Page 32 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
Taskill thought for a moment. The day was beautiful, nice and crisp, yet too early for snow. In the summer, they swam at the guard festivities, but this time it was all about food.
“There’s brew for the biggest fish.”
Lennox chuckled. “Now you’ve tempted him. He thinks he has the best lure of any fisherman.”
“I do,” Taskill said with a sneer. “Don’t believe me? Then you’ll see.” Still hesitant, he knew what was not far from there.
As if reading his mind, Lennox said, “Sheona will not be around, and Dermot won’t bother you.”
“You don’t know that.”
Jasper glanced over at Lennox, who gave him a subtle nod.
“What?”
Jasper swung his weapon over his shoulder before he resheathed it. “They’re not there.”
Shocked by this, he didn’t even try to hide his surprise. “What is going on?”
Lennox sighed. “Ingelram told us that Dermot got up and took Sheona to the Iona nunnery early this morn.”
“Nunnery? Sheona? She doesn’t belong in a nunnery.” Nothing could have shocked him more. Sheona was too vibrant, too full of life, too much fun to be a nun. All those times they raced in the water, skiffed about in boats, laughed under the waterfalls. She was as much a nun as he was a priest.
“You don’t know that,” Lennox said. “Mayhap she’s changed her mind.”
“Nay, sitting in prayer all day long? Sheona? Absolutely not.”
Jasper said, “That’s not what they do all day. The ones on Iona work with bairns.”
“But only with other women,” Taskill said, his hands fisting at his sides. “What the hell is wrong with Dermot? I’m going after her.”
“Nay, you are not,” Lennox said, grabbing his arm. “Let it go for now. If it’s not for her, she’ll tell her father that and she’ll return. If you wish to see her, you’ll have to wait. This could be good for Sheona. Miles said Dermot wished to show her what her life would be like as a nun. He’s hoping it will force her into marriage.”
“Shite!” Taskill blurted without thinking. Both men stared at him.
Lennox crossed his arms and tapped his foot. “You’re cursing over Sheona. What does that mean?”
“That he’s probably trying to force her into marrying me. That’s not what I want either.”
Lennox blew out a breath through pursed lips. “Do you even know what the hell you want? You confuse me, Taskill. Make up your mind. Do you want Sheona or not?”
Taskill ran his hand down his face and paced a large circle. He honestly wasn’t sure how to answer his brother. He didn’t wish to marry Sheona or anyone, but he also didn’t want to see Sheona married to anyone else.
That confused him. The thought of Sheona with another man caused his fists to clench. What the hell was wrong with him?
Lennox said, “You’re going to fish. Neither one is on Rankin land, and the place they fish is far enough away that you’ll notknow when they return. Go and get in your cups for a change. Forget about Dermot and have a good time. Catch some fish. Bring me a few good ones for a fine fish stew. Catch a few cod.”
“I’ll bring pollack and mayhap a few mackerel.”
“Then go to the loch and catch a few trout. They make the best stew.”
Taskill finally nodded. “I’ll go. I need some brew. You’re right. How many others will be there, Jasper?”
“Homer is going with me. Clyde and Miles will be there. Brian MacQuarie is coming, and he’ll probably bring a few along. Does it matter?”
“Nay. I’ll be right back.” Taskill headed into the hall, hoping to slip past his mother so he could change into his favorite pair of trews for fishing. The bugs were bad by the water, so he preferred to keep his skin covered. He stepped inside and scanned the area, not seeing her, but she heard him.
“Taskill, where are you going?”
