Page 65 of Captured By the Cruel Highlander
“When did ye become the expert on takin’ a wife? It isnae as though ye have any prospects on that score, is it?”
Doughall’s stoic mask fell back into place. “I am with ye. I will stay with ye. But dinnae underestimate what the lass is givin’ up for ye.”
He clicked his tongue, and both horses walked on again.
Lost in contemplation of what his friend had said, Adam couldn’t help feeling angry with him. He had never lied to Emily; he had always told her exactly what he wanted from her, and she knew the risks.
What does he mean by ‘the way she looked at me’?
His mind dragged him back to the hunting lodge the morning before. Her face had contorted with rage when he had dismissed their time together.
He clenched his jaw, picking up Buck’s reins and kicking his flanks to urge him into a canter. Doughall sped up beside him, but Adam was in no mood to spend more time conversing with his friend. Doughall’s remarks had thrown him off, and he didn’t like the doubts that had started to creep into his mind.
Am I mistaken? Does this mean more to her than I thought?
23
Emily liked Lucas immensely.
They had ridden out together toward the village just after noon.
As they departed, Emily had noticed Lady MacNiall watching them from one of the windows, and a tremor of uncertainty had passed through her at her look.
Should I be interferin’ with this? It isnae me place to be speakin’ to clansfolk. I am nae their Lady yet.
But even as she acknowledged that thought, she knew she was still going to the village.
There were benefits to her taking the time to hear their problems in person. She knew as well as anyone how important it was for her people to feel heard. She might not be part of Clan MacNiall,but attitudes did not change no matter where people hailed from.
Lucas chatted amiably for much of the journey, informing her of what had taken place originally.
“The Youngs were part of Clan MacPherson, but they had always been unhappy with their position in it. They live on the border. Some of the MacPherson soldiers got drunk one night and broke into some of the cottages. Robin Young, the father, beat them back. Ever since then, he was seen as a traitor, even though his own clan’s soldiers had tried to hurt his wife and daughters.”
Lucas sighed as the village came into view ahead of them. “He approached the late Laird MacNiall, wishing to join our clan. The late Laird agreed, but there has been a lot of trouble since.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Och, Clan MacPherson isnae far enough from their cottages to prevent them from trying to punish them for defecting. They see the whole family as traitors and have ransacked their home more than once. Mrs. Young has a large vegetable garden, and it has been raided many times, leaving the family without food. They have requested to be moved closer to the castle, but there is nay accommodation available.”
“None at all?” Emily asked.
“So Barclay says,” Lucas replied and glanced at her uncertainly.
“Just tell me the facts,” she said carefully.
“There are some smaller cottages on the east side of the town. They are high up and so have fallen into disrepair.”
“And ye say the Youngs are farmers?”
“Sheep farmers.”
“Could the cottages be repaired and the hillside be used for the sheep to graze on?”
Lucas paused, mulling over the idea for a few moments. “Perhaps, but there would still be the question of whether the family would be welcomed into the new village. Many dinnae trust them. The MacPherson clansfolk havenae been friendly with us. It is an uneasy peace.”
Emily considered her options.
There were always reasons behind animosity between people. Sometimes, certain families quarreled because of old scores. Sometimes, any excuse lit the spark that started a fight.
