Page 83 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
At one point, Taskill had said, “Sheona, you’ve not been away from home much, have you?”
“Nay. Not since I was young.”
“They stare because you are beautiful, but I think it surprises you. Does it?”
She nodded, but waved her hand, not wishing to continue the discussion. “I don’t like it.”
“I don’t either, but it’s best that you stay close. I won’t let anyone touch you.”
“My thanks to you. My apologies if I’ve caused any problems, but I wish to see that my sire is hale. Why do you think he and Rut travel together?” She’d had thoughts but dismissed each one as ridiculous.
Taskill gave a small shrug. “I’ll tell you what Meg suggested, though Lennox and I dismissed it. That Dermot and Rut hadsome intimate moments when they were arguing. She claims they are attracted to each other. She suggested there was some tension between them that wasn’t true anger, if you understand my meaning. I didn’t like it, and Lennox laughed at Meg, but now I wonder. What say you?”
“Romantically? That kind of interest?” She couldn’t have been more stunned.
“Aye.”
“Nay.” She shook her head without thinking.
“Aye, I think Meg might be right.”
“Da still thinks of Mama all the time. He’s always mentioning her.”
“Because he misses her. Misses the companionship. As Meg reminded Lennox, just because they are old doesn’t mean they don’t have needs.”
Sheona recoiled at the thought. Her father and Rut? Not that they didn’t suit—they did. But thinking of them committing the act was … well … something she didn’t wish to think on.
They arrived at the castle just after dark. Sheona was exhausted but pleased to be there finally. She had only the clothing on her back, which embarrassed her, but they’d been shipwrecked, so what options did she have?
Neil MacLean greeted them, and Taskill gave him a letter penned by Tristan. Once they were seated in front of the hearth with a goblet of mead, the hall mostly empty, Neil read the note and said, “I’m sorry to hear of your troubles. I will find Alma, and she’ll settle you each in a chamber. On the morrow, I will help you with whatever you need. And you may find some clothing in the chest in your chambers. You’re welcome to use whatever fits your needs. I understand you’ve been traveling as a married couple, which I think was a wise choice, but I will give you your own chambers.” He nodded and took his leave.
Sheona’s gaze scanned the beautiful great hall, now empty except for the two of them. “I’m tired. I’ll look for Da on the morrow, Taskill. I’m too exhausted to look for them now.”
“Agreed. They are adults. We’ll search later.”
Alma came in shortly thereafter, introduced herself, then led them to two chambers above stairs that were across the hall from one another.
Sheona was more than grateful for the warm welcome. “Many thanks to you, my lady. These accommodations are lovely.”
“I’ll send a tub up on the morrow for you. There’s a basin with linens to refresh yourself this eve. You’ll find a night rail in the chest. I hear you’ve been through much, so fear not. Have a restful night. Is there anything else I can do to assist you?”
Sheona shook her head. “Nay, this is lovely, and I’m exhausted.”
“I have a goblet of broth next to the fire along with some bread for you. If you need anything else, just go to the kitchens. Someone is always there. Until the morrow.” And Alma left.
Sheona fell into the chair, taking swigs of the warm broth, enjoying the way it heated her insides. She got up to wash her hands and face but froze in the middle of her ablutions. She heard laughter coming from down the passageway.
Doing her best to ignore it, she found a night rail and changed into it, but the laughter continued, and it began to sound familiar.
What. The. Hell?
It sounded exactly like her father and Rut.
She opened the door and peered down the passageway, seeing no one, but then Taskill’s door opened.
“You heard it too?” Taskill whispered.
She nodded and pointed down the corridor. She tiptoed out, still in woolen socks, and headed toward the laughter, frowning as the sounds continued.
