Page 89 of Highland Renegade
“Something I have tried to discourage,” Ian replied.
Broderick studied him for a moment. “Women doona always ken what’s best for them, do they? They doona listen—”
“Glenda might be willful, but to attempt murder?” Ian frowned. “I canna believe she would do such a thing.”
“I canna, either,” Fiona said.
“Even if Glenda did such a foolish thing, she willna have the chance to do it again,” Carr said. “She kens we all eat off the same platters and drink from the same flagons as she does.”
“So she tries something else then.”
“Ye think she had something to do with what just happened?” Carr asked. “I doona think Glenda even kens how to saddle a horse. She doesna like them.”
“I agree,” Fiona said. “We should just be thankful Devon found Emily when he did.”
“Aye. ’Tis.” Ian turned his attention to his brother and took care to keep his tone casual. “How did ye happen to be on that road?”
Devon stared at him, his eyes growing dark. “Are ye accusing me of something?”
“Nae.” Ian closed his eyes briefly, wishing his brother wasn’t so quick to anger. “I am just asking a question.”
A muscle twitched in Devon’s jaw. “Since we couldna work in the bog any longer, I decided to ride over to the distillery.”
“Why?” Broderick asked.
“To check with ye on the barley.” He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Mayhap I thought to make amends with Lady Woodhaven and escort her home if she were still there.”
Complete silence met that remark. Devon looked around, his eyes narrowing as he shoved back his chair so hard it fell over. “But why should any of ye believe me? Ye probably think I did something to the saddle and wanted to make sure my plan had worked.”
“Devon…” Fiona started to say, but it was no use.
Their brother had already left, slamming the door behind him.
…
Emily looked up at the sound of a rap on her door, but before she could call to enter, it opened and Ian poked his head around.
“Are ye feeling well enough for a visit?”
“Of course!” Emily pushed herself a little higher against the headboard. “It seems I find myself near helpless once again.”
“Not helpless. More like a victim.”
“Again,” she said softly.
“Aye.” He turned to Gwendolyn. “Ye may go. I will make sure the lady stays awake.”
Emily wasn’t sure, but she thought there might be a glint of mirth in the healer’s eyes.
She nodded as she gathered her basket and shawl. “’Tis nae else to be done other than she needs rest.”
The last was said in a more authoritative tone, as if she were warning him. He grinned at her. “Ye have my word.”
Emily didn’t know exactly what he meant by that, either, but in another moment the door closed and they were alone in her bedchamber. It suddenly seemed much smaller with his presence. He sat down on the edge of the bed, not touching her, but the room also became instantly warmer. Much warmer.
“Did someone sabotage the saddle?” she asked bluntly. It was something she had to know.
“I canna say. The girth was frayed, nae cut.”
