind her again.
She met his eyes briefly and lowered her head again.
“And ye are proud to say it?” Lady MacLennan snapped. “Why did ye come here? What business do ye have with Laird Muir?”
Mabel worried her lip between her teeth, unsure whether or not to reveal the truth.
Campbell pitied her then. Perhaps he might have been hasty in his decision to invite her parents. It would have been easier to send her home with an escort.
“Are ye eloping?” Lady MacLennan gasped. “Is that why ye sneaked out?”
Mabel shook her head hastily. “Nay, Maither,” she answered. “I?—”
“What could possibly have been yer reason for such foolishness?” Laird MacLennan pressed.
