Page 20 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
“At the battle. There were so many Grants there that I was fascinated. And it’s easy to see who goes together. All the blonds go with Dyna, Connor, and Sela. And the handsomest ones go with Alaric. And then Broc’s family has the reddish coloring from their father. And Alasdair. It’s too bad he didn’t have any brothers. He looks just like Connor, who looks just like his father, so they say. And John looks exactly like Alasdair, so they call him a miniature Alex Grant. Long dark hair and fierce looking. With his blue sword, he was unbelievable for his age. I’d not fight him. And the Ramsays? They say Errol is just like his grandfather Logan.”
That made Rut smile. “Oh, we have to introduce him to Sheona. Dermot and Logan. I would enjoy watching those two together.”
Taskill asked Meg, “Has Lennox heard you talk like this about all these men?”
The door opened, and Lennox came in. “Aye, he just did. I’m not worried about my wife. She’s only trying to help you, Taskill. So, you have a few to pick from. Brian, Tristan, Jowell, Hagen, Paden, Hawk, Merek, Errol. But when do you plan to do this?”
Rut said, “At the Grantham festival this eve. It’s supposed to be a large one. They may not all be there, but we’ll have some to speak with.”
Lennox kissed Meg’s cheek and said, “Add two more. Angus MacKinnis’s two lads—Emrys and Madoc. His wife is from Wales.”
“Are you going, Lennox?” Taskill asked.
His brother snorted, something he didn’t do often. “Of course we’re going. I wouldn’t miss the food. With all those archers, there will be so much pheasant that I’ll surely get my fill. And I heard they now have sheep and a few cows too.”
Meg giggled. “I love Grantham festivals. You’ll see, Taskill. We’ll find someone for Sheona. It will be delightful!”
Taskill didn’t say what he thought.
If Dermot Rankin showed up, it was destined to be more like a disaster.
Chapter Seven
Sheona
Sheona’s palms sweat more than they ever had before, but for good reason. Her father had warned her that if she couldn’t find an acceptable man to marry this eve that he would be taking her to the Iona nunnery soon.
She did not wish to go to a nunnery.
The group arrived outside the gates of Duart Castle late in the afternoon. Sloan rode with Eva, while Sheona rode next to her father, the familiar guard Clyde with two others behind them for safety reasons. Sloan had brought Ingelram along to keep an eye on their father and his wanderings. She’d overheard Sloan tell Ingelram that if his father became unruly or belligerent that he was to get Sloan immediately and he’d send Dermot home. Sheona prayed her father would keep quiet.
By the looks of the paths coming to the castle, it would be a large festival. Most festivals started when the sun was still up, but there was no promise as to when the festivities would end. There was a line of horses ahead of them. The ones closest were the MacQuaries; Thane and Tamsin, Brian, and Mora, with two guards. Simone and Artan were ahead of them. And Tristan MacClane approached on the opposite path from the far coast with two men, probably guards who worked for him.
Mora looked back over her shoulder. “Greetings to you, Rankins. Eva, you look so happy. Married life suits you. And Sheona, how is the new bairn of Marta’s? And what did she name the wee lassie? Does she sleep at night yet?”
As usual, Sheona knew enough to wait until Mora finished asking all her questions before she answered. It suited her fine because then she could choose which question and conversation to have. “She named her Margret Ailis.”
“After your mother? Is that not the sweetest ever? I cannot wait to meet the lass. Brian, will you take me to Rankin land so we can pay our respects to the lass soon? I’ll make her something new to wear.”
Dermot ignored Mora and shouted, “Brian, are you betrothed yet?”
Brian swung his head around to face Dermot, a slight scowl on his face. “Nay, I’m not. Have you a suggestion? Is there a reason you ask?”
Sheona blushed the shade of the darkest apple in autumn. “Da, please.”
“Sheona isn’t betrothed yet either. Mayhap you should have a chat with her tonight.”
Brian nearly smirked when he looked at Sheona, but she mouthed the word, “Sorry.”
“I’ll make sure to come and find Sheona later, Chief.” Then he smiled and urged his mount forward since the line had moved along.
That gave Sheona time to turn around and glare at her sire. “Da, could you please not be so obvious? Don’t ask them. I’ll make a point of talking to them this eve. And promise me you won’t follow me around. Sloan, may I please walk around on my own? Or with Mora?”
“Aye, I trust you inside the castle walls, Sheona. Not outside,” he said with a smile. “Please enjoy yourself.”
“I will. My thanks to you.”
“But in order for the lass to do that, Da, you have to leave her be. You’ll not be bothering Sheona this eve. We’ll chat on the morrow,” Sloan said.
