Page 22 of Highland Renegade
“We didna.” Devon glared at her. “Robert the Bruce shouldna have given MacGregor lands to Campbells.”
“But if it was done legally—”
“Ye are in the Highlands, lass,” Rory said. “The lands we lost had been ours for centuries.”
“And England was once under Roman rule,” Juliana retorted. “Thank goodness we do not speak Latin!”
Rory leaned back and crossed his arms. “’Twould be better for me if ye did, so I would nae understand it.”
Juliana narrowed her eyes. “Are you telling me to be quiet?”
“I think that would be an excellent idea.” Emily gave her sister a warning look. “We are guests here.”
“Guests?” Juliana gave her sister an irritated look. “Everyone at this table knows that you hold the deed to this property. Why not just be honest about it?”
The remark was met with total silence…the kind of silence that preceded a battle charge. Before a verbal attack could ensue, servants came to the rescue, albeit unknowingly, by bringing in platters of food. Fiona followed them in.
Ian hoped no one would start throwing the victuals, for there certainly wasn’t peace at this round table.
…
Emily could have throttled her sister. And she might try if they survived the frigid blast of coldness that suddenly surrounded them. Every man sat motionless, as though they were ice carvings.
Fiona looked around as she took her seat. “What is going on?” When no one answered, she gave each of her brothers a thoughtful look, but waited for the servants to leave. “What did I miss?”
“We’ve just been put in our place by the very privilegedLadyCaldwell,” Rory said.
“Which one—”
“Need ye ask?” Rory reached for his ale. “The one with the viper tongue.”
Juliana narrowed her eyes. “Now you are calling me a snake?”
“Enough.” Ian spoke the same time as Emily did, his baritone harmonizing with her alto to blend into one sound. She gave herself an inward shake. This was not the time to be thinking of making music.
“I know that our arriving as we did has been dismaying,” Emily said. “I apologize for my sister—”
“You do not have to apologize for me,” Juliana interrupted. For a moment, Emily was afraid she was going to launch another tirade, but instead, she took a deep breath. “I spoke hastily when I should not have.”
Rory raised a brow. “Is that an apology, lass?”
“It is enough of one.” Ian looked expectantly at his brother. “Do ye think another might be in order?”
Rory held his gaze, then finally turned toward Juliana. “I should nae have compared ye to a snake.”
“And isthatan—”
“Yes, it is, Juliana,” Emily finished for her. “And I really think we are not doing justice to the food if we let it get cold.”
“I agree,” Ian said. “We can discuss what measures will be taken regarding the deed tomorrow.”
Carr nodded. “’Tis nae like the ladies are going anywhere.”
Emily noticed Donovan and Broderick exchange a look. Hoping to mollify them and offer words of encouragement, she spoke. “I saw so many possibilities this afternoon at the distillery. I am quite sure, with your help, we can turn a very nice profit.”
“We shall see,” Donovan said.
“’Tis a lot ye doona ken about the process, though,” Broderick added.
