“I will not tolerate anyone manhandling my sister,” Ranald warned. “Especially you.”
“Be you Ranald?” The MacKenzie asked, boldly ignoring Ranald’s ire. At her brother’s curt nod, he continued, “The kinsmen you seek are in the woods beyond my standard-bearers. They’ve been assured any further raids onto my land will be punished with a worse fate than being held hostage. The cattle your sire awaits are in your men’s care. I have kept my word. We shall leave you here.”
Ranald MacDonnell bristled visibly. “We mean to see our sister safely to Eilean Creag Castle.”
“Think you I canna protect her on the journey to my own keep?”
“What you propose is an insult to my sister,” Jamie protested. “We meant to stay a few nights to discuss the wedding preparations. Our father expects tidings upon our return.”
Duncan adjusted his hold, pulling Linnet backward against his chest. “Inform your sire all has been arranged, the banns read. We shall wed the morn after we reach Eilean Creag. ’Tis no need for Magnus MacDonnell to bother himself with the journey.”
“Surely you jest!” Jamie’s face colored. “Linnet canna marry without her kinsmen present. ’Twillna—”
“’Twould be wise to remember I do not jest.” Duncan turned back to Linnet’s elder brother, tossing him her pony’s reins. “See to your sister’s mount and be gone from my land.”
Ranald caught the reins with one hand, his other going to the hilt of his sword. “I dinna ken who be more the bastard, you or my father. Dismount and unsheathe your blade. I canna—”
“Humor an old woman and cease bickering, all of you!” Her gray hair badly disheveled from the journey, and her plump cheeks red with exertion, Elspeth Beaton spurred her pony through the circle of men. With a shrewd gaze, she turned first to the MacKenzie guardsmen, then to the MacDonnell brothers. “Unhand your blade, Ranald. ’Tis no secret your sister would enjoy her wedding more without the likes o’ her father present. ’Twould be foolish to shed blood over what we all know to be better for the lass.”
She waited until Ranald let go of his sword, then stared straight at Duncan. “Will you not allow the lass to have her brothers present at her wedding?”
“And who are you?”
“Elspeth Beaton. I’ve cared for Linnet since her mother died birthing her, and I dinna mean to stop now.” Her voice held the confidence and authority of a well-loved and devoted servant. “Your broad shoulders speak o’ hard training, milord, but I am not a-feared of you. I willna allow anyone to mistreat my lady, not even you.”
Turning to gaze up at him, Linnet saw a corner of her betrothed’s lips rise at Elspeth’s words. But the faint smile vanished in a heartbeat, quickly replaced by… nothing.