Page 66 of Her Highlander's Darkest Temptation
He leaned forward to address Lydia. “Are ye sure o’ what ye saw?”
Lydia blinked, brow furrowing slightly as she considered his words. “I would have to look at a map to be certain, but… I am sure there were at least two safer routes, away from the Cameron border, that our caravan might have taken, whether their destination was Ranald Keep or elsewhere.”
Donall pointed to the map that had been laid over the table. “Show me.”
Lydia pointed. “There's this road, here, and this one, which goes somewhat further south, near the Stewart lands, but…”
“...is safer because the clans along tha’ route are uninvolved with our affairs, or allied with Clan Ranald under ties o’ kith and kin.” Donall finished.
And anyone who traded this route regularly, or spoke with seasoned traders, would have kent that.
Donall’s stomach clenched further.
The meeting descended into arguments, with the Elders debating among themselves. Donall didn’t bother to keep track of everything that was being said. He knew from long experience that much of it would be repetitious, until the Elders had come to some agreement.
Instead, he took Lydia’s hand and drew her to his side. “Is there aught else ye can speak tae us about?”
“Not that I can recall.” Lydia shook her head. “Uncle never allowed me to learn much about his affairs, beyond telling me who he planned to betroth me to at any given time.”
Donall huffed. “More fool he, but even so… ye’re likely tae be bored sittin’ in on the rest o’ this, an’ I suspect they’ll nae be wantin’ tae speak up while ye’re here. The Elders are a suspicious old lot.”
Lydia nodded. “I understand. Should Maisie and I retire?”
“Might be fer the best.” Donall nodded, and waved the two women away.
The meeting ended a little over a candle-mark later, with the Council grudgingly agreeing that Donall’s decision to send a letter to Laird Wycliffe was the best course of action. In the meantime, the guards and scouts would keep close watch on the borders.
Finally, the last of the elders left, leaving Alex, Ewan and Donall himself sitting around the table. As soon as the door closed, Alex slumped down with a groan. “Och, bunch o’ hardheaded old…” He shook his head.
Donall grimaced. “I cannae blame them. Most o’ them dinnae ken Lydia.”
Ewan smirked. “Nae like ye dae?”
Donall blinked. “What are ye…”
Alex snorted. “Donall, me friend, if ye think yer quarters or the library are so well secure as tae keep people from hearin’ ye, then ye’ve nay sense at all.”
Donall growled, the back of his neck heating at the implications. “An’ how much did ye hear?”
“Enough tae ken the lass is more than a servant or a refugee tae ye.” Alex rose and gathered three glasses, and a bottle of scotch. “I’m happy enough fer ye, even if I dae worry about the consequences.”
Donall took the glass Alex offered him with a weary nod. “Ye mean Rory Cameron’s incursion an’ his attempts tae get her back.”
“Nae just that.” Alex shook his head. “There’s a chance that Lord Wycliffe willnae be so understanding o’ his niece choosin’ ye instead o’ the man he intended for her. He may refuse an alliance, or tae allow ye and Lydia tae remain taegether. An’ if ye’re nae willing tae hand her over…”
“I’m nae.” Donall snarled out the words.
“Then ye have tae face the possibility that this will become a political scandal, as well as a feud on two fronts. If Laird Wycliffe considers ye tae have stolen his property rather than courted hisniece, then ‘tis likely he’ll come tae claim what he considers his.” Alex’s expression was as solemn as his words.
Ewan nodded. “If she’s nae more than a passin’ fancy…”
Donall almost slammed his glass into the table in denial. “She’s more than that.”
He paused, his throat tight as he considered the thoughts that had hovered around his heart ever since his illness, following the cut he’d taken across the chest. “Lydia… I ken I havenae kent her long. Even so, she makes me feel… alive.”
He stopped, then spoke the words he’d not dared to say aloud, though they’d sounded in his thoughts more than once. “I think… I’ve fallen in love with her… an’ I love her fiercely. I cannae imagine being without her.”
“Then best ye tell the lass an’ the Council that.” Ewan advised. “If ye feel so strongly, dae ye intend tae wed her?”
