Page 46 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
Sloan said, “Truly, you need to ask me that, Da?”
The old man nodded, his shoulders slumping. “Her reputation. Wise. You’re smarter than I give you credit for sometimes, Sloan. I’d like to see the bastard’s face… Oh … sorry, my ladies.”
“Don’t be. He was a bastard to dare touch my daughter,” Rut said. “He’ll get his due before we’re done.”
“Rut, forgive me. I’m sure it wasn’t easy seeing your daughter attacked. But you know I think they’d suit.”
“That’s our decision, Da, not yours,” Sloan said. “Eva’s and mine.”
The old man sighed and moved over to the door. “Forgive me, MacVey. I’ll take my leave now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Sloan
Sloan escorted his sire out to where Ingelram waited. “He’s ready to go home. I’m going on to Clan Grantham.”
“Mayhap I should go with you,” his sire said, looking at him with hope in his eyes.
“Da, it’s nearly dark. You won’t be awake for but another hour. Go eat your evening meal. You look tired. It’s been a long day.”
“You staying more than an hour?”
“Aye, Da. And it’s an hour away from MacVey’s, so I have a bit to travel home too. I may stay at MacVey’s if it’s late.”
“I’ll see you on the morrow, son.”
Hell, his father never called him by that name.
Once they left, two more guards going with them, Sloan headed back inside to speak with Lennox.
And to say goodbye to Eva and give her the gift he brought. He’d set it aside somewhere in the hall. He had to admit his heart had sped up when she’d launched herself at him. Damn, but she fit his arms perfectly. How he wished she would reconsider his proposal. He had to settle for small pleasures, having her softness and her sweet scent in his arms if only for a short time. He’d savor that memory for a while.
He stepped inside and strode straight for Rut. “Lady MacVey, my sincerest apologies to you and Eva for my sire’s rudeness.”
Rut waved a hand at him. “Your father misses Ailis. Your mother was the sweetest woman I ever had the pleasure of knowing, so I understand. Forget it, Sloan. But let me take the opportunity to thank you for helping my daughter.”
“It was my honor.” He gave her a short bow. “My father sorely misses your husband too. They were fast friends.”
“They were,” she said, her eyes misting briefly. “I miss him too.”
Lennox and Meg came down the stairs, dressed for the festivities if Sloan were to guess. Lennox said, “Heading to Grantham land?”
“Aye. I was hoping to go. I sent my old man off with Ingelram and he went willingly. My apologies to you too, Lennox. Meg, you look lovely, as always.”
Meg blushed, whispering, “My thanks.” He could tell she was not accustomed to compliments.
Lennox said, “I think Eva is considering going with us. She’s readying herself and should be down shortly.”
Sloan forced himself not to get excited over that possibility. A moment later, her door opened, and she descended the stairs, wearing the leggings and tunic that were probably a gift from Dyna or Eli. And she wore them well.
“You aren’t going?” Lennox asked her. “I’d hoped you’d come along. Get out of the keep.”
“I am, but I feel the need to be completely covered. Dyna won’t mind.”
Rut said, “Nay, she won’t. And I don’t either. You are prepared to ride your own horse, lass?”
Eva blushed, something Sloan rarely saw. “Nay, I was hoping I could ride with you, Sloan. Are you going? Would you allow it? I’m afraid …”
