Page 44 of Treachery in the Highlands
Before I can think of anything to say, Joey steps forward, extending his hand to the chieftain."Joey Finnegan, sir.I'm...a guest of the MacTaggarts."
MacLeod's bushy eyebrows shoot up, his gaze darting between Joey and me."A guest, ye say?Interesting.I wasn't aware the MacTaggarts were in the habit of entertaining outsiders at Dùndubhan."
My father steps in, pushing between me and Joey to face the MacLeod chieftain."You are in the MacTaggarts' domain, Chieftain MacLeod.As laird of Dùndubhan, I may invite whomever I choose to visit our family."
"The lad speaks strangely."
"He is English," Father tells the chieftain smoothly."How many Sassenachs have you encountered?I encountered many of them during my travels, before I took over as laird of the castle."
"I reckon I'll accept that explanation---for now."MacLeod's lips curl into a smirk."But we have come for a specific reason, namely my son's desire to wed Rachel.We have brought a dowry to seal the arrangement."
Joey glowers at MacLeod, his jaw set and his hands fisted."Rachel will decide for herself who she marries, and I guarantee it won't be your son."
MacLeod's voice is dangerously soft."And what authority does an English guest have to make guarantees about a Highland lass's future?"
Before I can speak up for myself, a commotion near the entrance draws everyone's attention.The crowd parts, revealing a familiar face.I'm shocked to see him here, but we MacTaggarts will all be delighted.
Guarin Abadie is sauntering toward us.
"Forgive my late arrival," he says, his lush French accent a welcome sound we've not heard for some time."I'm afraid I got a bit lost in your lovely Highlands.It has been a long while since I visited Dùndubhan."
Guarin's arrival is like a breath of fresh air, momentarily dispelling the tension.His charming smile and easy manner work their magic on everyone in the room, even the gruff Chieftain MacLeod.
"Ah, Monsieur Abadie!"my father exclaims, clearly relieved by the distraction."We weren't expecting you, but what a pleasant surprise you've given us."
I seize the opportunity to step away from the MacLeod chieftain, tugging Joey along with me.We make our way to Guarin, who greets us both with warm embraces despite the fact he has never met Joey before.
"Rachel,ma chérie," he says, kissing both my cheeks."And who might you be,jeune homme?"
Joey proffers his hand to the Frenchman."Joey Finnegan, sir."
Guarin chuckles."Never call me 'sir.'I am no knight, and I never stand on ceremony.It is a pleasure to meet you, Joey.You are indeed a young man, as I said a moment ago in my native tongue."
As Guarin and Joey exchange pleasantries, I can't help but notice the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere.The MacLeod chieftain's piercing gaze flits between us, his brow furrowed in what I can only assume is suspicion or curiosity.I silently thank the heavens for Guarin's timely arrival, providing a much-needed buffer against the mounting tension.
"Monsieur Abadie," the MacLeod chieftain's gruff voice cuts through the chatter."I wasn't aware the MacTaggarts were expecting French visitors.What brings you to our wild Highlands?"
Guarin turns to face the chieftain, his easy smile never faltering."Ah,mon ami, I am here on matters of commerce and friendship.The MacTaggarts and I have long been allies."
I watch as Guarin works his charm on everyone in the room, defusing the tension with his easy manner and lilting accent.Even the MacLeod chieftain seems momentarily disarmed by Guarin's infectious humor.
Eventually, Guarin reveals his true motive for this visit."I wouldn't dream of coming to the grand castle of Dùndubhan empty-handed."He slaps my father's arm and grins."In fact, I've brought a special vintage from the vineyards of Bordeaux that I believe everyone will find quite intriguing.Naturally, I have brought a dozen bottles, enough for all to taste."
Our moment of respite is short-lived, however, as Alisdair barges through the crowd to install himself at my side.Joey takes umbrage at Alisdair's hubris, and I sense trouble coming.
The increasing tension of this situation has me biting my lip.
Alisdair's hand settles on my shoulder, heavy and possessive."Rachel, my father wishes to discuss the arrangements for our wedding."
Joey sidles closer to me, his shoulder pressing against mine in a protective stance."Funny, I don't recall Rachel agreeing to any wedding."
Alisdair's feral smile gives me a shiver."This is clan business, Sassenach.It doesn't concern you."
Joey pulls his arm back and punches Alisdair squarely in the face.While my would-be suitor bleeds from the nose and stumbles backward a step, Joey slams his knee into Alisdair's groin, making thecacanshout and stagger backward even further.He bumps into a small table and loses his balance, plummeting to the floor.
Chieftain MacLeod stomps up to Joey, jabbing an accusing finger at him.Spittle sprays from his lips as declares, "Ye'll pay for what ye did to my son, ye English bastard!"
Father and Guarin come up beside me and Joey.But the Laird of Dùndubhan takes the lead.He stabs a finger at the MacLeod chieftain."You came to our home to stabilize our alliance.But instead, ye've used this day as an opportunity to insult and harass us."Father thrusts an arm out, pointing one finger."Get out of my house, MacLeod.Do it now, or we will do it for you."
