Page 15 of Highland Renegade
One delicate brow arched. “I believe that I asked for a tour of the lands. Since I am already dressed for riding, I will accompany you.”
That was the last thing he needed. His plan had been to ride to all the crofters he’d contacted yesterday and revise the version of the story he’d given them. News from the castle spread more quickly than the River Awe overflowing its banks after a hard rain. Andthisnews was tantamount to Loch Awe itself rising.
“I really have business to attend to today,” he said. “Ye can plan on tomorrow, though.”
She stepped inside. “As I said, I am dressed for riding.”
Now that she was out of the sunlight, he could see that she was in a riding habit of dark-blue velvet with a long, divided skirt, a short, fitted jacket with braid, and a white shirt with high-necked ruffles. Her hair was secured in a tight bun at her nape and in her hand, she held a bonnet with enough ribbon to wrap around a sheep. She looked every inch an English countess…and completely, totally, inappropriately dressed to go visiting crofters.
If he wanted his clansmen to instantly dislike her, he should take her up on her offer. MacGregors, even more so than most Scots, had no tolerance for English aristocracy. Seeing her in her finery would make the women who toiled alongside their husbands equally shun her. His mission would be half accomplished if he took her with him dressed as she was. He sighed.
“Ye canna go dressed like that.”
A slight frown creased her forehead as she looked down. “Why not? It is what I wore in London.”
“Aye. Which makes it wrong for here.”
She contemplated him for a moment. “Do your people hate the English that much?”
He shrugged, for some reason not wanting to be too blunt. “Ye canna blame them.”
“Well, I will have to change their minds then.”
He nearly laughed at the idea but managed to quell the thought. “Ye will nae be changing any minds dressed fancy like that.”
“Fine.” She folded her arms. “Then what do you suggest I wear?”
“Breeches.” The word was scarcely out of his mouth when a vision filled his mind of how she would look in them. “With a long tunic and coat.”
Both brows went up this time. “Your women wear men’s breeches?”
“Ye are in the Highlands, lass. ’Tis practical clothing.”
“And where would I find something like that?”
“Fiona can find something that will fit.” The image in his brain sharpened at thinking how well breeches would fit. He refocused. “I doona think she is awake yet, though.” His sister was an early riser, but, since she and Emily were in different parts of the castle, she probably didn’t know.
“She is not only awake, but up and about. I saw her as I was coming out here.”
So much for that hope. He smiled wanly. “It will take her a bit to find something and have it altered for ye.”
“Nonsense.” Emily gave him an angelic smile. “She and I are about the same size. It should not take me more than ten minutes to get changed.” She turned toward the door. “Meanwhile, would you have a horse saddled? I am an experienced rider, so I prefer a mount with a bit of spirit.”
If she rode like she drank whisky… He put that thought out of his mind. “I will think on that.”
“All right. Ten minutes then.”
Ian watched as she hurried across the bailey and then he led Paden to the back door of the stable. In another moment, he was mounted and galloping away.
He would face Lady Woodhaven’s wrath tomorrow. For today, he needed to still the waters that would be churning among his people.
…
Unfortunately, when Emily returned to the house, it took her several minutes to locate Fiona who, she soon found out from a maid, liked to go up on the battlements to watch the sun rise.
The staircases leading up to them were located in the side towers of the old part of the castle. As she passed the Great Hall, she saw Ian’s brothers inside. Not having time to stop and speak, even though it was quite rude, she hurried past as they neared the door. She felt eyes penetrating her back, but she didn’t turn around.
Once inside the tower, the stairs spiraled upward, much like the staircase to her bedchamber, but these were more uneven. Luckily, they were built against the right wall although there was no railing. This, too, was a form of defense when the medieval castle had actually been used as such. An enemy trying to make his way up the stairs would not have his sword arm free to attack while defenders coming down from the battlements would be able to wield their swords easily. She wondered what other protections were in place. When she had time, she was going to fully explore. For now, though, she needed to find Fiona.
