Page 24 of Sins of a Scot
“They were, actually,” Eden said amicably.
“They are beautiful. May I ask, where ye found them?” Iseabail continued.
Eden looked at Iseabail for a long moment, and then replied. “I purchased them from a merchant in a village. I believe he sells his wares at the market.”
“Perhaps I may stop by there on our way. I would be delighted tae find similar pieces.”
The breakfast continued with small talk, Iseabail expertly bending the truth when Madigan asked about the wellbeing of her father and the clan in general. Eventually, Owen, worried that the longer they spent there, the more likely it was that they were going to get caught in their web of untruths, brought the conversation back to their trip, and announced that they would be leaving immediately.
“Immediately?” His father frowned. He turned his attention to Iseabail. “Would ye nae like tae rest a while with us, Lady Mackay? Ye have a long journey ahead o’ ye.”
“I am eager tae see me braither and faither again,” Iseabail replied masterfully.
“O’ course,” Madigan replied. He glanced at Eden, who nodded, and then turning back to Owen, he said, “Well, I suppose it is the right thing that ye are doing, son. Are ye certain ye dinnae want tae take another with ye. What about Daire?”
“Nay!” Owen answered far too quickly. “Nay,” he said again, a little slower and calmer. “I’m certain we will be perfectly fine. Like Lady Iseabail said, we may well find her guards on the road when we travel.”
“Very well.”
Later, in the courtyard as the horses were being readied, Daire grabbed Owen by his tunic and dragged him over to a nearby wall. Swiftly looking back and forth to ensure no one was near to hear him, he turned and glared at Owen.
“What the devil is going on? Last night this lass was a prisoner, someone ye needed tae interrogate. Now, ye are taking her home?” he balked in disbelief.
“It’s complicated,” Owen said in hushed tones. “I cannae explain it all now, I dinnae have time. Just know that everything is fine.”
“And what about our other problem?” Daire murmured, flicking a glance to Madigan.
“I cannae think about that right now. Iseabail needs me.”
Daire’s eyebrows flew to the top of his forehead. “Och, does she now? Last night ye were ready to keep her imprisoned until ye got answers. Now, she needs ye? What happened between the two o’ ye?”
“She told me the truth. Truly, it will be fine once we’ve found what we’re looking fer.”
Daire’s brow crinkled even further. “What yer looking fer?”
Owen swiped a dismissive hand. “I swear, I will tell ye all about it when I return. But fer now, we need tae leave.”
The huge man cast a suspicious glance in Iseabail’s direction. “Let me guess,” Daire snarled. “That fallacy the two o’ ye just came up with at breakfast isnae what ye’re really doing, is it?”
Owen shook his head. “Nay. It isnae.”
“And what if these men catch up with ye on yer travels?” Daire pressed.
“I highly doubt it will happen, but if it daes, then I will have tae deal with it. But they have nay notion who I am, or where tae look fer me.”
Daire shook his head. “I think ye’re lying tae yersel’ Owen. It’ll nae take them long tae discover yer identity.”
Owen shrugged in frustration. “Maybe ye’re right, but truly, I cannae worry about it. What I have tae dae now is far more pressing.”
A little while later, Owen and Iseabail left the courtyard on horses, with saddle bags packed for the journey. Owen had hugged his father tighter than usual. Only afterwards, did he wonder why. It wasn’t as though he thought he would not return, but then, with the gang of men still after him, and with the uncertainty of the journey ahead, one never really knew.
They had been riding for several hours, and already, Owen had asked the same question numerous times. Each time, Iseabail had seemed to avoid it, but this time, he was not taking no for an answer.
“So, I have agreed tae come with ye, but I didnae agree tae ye ignoring me questions. I will ask ye again. Why have ye brought me with ye? Why is it that ye need me?”
Iseabail gave him a look, and then glanced away again, but she did not speak.
She’s more stubborn than I could’ve imagined, but two can play at that game.
