Page 38 of Treachery in the Highlands
Joey's eyes flick to and fro minutely as his quick mind pieces together the implications."So, this visit, it's some kind of peace offering?"
"Aye," Father nods, "or so they claim.My cousin Goraidh called on us the day before you, Joseph Finnegan, crashed into our world.Goraidh came to forewarn us.The MacLeods can be...boisterous.And I trust Eanraig MacLeod precisely as far as I can throw him."
Joey's lips quirk into a wry smile."And I'm guessing you can't throw him very far."
Father barks out a laugh, surprising me."Aye, Joey.Ye've got the right of it."
I glance between the men, a flutter of hope in my chest.Mayhap they're warming to each other after all.
"So, what's the plan?"Joey asks, his eyes sharp with interest."I'm guessing you want me to lay low during this visit."
Father's expression turns serious."Nay, we cannae hide ye.The MacLeods will be suspicious enough as it is.Ye'll have to play the part of a distant cousin, come to visit."
I nibble on my lip nervously as worry gnaws at me."But Father, they will wonder about his unusual clothing and his strange accent."
"We'll have him wear the clothing you gave him, and we'll say he's from the Lowlands, where styles are different," Father says, his tone brooking no argument."It's the best we can do on such short notice.Besides, Alyssa speaks differently too."
Joey nods, his face set with determination."I can do that.I've played plenty of roles before.Just give me the backstory, and I'll sell it."
Joey was a thief before he came here, and that likely explain why he's so comfortable with deception.But there's no time to dwell on it now.
"Rachel," Father turns to me, his eyes stern."Ye must be on your guard.Alisdair MacLeod will no doubt try to woo ye again."
My cheeks burn at the mention of Alisdair.I can feel Joey's gaze on me, curious and perhaps a wee bit...jealous?No, that can't be right.
Father claps a hand down on Joey's shoulder."I give you leave to spend the afternoon with Rachel, so long as you ne'er go past the first bend in the river."
"Aye, Father," I agree, trying to hide my excitement at the prospect of spending time alone with Joey.As Father trudges back toward the castle, I turn to Joey with a mischievous grin."Well then, shall we make the most of our afternoon?"
Joey's lips quirk upward faintly, and he bows deeply."Lead the way, my lady.But first, mind telling me more about this Alisdair guy?"
Sighing, I lead Joey down the path toward the river."Alisdair MacLeod is...persistent.He's been trying to win my hand for years now.He's handsome enough, I suppose, and a skilled warrior, but..."
"But?"Joey prompts, his voice carefully neutral.
I halt at the riverbank, watching the sunlight dance on the water."But I've never felt anything for him.He sees me as a prize to..."I trail off, unable to fully articulate my feelings about Alisdair.
Joey remains quiet for a moment, skipping a stone across the river's surface."And your father?What does he think of this Alisdair character?"
I sink down onto a mossy rock."Father sees the potential alliance.The MacLeods are powerful, and a marriage would ease tensions between our clans.But he's never pushed me toward Alisdair, thank the heavens."
Joey nods, his brow furrowed in thought."So, this visit...it's not just about diplomacy, is it?They're hoping to seal the deal with you and lover boy."
I stifle my amusement at his description.I let out a frustrated sigh, plucking at blades of grass."Aye, I suspect that's part of it.Though Father would never force me into a marriage I didnae want.But Alisdair is hardly my 'lover boy.'"
Joey's eyes meet mine."And what do you want, Rachel?"
My heart quickens at his question.What do I want?The answer feels both terrifying and exhilarating.
"I...I wish to choose my own path," I say softly."I crave adventure and passion.Not just duty and clan alliances."
Joey moves closer, his hand brushing mine."I already know you've got a rebellious streak.I mean, you seduced me in your secret room before you knew anything about me."
I laugh, feeling a bit giddy at his nearness."That is true.Though I fear my rebelliousness may cause trouble with the MacLeods' visit."
"Hey," Joey says, his voice low and reassuring."We'll figure it out together.I've got your back, Rachel."
His words send a thrill through me, and I find myself leaning closer to him."Thank you, Joey.I'm glad you're here with me."
