Page 94 of Sins of a Scot
“I received a letter from Lady Mackay,” Madigan had replied. “In it, she confessed what ye two were really doing, and after reading it, I wasted nay time in organizing a search party. On our journey, we came upon a healer in Huna who kindly relayed where ye were heading. We then came upon a rather unsavory character, who gave me a note written in yer hand. Once he relayed tae me that ye were in possession o’ the crystal, I kent where ye would be heading next.”
“And it is a good thing we arrived,” Daire had interjected. “Fer a certainty, had we nae, ye would all likely be dead by now.”
Owen could not disagree, and once more, he had thanked both Daire and his father for coming to their rescue. The Mackay’sand Sutherland’s parted ways after a day or two, for they were all eager to return to their own homes. Iseabail and Owen’s farewell had been an emotional one, and with a tender kiss, he had told her he would see her again soon.
Which was the very reason he now paced back and forth nervously in his father’s study. Under Owen’s direction, his father had invited the Mackay’s to their castle under the pretense of a celebration that they had all survived such a dreadful ordeal. But in truth, Owen had something far more important in mind.
Owen looked from his father to Daire and back again. Both of them clearly delighted in seeing him looking completely unsettled.
“Ye two are enjoying this, are ye nae?” Owen growled playfully.
With a huge grin, Daire nodded. “I cannae deny it. I’ve never seen ye like this, and it is highly amusing.”
“Great,” Owen growled, “I’m glad I can entertain ye.”
“Daire is right,” Madigan said. “The son I ken has always been so sure o’ himself. Never before have I seen ye this nervous, and particularly over a lass.”
“She’s nae a lass, Faither. She’s a lady.”
Madigan raised his hand apologetically. “I beg yer pardon. Over a lady.”
Taking a deep breath, Owen nodded, more to himself than anyone else. He was indeed nervous, but he also knew what he wanted. He was resolute in his conviction, and now that Laird Sutherland was gone, there was nothing or no one to stop it from coming to fruition. Well, except one person.
A knock on the study door caused Owen to spin around, and slowly, Madigan pushed himself up from his chair and moved across the room. Daire also stood and followed the laird. Before opening the door, Madigan turned and gave Owen a look of pride.
“Good luck, son.”
“Thank ye, Faither,” Owen breathed.
Upon opening the door, Madigan welcomed Laird Hamilton Mackay and his son, Keane into the room. Hamilton looked confused when Madigan walked past him to leave.
“Did ye nae wish tae see me?” Hamilton said.
Madigan shook his head. “Yer meeting isnae with me, but with Owen, me laird,” Madigan said, and once he and Daire had left the study, they closed the door behind them.
Hamilton and Keane continued into the room and greeted Owen.
“Good day tae ye, Owen,” Hamilton said warmly.
“How did ye sleep?” Owen asked, gesturing for them to sit while at the same time, moving over to the dresser to pour some drinks. He certainly needed one.
“The room is very comfortable, thank ye,” Hamilton replied.
“Aye, I cannae disagree,” Keane added.
Owen returned to them, handing out glasses of amber liquid. He then lowered himself into a chair, though he perched on the edge of his seat rather than sitting more comfortably, like his companions.
“I am pleased tae hear that,” Owen said. “I am also delighted that we are once more together after what we experienced.”
Hamilton gave Owen a long look, his eyes soft and knowing. “I have a feeling ye havenae brought us tae yer father’s study just tae reiterate yer words from last night at the celebratory feast, Owen.”
No, he had not, and by the look on the older man’s face, Owen was certain the laird knew exactly the reason he was there.
“I have asked ye both here because I have an important question, me laird,” Owen said.
“Me laird?” Hamilton said, raising his eyebrows with a smile, and throwing a glance to Keane. “It must be serious.”
Keane smiled too, and Owen felt his face redden a little.
