Page 35 of Highland Sword
“Dozens?” he scoffed. “How many times?”
“I have no real need for protection from the folk at Dalmigavie Castle.”
“I was just wondering if you could actually use your sgian dubh to stab someone.”
“You came quite close to becoming the most recent ofmy many victims. You must have known I’d use it on you. Were you afraid?”
Their horses came close together, and her knee bumped again his.
The charming smile was back on his lips. “Afraid? Of you?”
Afraid.Her feelings for Aidan Grant were beginning to confuse her. She wanted some distance from him, but at the same time she enjoyed having him near. She was attracted and yet still afraid. Not afraid. Cautious.
“That would be wise, I think.”
They rode along in silence for a while. Up ahead, one of the carters began to sing a Highland song, and others joined in on the chorus. These men had a shared past. They were together through troubles and celebrations. Clan folk were family. She’d never known such camaraderie before arriving at Dalmigavie.
“Do you know any Gaelic?” Aidan asked when the song finished.
“None. I know some German, but that’s all.”
“Have you any knowledge of French?”
She shook her head. “Why do you ask?”
“Searc told me you’re visiting a Catholic house outside of Inverness. I heard a number of French nuns live there. A wee bit of their language might come in handy.”
Morrigan wasn’t surprised that Searc would tell him where she was going. “And I hear you’re going to the jail to visit the Chattan brothers.”
“You heard correctly.” He paused a moment before continuing. “The jail is by the old bridge, not too far from your destination.”
Apparently, he intended to keep her company right into Inverness.
“I’m going with you to Barn Hill.”
She looked askance at him. “No. What for?”
“Our intrepid leader up there told me to accompany you.”
Morrigan glared toward the head of the line, where she could see Searc’s tall hat bobbing along.
“So, you’re now in Searc’s employ?”
“In a manner of speaking. He’s the one who engaged me—through the Chattans’ solicitor—to represent the brothers in court. Also, he’s been using me and Sebastian as legal advisors, of sorts. So, I suppose I am.”
There was no point in asking what kind of advice Searc might need. Morrigan knew he was involved in a multitude of ventures that straddled the legal line. “Thankfully, Mr. Grant, I have no need of your company or the skills of your profession.”
“I have no doubt of it. However, our host told me to go to ensure that you continue to have no need of my services. I believe he considers it preventive.”
Convincing Searc and Isabella to allow her to come today had gone more easily than she expected. Morrigan should have guessed the two of them would hatch a plan to keep an eye on her.
“I am speaking to a few nuns. A simple interview. I cannot see why I need your assistance. What kind of trouble could I possibly get into, going there alone?”
“I suspect you’ll have no trouble at all. Unfortunately Searc thinks differently.” He lowered his voice, speaking confidentially. “He also told me about the caricatures and about your quite astute observations. I believe he was impressed, and I don’t think that is easily accomplished.”
“I didn’t come to any conclusions by myself. I had help.”
“By the choice of the books you were selecting off the shelves, I should have guessed.”
